11 November 2019 14:54 PM
The Horsham Town is in for a right treat this Christmas as Peter Pan will be flying in on Friday 13th December 2019.. oh no he isn’t... oh yes he isl… For those of you who suffer with paraskevidekatriaphobia (yes that’s the real name for people who have a fear of Friday 13th) you will be pleased to know that the Panto is on until Sunday 5th January (click here to book online).
A welcome return to Hywel Dowsell, James Fletcher and Nicola Hume all of whom wowed Horshamites and friends in last year's fabulous and fun adaptation of Sleeping Beauty. Hywell returns as Horsham's favourite Dame, though she’s called Mrs Smee this year - same Dame different name if you like. James stars as Mini Smee, the son of the afore-mentioned Mrs Smee, in what promises to be a hilarious comedy double act. Horsham resident Nicola once again plays to the home crowd as Mrs Darling, Ethel Mermaid and Big Chief Chillaxin’ Cow (obviously!) and, if last year's performance is anything to go by, expect great things.
In addition this year's show has many stars new to the Capitol, not least the title character. Anthony Sahota steps into this leading role whilst Nicholas Collier is welcomed as Pan’s nemesis Captain Hook. Rebecca Lafferty plays main protagosnist Wendy Darling whilst Wendy’s brothers Michael Darling and John Darling are played jointly by Daniel Kendon and Oscar Ward Dutton (John Darling) and Theo Ranganathan and Dexter Lamley- Grinstead.
The cast have vast experience in musicals, dance, singing, panto, TV, musical composition and recording and all round entertainment from the young performance to the seasoned professionals and Peter Pan is a must see.
Embracing the whole of the panto experience again this year is celebrity and our very own Horsham resident, Nicola Hume who will be playing a number of roles, which includes ‘Big Chief Chillaxing Cow’. Nicola moved to Horsham 4 years ago, from London after visiting the town and instantly falling in love it. “Everyone is friendly, it has lovely restaurants it’s very nice we have no intensions of moving, we’ve fallen in love with the place.”
We met up with some of the characters at The Capitol, Horsham Theatre to ask them a few questions.
How did you get here today?
Perter Pan: “I flew. Peter Pan always flies, it’s what we do in Neverland, you can come with me if you want, all I’ve got to do is find Tink! “
Mini Smee: “Came on the boat, its moored in the Dock of Neverland. If you go past Swan Walk you will find it.”
Mrs Smee: "We arrived on the Jolly Roger, dropping anchor here in Horsham"
Captain Hook: “Arrr….On the Great Jolly Roger of course!”
What do you think of Hook?
Peter Pan: “He is my arch enemy! “
Mini Smee: “Hook can be a bit mean sometimes but he’s a fair boss”
Mrs Smee: “Oooh… he’s lovely have you seen him? He’s lush… owww he’s beautiful.. oh you could not ask for a pirate more handsome could you? Oooh… and that hook… it’s so manly and that lovely little mustacho he has.”
Interviewee: He’s not Mini Smees Dad?
Mrs Smee: “Oh no, but if I had my wicked way!”
What’s your favourite thing about Neverland?
Peter Pan: “The magic that happens. Neverland has beauty, it’s scary. It’s got something about it that keeps you on your toes and makes you want to just fly around. It’s got this thing about it, it’s like a thing I can’t explain, but the thing … well you’re going to see it when you come to Neverland.”
Mini Smee: “Being a Pirate and going to plunder everything I want”
Mrs Smee: “I love Neverland because of all the Pirates, all the pirates stop by and say “hello”. Very often I’m doing their laundry and they bring that round and have a couple of beers or whatever. But, yeah it’s great and between you and me, (*whispers) it’s nice to see Peter, I mean I know him and Captain Hook don’t get on, but he’s such a lovely boy, he’s a very good clean living boy".
Captain Hook: “Why… the buried treasure” (*rubs hands together in glee)
Does Tinker Bell like Wendy?
Peter Pan: “Tinkerbell likes Wendy but doesn’t like Wendy. Tinkerbell’s my world so she does everything for me and I do everything for her. But at the same time she doesn’t like the attention taken away from her and even though me and Wendy are friends, Tinkerbell feels a little threatened by that. And because she’s an independent strong fairy there’s always going to be a little bit of a problem.”
Mini Smee:” I think there’s some jealously there but we’ll have to find out at Christmas”
Mrs Smee: “I don’t think so! Tinkerbell likes everyone, she’s a fairy.”
What’s your role on the Jolly Roger?
Mini Smee: “I’m swabbing the deck most of the time and generally trying to stay out of trouble.”
Mrs Smee: “Cook and cleaner and right hand women to Captain Hook so head chef, head cook, head cleaner, keeping moral up and be there for Captain Hook if he needs a shoulder to cry on, or a back rub or shoes cleared or his feet massaged, anything you like really.”
Captain Hook: "Owww Aarrr, I’M IN CHARGE!"
Do you think Hook is misunderstood?
Mini Smee: “I think he can be. Since he lost his hand he’s not the same man he used to be.”
Is Hook a good captain?
Mini Smee: “Hook's a good Captain, I try and do what he tells me to do but I’m not always very good at it.”
If you could have one thing for Christmas what would bit be?
Peter Pan: "Wendy"
Mini Smee: "A Dad”
Mrs Smee: “Ooh I think I would like a bit of peace and quiet, a holiday. Leave all the Pirates behind and Captain Hook for a fortnight and go somewhere quiet, put my feet up, read a magazine. You know… a bit of pampering get my nails done, get my hair done a new do maybe?"
Captain Hook: “Owww aarrr…. a new hand!! (*looks thoughtful for a moment) and a parrot maybe.”
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