Hull New Theatre and Crossroads Pantomimes have today unveiled a stellar line up for this year’s seafaring tale, The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan.
Strictly Come Dancing professional and Dancing on Ice finalist Brendan Cole stars as the villainous Captain Hook, alongside CBeebies star Jennie Dale as the Magical Mermaid, comic Phil Walker as Smee and Hull panto favourite Jack Land Noble as Mrs Smee, in this year’s festive family treat from Thursday 10 to Thursday 31 December 2026.
Brendan appeared on every season of Strictly Come Dancing since it began in 2004 up until 2017. In 2022, he starred in ITV’s Saturday night entertainment programme Dancing on Ice where he was one of the finalists. As a dancer, producer and entertainer, he has staged his own song and dance show on eleven nationwide tours of the UK. Now an international phenomenon, he was a member of the judging panel of Dancing with the Stars in New Zealand for four years. Brendan was an audience favourite when he last appeared in Hull New Theatre’s panto as Baron Von Bolshoi in Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
Jennie Dale has enjoyed an acclaimed career across stage and screen, delighting family audiences as Captain Captain in CBeebies’ Swashbuckle and as the presenter of Jennie’s Fitness In 5 for CBeebies and CBBC. Her extensive theatre credits span the West End and beyond, including Elf, The Pajama Game, Sister Act, Mary Poppins, Les Misérables, Mamma Mia!, Singin’ In The Rain, 42nd Street and The Midnight Gang. Her television work includes Doctors, The Tracey Ullman Show, Midsomer Murders and Victoria Wood’s Midlife Christmas, alongside numerous CBeebies Pantomimes and Shakespeare productions.
Award-winning comedian Phil Walker has performed everywhere from leading UK comedy clubs and international cruise lines to entertaining troops overseas, earning acclaim for his nationwide tours, Edinburgh Festival performances and television appearances on ITV1 and Channel 5. A celebrated pantomime favourite, Phil has starred in over 23 festive productions over the years.
Returning for a fifth year is renowned actor, playwright, producer, director, musician, and singer-songwriter Jack Land Noble, Jack made his Hull pantomime debut in Jack and the Beanstalk in 2022, then returning as one of the Wicked Sisters in Cinderella,Betty Barnum in Goldilocks and the Three Bears and Dame Betty Bouffant in Beauty and the Beast.
The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan is produced by the World’s biggest pantomime producer, Crossroads Pantomimes, whose Chief Executive Michael Harrison said:
“Hull’s remarkable maritime story takes centre stage in 2026 so it’s the perfect moment to bring The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan to Hull New Theatre. With Brendan and Jennie leading this spectacular cast, and the addition of Phil and Jack, Hull audiences can expect a truly magical festive adventure.”
Clare Elsdon, Theatre and Halls Manager for Hull Culture and Leisure said:
“Pantomime is such an important part of theatre, bringing families together to share laughter and the unique magic of live performance and we’re thrilled to welcome this fantastic cast to Hull New Theatre for a spectacular festive adventure. This year, it feels especially fitting that The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan sails into the city, to join the wider celebrations of Hull’s proud seafaring heritage and the exciting culmination of our maritime project.”
This is a landmark year for Hull as the city marks the culmination of a major programme celebrating its long and proud maritime heritage. With the completion of key heritage restorations and the reopening of iconic maritime attractions, Hull is once again shining a spotlight on its seafaring legacy.
In this milestone year, The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan arrives in port to join the city’s celebration, bringing a swashbuckling family adventure to the stage with dazzling special effects, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and barrel-loads of laughter.
Tickets on sale now. Book at the Hull City Hall Box Office, call 01482 300 306 or visit www.hulltheatres.co.uk