PETER Pan, Smee, Tinker Bell, and Ethyl Mermaid will bring a new swashbuckling adventure to The Anvil stage for this year’s magical Christmas pantomime.
The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Hook stars Milkshake! presenter David Ribi as Peter Pan.
Along with appearing on Channel 5, David has performed on the West End stage and in numerous touring productions. He was nominated for the Best Principal Lead in the Great British Pantomime Awards 2023 for playing Peter Pan last year.
He has played the role many times before but he said audiences can expect to see a different Peter who is finally ready to grow up.
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He said: “I love playing the role of Peter Pan because I love the journey he goes on and he gets to have a load of fun, loads of adventures and this time the show is a little bit different because he might decide he wants to grow up.”
After defeating the evil Captain Hook, life has been pretty perfect for Peter Pan, and indeed Smee and his pirate crew. But then a stranger arrives in Neverland, and there are rumours that a certain someone survived the stormy seas and is seeking revenge.
Melanie Walters, best known for her role as Gwen in the BBC sitcom Gavin and Stacey, takes the joint role of Mrs Darling/Ethyl Mermaid.
Melanie is also known to younger viewers as Gran in CBeebies’ Biff and Chip. She appeared at The Anvil in Jack and the Beanstalk in 2015.
She said: “What I love about being in the panto is it is just a lot of fun. I love being a part of a tradition that brings together people of all ages from children to those in their 90s, everyone just really enjoys it.
“The pantomime will be a magical spectacular experience for everyone that comes along.”
She said it is important to encourage youngsters to come to a pantomime in the hope that they will continue the tradition with their own families.
Holly Atterton, from children’s channel Nickelodeon, will be Tinkerbell while returning to Basingstoke is Chris Fearn who will be taking the role of Captain Hook.
Holly, who will be on rollerskates throughout the show, said she “can’t wait to make people laugh” and bring the Christmas magic to Basingstoke.
Chris Fearn told the Gazette that “playing the villain is the best role”, adding that audiences “might even be lucky to see Hook fly”.
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He added: “This year’s Peter Pan is a little bit different to what you might expect because it is a sequel so Captain Hook has got loads more to do.”
They’ll be joining the ever-comical Chris Pizzey, best known as Mr Stephen in the CBBC series Basil Brush, who is back by popular demand to play the part of Smee and direct the production.
Chris said: "What I am loving about playing Smee this year is all the silliness and all the crazy interaction with all the kids. We have got loads of magic, loads of fantastic songs and huge amounts of audience participation."
Ticket prices vary depending on performances, and there are concessions along with group discounts. So do check the Anvil Arts website for full details or call the box office on 01256 844244.
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