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Dennis Ffrench – veteran pantomime dame and Batonbearer

Britain’s longest playing Black Pantomime Dame, Dennis Ffrench from West Bromwich, says he feels honoured and privileged to have been selected to carry the Baton. 

Dennis Ffrench, a professional actor, writer and director, has been playing panto dames for nearly three decades.  

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Dennis and his panto dame alter ego delivered wellbeing packs to vulnerable families across Wolverhampton and the Midlands. He even captained a pantomime team in a special Christmas edition of the ITV game show “Tenable”, hosted by Warwick Davies which was aired on Christmas Day.

Dennis says, “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity not to be missed. The Commonwealth Games hold diversity and inclusion at its core. These are values I have spent my whole live living and fighting for. I will be carrying the baton with a huge smile on my face.” 

Dennis is carrying the Baton in Burntwood.

Dennis has dedicated his whole career towards helping and supporting others to overcome adversity and succeed in life, no matter their age, background, race or ability. He has toured the length and breadth of the UK, working in various communities to highlight the importance of anti-knife crime, fire safety, mental health awareness, anti-bullying, the cost of living crisis, child exploitation and post-16 education options, to name but a few.  

D&B Productions is Dennis’s most recent venture. Working with Rebecca Shepherd, they are working with community groups around Wolverhampton to develop well-being programs, educational workshops and more.