CBeebies Star's Dream Debut as Pirate in Magical Peter Pan Panto!

George Webster, a well-known presenter from CBeebies, is stepping onto the stage for his first-ever pantomime performance, and he describes the experience as a 'pinch me moment. ' He will be playing one of Captain Hook's pirates in 'The All New Adventures of Peter Pan,' which will be performed at the Royal & Derngate theatre in Northampton throughout the festive season. George, who has Down's syndrome, is thrilled about the opportunity and said, 'I'm looking forward to sword fighting, the Tinkerbell stuff – everything really, it's just so exciting. ' He will be joining a talented cast, including John Thomson, the actor and comedian famous for his role in ITV's Cold Feet, who will play Captain Hook, and Gordon Cooper, who will both co-direct the show and play Dame Dolly. The cast met for the first time on Monday, and rehearsals are set to begin in November.

The pantomime features a lively group of characters. Simone Robinson will play Wendy Darling, dressed in a sparkling silver gown and headdress, while David Breeds will take on the role of Peter Pan, wearing a leafy costume. John Thomson will appear as Captain Hook, complete with a large black hat, red jacket, and his signature hook hand. Gordon Cooper will play the dame, sporting a curly blond wig, bright makeup, and a blue and white dress. Oliver Scott will play Smee, and George Webster will be Starky, one of Captain Hook's henchmen, wearing a brown tricorne hat and a red and white striped shirt under a blue waistcoat. George said the cast had been very welcoming, telling him, 'Have fun, it's going to be amazing to work with you. ' He knows that as Starky, he will have to deal with some booing from the audience, but he said confidently, 'I can handle that. '

Jo Gordon, the chief executive of the theatre, expressed her excitement about welcoming families and children to the pantomime, which is often a young person's first experience of live theatre. The show is being produced by Paul Hendy and Emily Wood, a husband-and-wife team from Evolution Productions. Emily Wood said, 'We have all the brilliant classic pantomime elements: a beastly baddie, a heroic heroine, amazing dance routines, and side-splitting comedy. ' She added that this production will feature the iconic and much-loved characters of Captain Hook and Peter Pan, as well as fairies, pirates, and mermaids. Jo Gordon said, 'We're delighted to have a great cast and company coming together for what is always such a magical time of year. ' The pantomime will run from December 5 to December 31 at the Royal & Derngate theatre, promising a memorable experience for all who attend.