The Garrick kicks off the festive season with Peter Pan pantomime

The Lichfield Garrick Theatre has once again joined forces with Paul Hendy and Evolution Productions to bring audiences a real festive treat with this year 's 'All New Adventures of Peter Pan' pantomime.

All New Adventures of Peter Pan promises to be a dazzling show with a brilliant cast, larger-than-life costumes, and more laughs than you can shake your hook at!

David McKechnie and Marcus Billany will play Captain Hook and Peter Pan respectively.

David has taken part in shows all across the country, including Fleshcreep (The Cleverest Little Goblin in all of Fairyland) in Jack & the Beanstalk (Beck Theatre, Hayes), The Emperor in Aladdin (Wyvern Theatre, Swindon), Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty (White Rock Theatre, Hastings), Captain Hook in Peter Pan (Civic Theatre, Chelmsford), and one of the Wicked Stepsisters in Cinderella (North Wales Theatre, Llandudno).

The role of Peter Pan is one that Marcus also knows well, having previously played him in Dunstable 's 2019 rendition of the pantomime as Strictly 's AJ Pritchard 's understudy and stand-in as he took part in the reality show.

Marcus graduated from Laine Theatre Arts after appearing as a young performer in West End productions such as Matilda: The Musical, Les Miserables, Children Of Eden and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and most recently appeared as 'Young Paul' in Breaking the Band for ITV.

Karen Foster, the chief executive of the Lichfield Garrick, said: 'I 'm thrilled that the Lichfield Garrick will be welcoming so many families back to the theatre to enjoy their traditional family Christmas outing.

"After the disappointment of closing last year, we have looked forward to the time when we can bring the people of Lichfield and surrounding areas back to their local, independent theatre with a show which will be spectacular, funny and family friendly. The cast and staff of the theatre look forward to seeing you very soon. Oh yes we do!"

Lichfield legend, Sam Rabone, is back in a frock for his sixth year at the Garrick as he stars as Mrs Smee, as well as once again steering the ship as the show 's director.

Sam said: "Finally we're back! It was great to be back at the Garrick and meet some of the cast! We're in for a right treat! I mean, I think we've actually got a real-life pirate playing Hook which is amazing! Bring on November!"

The theatre are thrilled to also be welcoming back Joanne Heywood, who will be jumping into the role of the grown up Wendy Darling. Eagle-eyed panto fans may recognise Joanne who played Queen Rat in the Garrick 's 2018 pantomime, Dick Whittington.

The show opens on Thursday 25 November and runs until Sunday 2 January 2022.

Tickets are available via the Lichfield Garrick website (www.lichfieldgarrick.com) or from the Box Office on 01543 412121