Think you know panto? Think again as Mansfield Palace Theatre present a completely new version of a classic with The Further Adventures of Peter Pan – The Return of Captain Hook this Christmas.
Things have moved on in Neverland since Captain Hook’s demise, he wants his ship and his crew back, but whose side is his comical former sidekick Smee on now? The story follows our hero Peter Pan, everyone’s favourite fairy Tinker Bell, and the mystical Mermaid as they seek to thwart the dastardly Captain Hook. But watch out - aided by his band of clumsy and dim-witted acrobatic pirate crew, Hook is out for revenge… never should a Captain have to walk his own plank and that’s exactly what Peter Pan made him do!
We’re excited to announce that returning to take the lead role this year is Marc Baylis who will once again be playing the deliciously devilish and devious Captain Hook. Marc is best known for his role as Rob Donavan in ITV's Coronation Street, for which he was nominated as 'Best Newcomer' at both The National Television Awards and the Inside Soap Awards. His television credits include: Misfits, Sirens, Law and Order, The Bill, EastEnders, Doctors, My Uncle Silas, Battlefields, and Hollyoaks.
Marc has appeared in numerous films. Alongside his screen work, Marc's theatre credits include: The Belle's Stratagem (Southwark Playhouse); Jerusalem (Apollo Theatre); Prick Up Your Ears (Comedy Theatre); King Arthur (Arcola Theatre); Futures (Theatre 503); Hamlet (UK Tour/Barbican); The Tempest (Thelma Holt / Theatre Royal Plymouth), Skin Hunger (Battersea Arts Centre) and Sign up (Fleshpot Theatre Company).
Marc played Hook last time we had the Peter Pan pantomime at Mansfield (2016/17) which finished on an incredible 96% sold with five star rave reviews across the board, including from industry renowned The Stage:
“Marc Baylis’ magnificent Hook turns swashbuckling into an art form and he’s well paired with Adam Moss as a hugely energetic Smee. There’s impeccably timed flying gymnastics from the Pirate Crew, classy choreography, and a soft palette of colour in the lacy overhanging branches of the Mermaid Lagoon. The flying sequences are exquisite. The Palace was overshadowed by the bigger theatres of neighbouring cities in earlier years. Now its panto is a force to be reckoned with. This fresh and uplifting pantomime is the best yet at Mansfield Palace.”
Marc says, “It’s always great fun playing Captain Hook as he has always been one of my favourite villains. I am very much looking forward to coming back to Mansfield this year! It’s going to be a great show!"
Joining Marc on stage to make you laugh yourself silly this year is everyone’s favourite comedian, magician and all round prankster, Adam Moss. Adam will be playing the silly and loveable role of Smee, Hook’s sidekick. Adam returns to Mansfield following his hugely popular appearances during panto at the Palace since 2014. Who could forget press night of the last run of Peter Pan when he got down on one knee to propose to then girlfriend Karen Tomkins, who he now has an 18 month old daughter, Poppy, with.
Adam shouts, "Hiya Gang! I'm back! This time I’m Smee, Captain Hook’s right hand man, or whichever hand doesn't have a hook. Smee has a lot to do this year, with a few special surprises along the way. I can't wait to be with you all again this year so… all aboard and let the madness begin!"
UK Productions’ Producer Martin Dodd says: “Peter Pan is such a fantastic story and we have completely refreshed it with this sequel which has all the magic of the original plus all the pantomime elements we know our Mansfield audiences love - including special effects, laugh out loud comedy, great song and dance routine, fabulous sets and costumes and of course the one and only Adam Moss returning for his 7th season at the Palace Theatre. Never will your Swash have been so Buckled so Hook your tickets today because the Croc is ticking!”
Sian Booth, Cultural Services Manager says, “Nothing beats the sparkle of a Christmas pantomime. It’s Mansfield’s favourite time of year and we’re ready to welcome thousands of local families to the Palace for their yearly special treat. With so much kids entertainment now on screens it’s such a thrill to see their eyes light up and jaws drop at a live theatre experience. Add the excitement of Christmas and you have all the ingredients for a magical trip to remember for a lifetime”.
Cllr Stuart Richardson, Portfolio Holder for Health and Communities tells us, ““Mansfield families, residents and visitors love it when it’s time for Peter Pan. The flying sequences are thrilling to young and old and who isn’t excited at the swashbuckling antics of the pirates? We’re really excited to have a popular Coronation Street bad boy as Hook, and it will be great to have the craziness of Adam as Smee to offset Hook’s boos! I look forward to seeing the success of the show after Sleeping Beauty sold 82% of tickets last year despite coronavirus restrictions ending the run a few shows earlier than expected”.
Tickets are flying out of the theatre doors with 48% already gone, so we advise booking early to secure your preferred date, time and seats. Peter Pan runs from Saturday 26 November to Saturday 31 December. Tickets start at just £13 and are available 24/7 at mansfieldpalace.co.uk or you can call Box Office on 01623 633133.