James GrantBBC News, Northamptonshire andKaty PrickettBBC News, NorthamptonshireGraeme Braidwood PhotographyGeorge Webster (centre) joins stars Gordon Cooper as Dame Dolly and John Thomson as Captain HookA CBeebies presenter who is appearing in panto for the first time has described it as a “pinch me moment”. George Webster will be one of Captain Hook’s pirates in The All New Adventures of Peter Pan, at the Royal & Derngate theatre in Northampton over the festive season.The presenter, who has Down’s syndrome, says: “I’m looking forward to sword fighting, the Tinkerbell stuff – everything really, it’s just so exciting.”He will join ITV Cold Feet star, actor and comedian John Thomson as Hook, while Gordon Cooper will co-direct and play the part of Dame Dolly.Graeme Braidwood PhotographyThe cast met for the first time on Monday – rehearsals start in November “It’s a pinch me moment, it’s so exciting and I can’t wait to be with John because he is a comedy legend,” said Webster, who won best presenter at BAFTA’s Children’s Awards in 2022. He said the cast had been very welcoming: “They’ve said, ‘Have fun, it’s going to be amazing to work with you’.”As Starky, one of the villain’s henchmen, he will have to put up with a bit of booing, but “I can handle that”, he added.Graeme Braidwood PhotographyTheatre chief executive Jo Gordon said it will be a joy to welcome families and children to what is often a young person’s very first taste of theatreThe pantomime is being produced by husband-and-wife team, Paul Hendy and Emily Wood, from Evolution Productions.”We have all the brilliant classic pantomime elements: a beastly baddie, a heroic heroine, amazing dance routines and side-splitting comedy,” said Ms Wood.”But this time with the iconic, much-loved characters of Captain Hook and Peter Pan, not to mention, fairies, pirates and mermaids.”Jo Gordon, the theatre’s chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to have a great cast and company coming together for what is always such a magical time of year.”Royal & Derngate’s Christmas panto will run from 5 to 31 December.
Source link
CBeebies’ George Webster excited about Northampton panto debut
