Strictly magical star cast announced for The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan at His Majesty’s Theatre

Brendan Cole, Alan McHugh, Paul J Corrigan and Danielle Jam to star in pantomime this festive season

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer and Dancing On Ice finalist Brendan Cole will star in The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan at His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen Performing Arts have announced today.

Brendan will take the role of the mischievous Captain Hook this festive season, joining panto Dame extraordinaire Alan McHugh, comic actor and River City star Paul J Corrigan and Aberdonian performer Danielle Jam, who return after a triumphant season last Christmas appearing in Beauty and the Beast.

Aberdeen Performing Arts Chief Executive, Jane Spiers said: “We are absolutely delighted that Brendan Cole will be joining our beloved panto dame Alan McHugh, as well as returning favourites PJ Corrigan and Danielle Jam for what promises to be a fantastic adventure in The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan.

“Brendan’s trademark mix of cheekiness and charm is the perfect blend to dazzle audiences as Captain Hook on the His Majesty’s Theatre stage this festive season.”

The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan is staged by Crossroads Pantomimes, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, led by Michael Harrison and the creative team behind last year’s production of Beauty and the Beast.

Michael Harrison said: “I am pleased to be bringing our brand-new high-flying adventure to His Majesty’s Theatre this year, with Brendan as the sly Captain Hook, combined with special effects and our returning panto trio Alan, PJ and Danielle, audiences will be in for a swashbuckling treat this Christmas!”

Brendan appeared on every season of Strictly Come Dancing since it began in 2004 up until 2017. His charismatic performances, stunning choreography and audacious exchanges with the Strictly judges all made for outstanding viewing and secured his position as one of the most popular dancers on the show. Brendan partnered some of the most successful celebrity contestants including presenter and actress Kelly Brook, supermodel Rachel Hunter and singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Most recently in 2022, Brendan starred in ITV’s Saturday night entertainment programme Dancing on Ice where he was one of the finalists. As a dancer, producer and entertainer, Brendan has staged his own song and dance show on eleven nationwide tours of the UK. Featuring song, dance and chat and a full orchestra.

Now an international phenomenon, Brendan was a member of the judging panel of the New Zealand version of the series (Dancing with the Stars) for four years where his obvious expertise and forthright manner earned him the reputation of “the Simon Cowell of the judges”. Since his Strictly debut, Brendan has appeared on stage in pantomime (including Robin Hood, Aladdin and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs) and on television as a guest in a range of shows, from sport to cookery.

The production will also see the return of much-loved comic duo Alan McHugh and Paul J Corrigan. Stage actor, and prolific pantomime writer, Alan McHugh will once again star as panto Dame, this year in the guise of Maggie Celeste, cook of The Jolly Roger. The Taggart, Limmy’s Show and Take the High Road star has also appeared on stage in I Dreamed a Dream, Tutti Frutti and Sunset Song. The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan marks Alan’s 18th HMT pantomime, which he will once again write, in addition to penning the scripts for numerous pantomimes for Crossroads Pantomimes, which will be seen across the UK by thousands of festive theatregoers this year. Paul J Corrigan returns to the HMT panto in the role of Smee. Best known as Stevie in the popular recurring TV drama River City, Paul also starred in the National Theatre of Scotland’s Black Watch and is known for his much-loved role of Adam in the stage adaptation of Gary: Tank Commander and also appeared in the television series for the BBC. In 2018 he starred as the lead in the musical version of Sunshine On Leith which toured Scotland. On television he has been seen in Still Game and Scot Squad, In Voluntary, Chewin The Fat, Only An Excuse, Legitt and Rab C Nesbitt.

The star cast is completed by the return of Danielle Jam in the role of the pixie dust sprinkling Doric Fairy, Tinkerbell. Danielle studied at Queen Margaret’s University and has starred in the CBeebies show Molly and Mack since 2018.

The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan begins its spirited journey at His Majesty’s Theatre from 3 December 2022, running until 8 January 2023. With amazing special effects, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and barrel-loads of laughter, take your whole family on an adventure to Neverland like never before!

Tickets for The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan are on sale now from the box office at His Majesty’s Theatre or the Music Hall, phone (01224) 641122 or visit https://test.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/peter-pan/

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