John Thomson and George Webster star in Royal & Derngate’s pantomime The All New Adventures of Peter Pan
Actor, writer and comedian John Thomson and CBeebies presenter George Webster will be heading up the cast in Royal & Derngate’s spectacular family pantomime this Christmas, when The All New Adventures of Peter Pan takes to the Derngate stage from Friday 5 to Wednesday 31 December 2025.
Award-winning actor, writer, comedian and presenter John Thomson will take the role of Captain Hook. Perhaps best known for the ITV series Cold Feet, John has been at the forefront of British television, film and theatre for over three decades. Having started his career voicing puppets on Spitting Image, he won the Perrier Award with Steve Coogan in 1992 and has starred in many TV shows including Men Behaving Badly, Coronation Street, Waterloo Road and The Fast Show.
Joining the pirate crew will be CBeebies star George Webster. Winner of Best Presenter at BAFTA’s Children’s Awards in 2022, George is also an actor, writer and dancer (competing in in the 2022 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special), and an ambassador for people with Down Syndrome.
Following his appearance as Ugly Sister Aldianna in 2024’s Cinderella, seasoned pantomime performer Gordon Cooper returns to co-direct and play the part of the Mrs Sweet. Simone Robinson (currently touring with The Lightning Thief – The Percy Jackson Musical) will be playing Myrtle and Miss Doodle, Oliver Scott plays Charlie and Northampton local David Breeds takes the title role of Peter Pan. Millie Davies joins the cast as Poppy Sunshine.
Building on the success of last year’s smash hit Cinderella, which won for Best Choreography in the UK Pantomime Awards, Royal & Derngate are pleased to be continuing their ongoing partnership with pantomime producers Evolution Productions. A family business, run by husband and wife Paul Hendy and Emily Wood, Evolution are delighted to have won ‘Pantomime of the Year’ at the UK Pantomime Awards in 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2025. Paul also won ‘Best Script’ for Aladdin in 2024.
Jo Gordon, Chief Executive at Royal & Derngate, said: “We’re delighted to have a great cast and company coming together for what is always a such a magical time of year. This new version of the Peter Pan story promises to make a fantastic festive outing for all ages - and it’s always a joy to welcome so many families and children into our spaces for what can often be a young person’s very first taste of theatre!”
Written by Paul Hendy and co-directed by Emily Wood, The All New Adventures of Peter Pan promises to be spectacular, top quality entertainment, with lavish sets, hilarious jokes and fun for all the family.
The All New Adventures of Peter Pan will run from Friday 5 to Wednesday 31 December 2025. For more information and to book tickets, go to www.royalandderngate.co.uk or call Box Office on 01604 624811. A range of access enhanced performances are available, including Relaxed, BSL Interpreted, Captioned and Audio-Described performances.