Much-loved dancer has died

Much loved dancer and actress Penny Rigden has died at the age of 63 after a two year battle with cancer.

She was born at the Cockpit Restaurant in Eton High Street when her father Chris owned it and was educated at Brigidine Convent, Windsor. 

Penny lived in Dorney for many years before moving to Bedfordshire six years ago, but she continued to return to Eton End School weekly to take classes.

Penny knew what she wanted to do from a young age and was appearing at the age of 11 and 12 in pantomime in the town's Theatre Royal. Many also remember her vivacious appearances at the Steam Fairs organised by her dad in Dorney.

It was the prelude to a career that saw her dance on the stage of the Victoria Palace and on television with the legendary Black and White Minstrels, as well as in the Good Old Days music hall show on television and at the Variety Theatre, Leeds.

She toured with Danny La Rue and in later years played acting parts in television shows like The Bill, Keeping Up Appearances and One Foot in the Grave.

For the last 20 years Penny taught dance at the Eton End School in Datchet.




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