The festive season wouldn't be complete without a visit to Yorkshire’s number one family panto which this year is led by an array of comedy, television and musical theatre stars - Billy Pearce, Darren Day, Charlie Hardwick, Jon Lee and Lucy Evans. Four local boys, William Campbell (from Cullingworth), Will Collier (from Rothwell), Theo Francis (from Embsay) and Leo McDonnell (from Horsforth) will also join the cast in the roles of Michael and John Darling following open auditions held at the Alhambra Theatre last month.
Peter Pan marks Billy Pearce’s 18th pantomime season at the Alhambra Theatre. The multi-award-winning comedian, who plays the role of Smee, has enjoyed a hugely successful career on television and on stage, and has previously worked with Darren Day in the musical Stand-up. Last year Billy was awarded Services to Arts and Entertainment at the Yorkshire Awards, previously won by the Kaiser Chiefs and Alan Ayckbourn.
Recording artist, musical theatre and television star Darren Day has appeared in countless musicals in the West End and on tour, and was nominated for a Best Actor award for his role as Gideon in the acclaimed London Production of The Last Session. He has appeared in numerous television programmes, and as a television actor, has enjoyed varied roles. Darren, who plays the villainous Captain Hook, is also known for his vocal impersonations, which form part of his solo show, Darren Day in Concert, which has toured the UK and internationally throughout 2016. Darren was a favourite housemate and finalist in the early 2016 series of Celebrity Big Brother.
Best known for her role as Val Pollard, Emmerdale favourite Charlie Hardwick, who plays the role of The Magical Mermaid, has been nominated six times for Best Comedy Performance at the British Soap Awards. In addition to her television work Charlie has also appeared in a number of films, and last year made her pantomime debut in Newcastle.
S Club 7 star Jon Lee plays the title role of Peter Pan. S Club 7 had millions of fans, four UK number one singles, recorded four studio albums and sold over 14 million albums worldwide. The band also won two BRIT awards, and toured the UK extensively. In 2015 the band reunited for a 12 date tour of the UK which saw all seven members together again performing their greatest hits to legions of their fans, both old and new. Most recently Jon led the cast of the 50’s musical Forever Plaid at the St James Theatre, London.
Also joining the cast will be Lucy Evans who started her career at the age of eight appearing as Little Cosette in Les Miserables (Palace Theatre). Lucy has also been seen in Coronation Street in the role of Lauren Wilson.
Peter Pan carries the Alhambra Theatre's pantomime hallmark of quality and outstanding entertainment for all ages and features a barrel full of comedy, stunning sets and costumes, real flying and 3D special effects which will see the audience take an amazing underwater journey.
The show is staged by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, and the company behind the theatre’s record-breaking productions at the Alhambra Theatre each year.
Peter Pan runs at the Alhambra Theatre from Saturday 17 December 2016 to Sunday 29 January 2017. With special rates for school parties, groups of 8+, and concessions available, fly over to the Box Office to buy your tickets - or book online 24 hours a day: 01274 432000 or bradford-theatres.co.uk
