Ryan Thomas to star as Captain Hook at Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
Bradford Theatres have hooked additional star casting for this year’s pantomime with television favourite Ryan Thomas named as the notorious Captain Hook in The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan at the Alhambra Theatre. Ryan’s casting marks his return to pantomime for the first time since 2019, joining the previously announced Billy Pearce as Smee and Myra DuBois as Magical MerMyra.
Ryan Thomas is a Manchester-born actor and presenter who made his television debut aged 16 as Jason Grimshaw in ITV’s Coronation Street, before going on to star as Rafael Humphreys in Neighbours. He has since established a successful career across television, winning ITV’s Dancing on Ice in 2024 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2018, as well as finishing runner-up on The Games.
His television work has included Absolutely India: Mancs in Mumbai, alongside his brothers and late father Dougie, and, in 2025, he co-hosted ITV primetime series 99 To Beat with his brother Adam. Ryan also co-hosts the popular podcast At Home with the Thomas Bros alongside his brothers Adam and Scott.
On his casting, Ryan Thomas said:
“I’m so excited to be stepping back into panto for the first time since 2019, and what better way to return than as Captain Hook in Bradford! It's such an iconic character, and I’m really looking forward to putting my own spin on him and work alongside Billy and Myra, it's going to be so much fun!"
Billy Pearce returns to the Bradford panto following his previously announced casting as Smee. A Yorkshire panto favourite, Billy has become synonymous with festive entertainment across the region.
Also returning to the Alhambra Theatre is Myra DuBois, who will take on the new role of Magical MerMyra following her acclaimed appearance as the Wicked Queen in last year’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This September, the Britain’s Got Talent 2020 semi-finalist will star as Ruth in Titanique at the Criterion Theatre in the West End.
Adam Renton,General Manager, Bradford Theatres comments:
"We're absolutely thrilled to welcome Ryan Thomas to this year's pantomime. Alongside the much-loved Billy Pearce and the sensational Myra DuBois, we're bringing together what is undoubtedly one of the strongest pantomime casts we've seen at the Alhambra Theatre in recent years. Ryan is one of the UK's most recognisable television personalities, with a huge following both on screen and across social media, and his addition adds even more star power to an already outstanding show. Audiences can expect a brilliant festive production filled with laughter, magic and unforgettable entertainment."
The production will bring the magic of Neverland to the Alhambra Theatre stage with spectacular special effects, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and plenty of laughter. Audiences can expect a high-flying, swashbuckling adventure featuring Peter Pan, Tink, Wendy, a crew of dastardly pirates and a very friendly crocodile.
The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan is produced by Crossroads Pantomimes, the world’s biggest pantomime producer and the team behind last year’s Bradford production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
There is a performance for everybody this festive season: with two signed performances on Thursday 10 December 2pm and Sunday 10 January 5pm; two audio described performances on Thursday 7 January 2pm and 7.15pm; a captioned performance on Sunday 3 January 5pm; and two relaxed performances on Tuesday 5 January at 1pm and 6pm. The relaxed performances will welcome everyone who would like to see the panto in a less formal atmosphere.
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