Dani Harmer to appear in a new production of Twelfth Night

Some actors just can’t get rid of that one role that’s defined them. For many of the actors who have played James Bond, it’s been the role of 007; the Harry Potter cast too are inextricably associated with their early roles. For Dani Harmer, that role has been Tracy Beaker, one which she has played on and off since her early teens.

RELATED: Celebrities of the moment – 2016

Firstly, she personated Tracy Beaker – a character from Jacqueline Wilson’s book The Story of Tracy Beaker – when she was just thirteen. She reappeared in Tracy Beaker Returns and The Tracy Beaker Survival Files several times, as well as performing in a children’s sitcom called Dani’s House.

Since then she’s taken a break from regular acting, giving birth to her first daughter and occasionally starring in pantomimes. She appeared on the tenth series of Strictly Come Dancing, on which she reached the grand final with partner Vincent Simone, before achieving fourth place overall.

RELATED: Clara Amfo on Christmas TOTP

Her career has, though, been defined by her CBBC roles – until now, that is. The actress recently revealed that she would be appearing in a new production of Twelfth Night at the Barnfield Theatre in Exeter. She’s eager to bring to life Shakespeare’s scenes.

She said: “We really want to make people fall in love with the play. It’s all about love and second chances, although it’s hundreds of years old, it feels like a totally modern story.”

RELATED: Celebrity speaker in focus: Richard Bacon

Dani will be accompanied on stage by Graham Seed – known to many as Nigel, from Radio 4 drama serial The Archers. He’s no stranger to Shakespeare, but is excited to take on the role of Orsino: “Although people may be familiar with my voice, this is a great opportunity to present more physical comedy as Shakespeare’s notoriously vain buffoon,” he said. “There will even be some slapstick- but I don’t have to fall off a roof in this show.”

The play is directed by Ian Berry, who added: “Sometimes people are worried they won’t understand Shakespeare and that it’s all too deep, but our principle aim is to show what an amazing experience live theatre can be- after all that’s why everyone in the cast fell in love with it.”

It’s certainly a departure from the roles that Dani has played in the past, but we’re confident this new chapter in her acting career is just the beginning. Who knows where we’ll see her next? You can find tickets for the production here.

If you’re interested in hiring Dani Harmer, you’re in the right place – she’s represented by top celebrity agents at MN2S. As comfortable in commercials as she is on stage and screen, she’d make a great brand ambassador for all sorts of products and services. Find out more about when Dani is available by contacting our agents today.

If you’d like to hire a celebrity but you’re not sure Dani is the right person for the job, get in touch – we have hundreds of talented celebrities on the books and there’s sure to be someone who fits the bill.