Jason Manford hooks role in new Peter Pan panto

Join Peter Pan as he sets sail on a brand new adventure this Christmas at the Manchester Opera House

Written by Thom Bamford
Last updated 2 years ago
Theatre

With amazing special effects, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and barrel-loads of laughter, The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan will take your whole family on a swashbuckling trip to Neverland like never before!

Jason Manford is set to lead the cast as Captain Hook, and will be joined by Britain’s Got Talent favourite Ben Nickless who takes on the role of Smee.

Musical theatre stars Jessica Croll will play Wendy and Tinkerbell will be played by Samara Casteallo.

Mr Manford initially made a name for himself in 1999, while working at the Buzz Comedy Club in Chorlton.

Since then he has gone from strength to strength as a stand up comic, actor, singer and radio and television presenter.

He has regularly packed-out theatres and arenas up and down the country with his award-winning comedy.

Jason is no stranger to our television screens having presented numerous television shows for the BBC and ITV, and was also a Team Captain on the popular Channel 4 panel show 8 Out of 10 Cats.

He is also no stranger to the stage, having starred in numerous musicals in the West End and across the UK, including Sweeney Todd, The Producers, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Guys and Dolls, and Curtains

Speaking to I LOVE MCR, Jason said: “I’ve been going to panto since I was a kid and now experience the magic with my own children.

“So to make my debut and be part of this year’s Manchester pantomime feels like a huge honour.

“I’m nervous of course, and slightly worried about how a 40-year-old out of shape father of six is going to play Peter Pan, what with all the flying and sword fighting but I’ll give it my best shot…what’s that?

“Ohhhh! I’m playing Hook. Right, well that certainly makes more sense! Can’t wait.”

Joining Manford will be Ben Nickless in the role of the bumbling shipmate Smee.

Rochdale-born Nickless started his working life playing the comedy clubs in the North West and his career took off in 2006 when he performed his own style of comedy and impressions on the BBC television series Let Me Entertain You alongside Brian Conley and Christine Bleakley, winning his episode.

Ben returns to the Manchester Opera House panto by popular demand, having played Wishee Washee in Aladdin, Muddles in Snow White and Buttons in Cinderella.

The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan is produced by Crossroads Pantomimes and will feature spectacular special effects, live music, beautiful costumes and stunning sets.

The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan weighs anchor at the Opera House from 10th – 31st December with tickets from £13. For more information, or to book, click here.

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