Peter Pan Press Launch - Brighton Family Panto 2019
Following the record breaking production of Jack and the Beanstalk last year, E3’s Brighton Family Panto is returning for its third year to The Hilton Brighton Metropole from the 19th – 28th December 2019 with Peter Pan.
The line-up is headed by BBC Sussex favourite, Allison Ferns, who will be adding some glamour to the cast as Delores the Mermaid. Allison presents the afternoon show on BBC Sussex. Her on-stage love interest and Peter Pan’s nemesis, Captain Hook, will be played by Nathan Charman. Nathan shot to fame on The Voice this year as part of the swing trio, The Flat Pack, winning their way onto Olly Murs’ team.
Returning for a second year, Richard Dawes will be taking the comedy lead and playing the part of lovable scoundrel Smee. Michael Ruben will be flying in as Peter Pan and his fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, will be played by Hope Thompson. Joining them on stage as Nana will be the producers 55 kg Bernese Mountain Dog, McKenzie, who is no newcomer to the limelight with over 11,000 followers on Instagram!
Allison Ferns expressed her excitement to returning to the stage:
‘I have such fond memories of performing in Brighton pantos as a kid, so to see pantomime back in the city and to get the chance to perform again in my hometown is a dream come true.’
On Wednesday 18th September, leading members of the cast, the Brighton Family Panto team and sponsors, partners, ambassadors and press gathered in esteemed local Italian Restaurant, Donatello, to celebrate the press launch of the 2019 production. With a welcome and acknowledgements from Brighton Family Panto Executive Producer and Director, David Hill and incredible food and drink provided by Donatello, it’s safe to say this festive season is off to a flying start!
There will be jaw-dropping costumes, high-flying special effects and even a pirate eating crocodile! As Barrie left the rights of the story to Great Ormond Street Hospital, the cast will be raising money for the charity during the run as well as supporting local charity Chailey Heritage Foundation.
Brighton Family Panto has attracted widespread support from local businesses such as Sussex based chocolate producers Cocoa Loco, Gemini Print, Donatello, Roedean School and Brighton based architects, Life Size. Sussex County Cricket has just come on-board as a major partner, and the unique production has even attracted national brand, Saga, who have secured an entire show for their members. Local wealth management firm, Skerritts, have also purchased a show for their team and clients.
David Hill commented how he and fellow production Founder and Manager, Lukas Wojcik, are thrilled to have launched their largest panto yet:
‘The reaction to last year’s panto was overwhelming and we have proved beyond doubt that families in Brighton and Hove want a large-scale family pantomime back in the city. This year’s show promises to be our biggest and certainly most ambitious production to date, we are even building a bigger stage to fly Peter Pan in.’
Tickets are flying fast! Hook yours at www.brightonfamilypanto.com
