One of Newsquest's senior media sales directors is gearing up for a guest appearance in Barking's panto.

Jermaine Cayenne is appearing as 'Lord Jermaine Cayenne of the Barking and Dagenham Post' in Dick Whittington on December 6 at The Broadway Theatre in Barking.

The panto about the historic thrice mayor of the City of London opens at the theatre on December 7 and runs until New Year’s Eve.

“Being on stage in Dick Whittington is an opportunity to revel in the magic of pantomime,” Jermaine says. “The nerves flutter beneath the surface, but like the quiet hum of anticipation before a grand symphony.”

The Newsquest media group executive who looks after his patch covering London and the south-east has a hidden excitement for the stage.

“It's a chance to be a part of something larger,” he tells you. “To share this experience with family, friends, and co-workers — but beware they might just find themselves summoned to the stage in the spirit of playful camaraderie.”

Jermaine's one-off guest role is in the panto about a poor kitchen boy who three-times becomes Lord Mayor in early 15th century City of London.

This year’s panto stars West End actor Will Haswell, who actually met the real mayor of Barking and Dagenham Donna Lumsden last month to get the low-down on what it’s like to hold the high office.

Jermaine's usual domain is as a sales director with more than 20 years experience in media marketing, banking, and ecommerce, as well as working in local authorities and education.

Dick Whittington runs until December 31. Tickets from £18 from the box office on 020 8507 5607, email boxoffice@thebroadwaybarking.com or online at thebroadwaybarking.com website.