The Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells came alive to the sound of cutlasses clashing and cannons firing this week, as the cast of this year’s pantomime, Peter Pan, launched this action packed and high-flying show.
The show’s stars on board for the event included Mark Moraghan, who will play evil Captain Hook, Cbeebies presenter Gemma Hunt as Tinkerbell along with Peter Pan, played by Jessica Punch and, to finish the quartet, Mark James as Mr Smee.
Mark Moraghan known to millions for his portrayal of Owen Davis in the medical drama television series, Holby City, and more recently as the narrator of much-loved children’s TV show Thomas The Tank Engine, has also appeared in series such as Brookside, Heartbeat and Celebrity Master Chef. This year he will play the dastardly villain Captain Hook in a production once again staged by the world’s largest pantomime producer, UK Productions.
At the launch Mark told me, “Panto time is the best time of the year, and the baddie is always the best part. I know that the kids will have a perception of Captain Hook from the Disney film and so I want to play the part in a Disney sort of way, and try to get as close to the Disney character as possible. This will be my first time as Hook, and he’s the one that I’ve always wanted to play”.
This will be my first time playing Tunbridge Wells and, although I have visited a lot in the summer because I have a friend who lives here, I’m really looking forward to seeing it at Christmas. I’ve heard that they have an outdoor ice rink here, so I might try and find some time to try that out while I’m here”.
Joining Mark in Neverland will be Swashbuckle presenter, Gemma Hunt as Tinker Bell. She has also regularly hosted CBBC’s live coverage at Wimbledon, and appeared in Chucklevision and the Cbeebies pantomime.
I asked Gemma is she would be flying as Tinkerbell and she told me, “No, I’m not flying, although I will have the illusion of flying, as I will be on roller skates which will allow me to glide across the stage. This is the fourth time I’ve been in Peter Pan and each time I’ve been on skates and it works really well. It brings a different dynamic to the stage as well because, without a harness, I’m free to move where I want.
The other thing that is different about this Tinkerbell is that I speak, and sing. For a live audience all the characters need to be interactive and so not only does Tinkerbell have a voice, she also has an attitude. She’s quite feisty. She can be hot and cold, and quite often that’s in the same breath. It’s such a fun part to play, because it’s so not like me at all, so to be all sweetness and light but then be a “little madam” is really good fun.
The title character, played by local girl Jessica Punch, is the one who will be doing all the flying and she just can’t wait because, as she told me, Peter Pan is one of her favourite tales. “I am Peter Pan obsessed. It’s a beautiful, magical story which has so many different levels and it’s beautifully told with such wonderful writing”.
I’ve played Peter five times before and, although the flying can be tough, it’s more challenging vocally. I do put on a very different voice and there is a lot of “crowing” and “cock-a-doodle-dooing” and all that kind of thing, but the flying is getting a lot easier. I do put in a lot more acrobatics now than I have been doing and I really love all that.
It’s nice to come up against Captain Hook too because he is the ultimate baddie but, at the same time, I think he’s also one of the most loveable baddies too. He’s jolly good fun and our sword fight is just great. He’s a great enemy because all that action keeps me fit.
The show promises magical family entertainment full of pirates, fairies, flying scenes, and great music to guarantee that you’ll be hooked by the magical kingdom of Neverland!
Produced by Martin Dodd from UK Productions, Peter Pan will be live on stage at the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells from Friday 12th December and runs until Sunday 4th January. Tickets are now on sale and are available from the Assembly Hall Theatre box office 01892 530613 or online at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk.