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The Redditch Standard Archives – 22 July 2015

Eternal meets X-Factor in Redditch panto production - 2015

A FANTASTIC panto is in store at the Palace Theatre this Christmas with some big stars
heading to Redditch.
Topping the bill in Jack and the Beanstalk is Vernie Bennett, singer with pop sensation
Eternal, who plays the Spirit of the Beans, and Lloyd Daniels, once of the X-Factor and now
an established star in the West End.
It’s the first time either of them have been in Redditch and both said they can’t wait for the
show’s four week run.
“I’d never been to Redditch before but I’ve got family in Birmingham and Walsall and they’ll
all be coming down to the Palace to see the show,” said Vernie, who was recently in Mr &
Mrs.
Lloyd added: “It’s a really nice town, and lively too, so I’m really looking forward to
appearing at the Palace.”
He’s just finished starring in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and will soon
be appearing in a month-long run of You Won’t Succeed in Broadway at the St James’s
Theatre, London. He too can’t wait to be in the panto.
“It’s going to be a fun-filled, magical show for all the family,” he said.
For Vernie it will be her first panto appearance but she’s already confident that, having
appeared in a band that sold more than 10 million records worldwide and having played in
front of thousands of adoring fans, that the Palace will hold no terrors for her.
“I’ve been performing most of my life and once I get on stage I know that this is where I’m
meant to be,” she said.
“And it’s going to be a great show- it’s a story that everybody knows but with modern songs
and a modern twist.
“Every year I take my children to see a panto and this year they’ll be coming to see me! I
can’t wait,” she added.

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