Royal & Derngate launches magical Peter Pan panto with star-studded cast

If you thought Christmas was still miles away, think again — because Royal & Derngate has already sprinkled Northampton with festive sparkle. ✨

The theatre has officially launched The All New Adventures of Peter Pan, this year’s spectacular family pantomime. The full cast gathered for the first time to meet the team, swap stories, and pose for those all-important publicity shots that mark the start of panto season.

Leading the adventure is award-winning actor, writer and comedian John Thomson, stepping into the boots (and hook!) of the villainous Captain Hook. With a career spanning over three decades — from Spitting Image and Men Behaving Badly to The Fast Show and the much-loved Cold Feet — Thomson brings plenty of comic clout to Neverland’s baddie.

He’s joined by George Webster, CBeebies presenter, actor, writer and BAFTA-winning role model, who takes on the role of Starkey, one of Hook’s mischievous pirate crew.

Also starring are panto favourite Gordon Cooper as Dame Dolly (and co-director of the show), David Breeds as Peter Pan, Simone Robinson as Wendy Darling, Millie Davies as Elizabeth Darling and Oliver Scott as Smee.

Following last year’s award-winning Cinderella, Royal & Derngate is once again teaming up with acclaimed producers Evolution Productions. The family-run company, headed by Paul Hendy and Emily Wood, has won multiple UK Pantomime Awards, including ‘Pantomime of the Year’ five times.

Chief Executive Jo Gordon said:
“It’s wonderful to have the chance to meet some of our pantomime cast. This new version of the Peter Pan story promises to make a fantastic festive outing for all ages — and it’s always a joy to welcome so many families into our spaces for what can often be a young person’s very first taste of theatre.”

Producer Emily Wood added:
“We are so excited to bring The All New Adventures of Peter Pan to Northampton this year. We’ve got a beastly baddie, a heroic heroine, amazing dance routines and side-splitting comedy — but this time with the much-loved characters of Captain Hook and Peter Pan. It really does have something for everyone.”

The All New Adventures of Peter Pan runs from Friday 5 to Wednesday 31 December 2025. Tickets are available at www.royalandderngate.co.uk or via the Box Office on 01604 624811. Accessible performances include Relaxed, BSL Interpreted, Captioned and Audio-Described options — making sure everyone gets a sprinkle of Neverland magic.

🎭✨ Your Christmas plans? Sorted.