EXCLUSIVE: British comedy legend Jennifer Saunders (Absolutely fantastic, Frans and Saunders) will make her pantomime debut as Captain Hook Peter Pan this winter break at the world famous London Palladium.
The top defining coup was the brainchild of Michael Harrison, Michael Harrison Entertainment and Crossroads Pantomimes. He is the British pantomime supremo with 24 panto productions premiering nationally in December.
“I thought, ‘Hello! Captain Hook is often played by a man and I thought why not undergo a gender change? That’s what pantomime is all about, isn’t it? Harrison told us.
Comic artist and writer Rob Madge (My son is gay (but what can you do?)) plays Tinker Bell.
Peter Pan runs from December 9 to January 14 at the Palladium.
Last year, Harrison Saunders booked longtime comedy partner Dawn French (The Parson of Dibley, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Death on the Nile) to play the mother of the title character Jack and the Beanstalk in the palladium. “So Jennifer knows what’s in store for her,” Harrison said, followed by a burst of laughter.
Saunders recently appeared on the London stage as Madame Arcadia in Noel Coward’s happy spirit. Directed by Richard Eyre, who also directed her alleluia.
“It’s very exuberant, spectacular,” Harrison said, noting that last year audiences talked about the size of the beanstalk. Jack and the Beanstalk which rose to the top. Well, this year they are talking about our crocodile! Yes, of course there will be a crocodile. Is Peter Pan in palladium it will be greatly exaggerated.
The large crocodile is made by Twins FX.
Pantomimes are definitely not for the faint of heart. They can be riotous at times, but Jennifer is a proven comedic genius. For starters, she’ll only laugh when she’s sauntering on stage as Captain Hook, and that’s before she’s spoken,” Harrison boasted.
The Peter Pan Pantomime is loosely based on JM Barrie’s famous story about Peter Pan, Wendy and The Lost Boys and their adventures in Neverland. “I’m going to meet with Jennifer and we’re going to work on it together,” said Harrison, who will helm and co-write the show.
He then teams up with the actor, comedian and writer Julian Clary (Julian Clary: Live – Lord of The Hack, little princess), who has become a mainstay of the Palladium panto, so adept at delivering a bold line as he darts across the stage in a variety of sumptuous costumes. He also writes good jokes.
This year, Clary Seaman plays Smee. He will appear in creations by designer Hugh Durrant.
Other Palladium regulars include Gary Wilmot (The Grinch Musical by Dr. seuss) plays Henrietta Cook, Captain Hook’s mother. As for Nigel Havers (Chariot of Fire, Penelope), his role is undetermined. “Well, he thinks he’s playing Peter Pan, but we can’t tell him he isn’t,” Harrison explained.
“He likes to make fun of himself in panto.”
Ventriloquist and comedian Paul Zerdin (Paul Zerdin: All mouth) plays Starkey, a crew member. Peter and Wendy have yet to be cast.
Peter Pan will be the 43-year-old Harrison’s 11th Palladium show. “Eight pantos, two seasons Joseph,” he said and added The wizard of we opens there for a summer season starting June 23.
Peter Pan Priority booking opens 27 April, general public booking from 28 April.
Set design is by Mark Walters and costume design by Durrant. Choreography by Karen Bruce, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Gareth Owen and composition and orchestration by Gary Hind.
Source: Deadline
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
