PROOF the festive season is hovering on the horizon was in evidence in Malvern when the cast of the Festival Theatre’s annual pantomime gathered for the show’s press launch.
A number of well known names and faces from screen and stage were there with several ones familiar from children’s television, popular soap operas and leading musicals.
Taking the title role of Peter Pan will be pantomime and musicals veteran Jessica Punch who has performed in 42nd Street, Singing in the Rain, Fiddler on the Roof and many others around the country.
Playing her arch enemy, Captain Hook, will be Mark Moroghan who is likely to be remembered by avid fans of Coronation Street as the love interest of Eileen Grimshaw earlier this year, and he may also be recognised by younger children as the voice of Thomas in Thomas the Tank.
A talented and experienced actor he as also appeared recently in television’s Holby City and in two recent films - playing a Colonel in Allies for Netflix and in the fantasy film, Ronan.
He says he is looking forward to playing Hook again and making his first appearance in Malvern.
Much of the show’s comedy element will be provided by Andrew Agnew, best known for the character of PC Plum in CBBC’s Balamory.
He will be in the role of Smee and is looking forward to coming back to Malvern having played the theatre seven years ago in Snow White - and he should be used to this latest panto about the boy who never grew up having been in the show last year alongside the zany Sue Pollard.
Also putting in an appearance at the launch was Hannah-Jane Fox who will be playing Mrs Darling.
Well known as an experienced recording artist, songwriter and actress she has been appearing for some time in CBBC’s Millie in Between playing the role of mum Sharon.
Hannah-Jane was also also in the original cast of Queen’s We Will Rock You winning the accolade of best actress in a musical from What’s on Stage for her portrayal of Scaramouche.
Martin Dodd of UK Productions says it will be a panto “awash with swash and buckle!”
Peter Pan opens at the Festival Theatre on Thursday, December 10 and runs through to Sunday, January 3, 2016.
Report: Val Wallcroft.
Photos: Heather Clark.
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