Rover Returns To Pay

If you grew up watching Play School, the name Derek Griffiths is certain to bring a smile to your face – and this month he will be entertaining a new generation of fans in pantomime at Norwich Theatre Royal

WHENEVER you switched on kid’s television during the 1970s, the mischievous, brilliantly comic presenter and actor Derek Griffiths was there.

From Play School and Play Away to Super Ted, and countless other shows in between, his music, songs, stories and sense of fun brought joy to countless children.

But while for one generation, he will forever be a magical part of their childhood, his 40 year career spans an extraordinary body of work from acclaimed, moving performances on the stage, a two year spell with the Royal Shakespeare Company and numerous West End hits to sitcoms, musicals, a string of roles in popular television dramas – and the occasional return to children’s television. And of course, until recently, he was propping up the bar in the Rover’s Return during a year long stint in Coronation Street.

This month, he returns to Norwich to star in the pantomime Sleeping Beauty, playing Chortwood, a butler with special powers, and after the response to his last appearance 12 years ago, he is sure to be a big hit.

“I have worked with Richard Gauntlett on Beauty and the Beast in the West End and I love the way writes for people so I was so thrilled to come back to do his pantomime. But also, I just love Norfolk. I used to come here as a child for holidays and remember them so fondly. We would go to Mundesley and Sea Palling so I know the area quite well.