ONCE again the Towngate Theatre in Basildon is gearing itself up for its seasonal pantomime - though this year a familiar face will be missing on stage!

The 2022 offering is 'The Panto Adventures of Peter Pan', described as a 'swashbuckling spectacular promises to be even more breath-taking and magical than ever before'.

However, long-time Basildon panto favourite Simon Fielding won't be taking part, instead concentrating on his role as co-producer and director.

One familiar face on stage will be 'baddie' Sophie Ladds, playing the legendary role of the dastardly Captain Hook.

Simon says: "We have been working on 'The Adventures of Peter Pan' since January 2021 and it promises to be another award-winning show - our musical numbers are shaping up to be more spectacular than ever!

"The comedy routines even funnier! And we are taking our Towngate panto magic far beyond the reach of anywhere we've been before!

"Whilst I will not be performing this year, I will continue to be the production's co-producer and director and alongside the same incredible team of talented creative geniuses, we will be creating the same unique Towngate experience, which our audiences have come to know and love.

"What better pantomime than the magical Panto Adventures of Peter Pan for me to hang up my tap shoes and watch the fabulously frightening Sophie as she dazzles us as Captain Hook?"

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Sophie Ladds and Ian Hallard.

Essex-based Sophie is a much-loved performer in the Towngate's pantomimes, winning rave reviews from both audiences and critics alike, and earning two Best Villain nominations at the Great British Pantomime Awards for her multi-talented performances.

Commenting on playing the pivotal character of Captain Hook, she said: "I started performing in panto at the Towngate 14 years ago - if you had told me then I would be playing the role of Captain Hook, I wouldn't have believed you!

"This is what I love about the Towngate - although they keep tradition at the heart of the panto, they are not afraid to look beyond what's expected. Everyone needs to come watch 'The Panto Adventures of Peter Pan', to see just how naughty my Hook will be! I can tell you that I'm going to put everything into giving our audiences the best performance I possibly can."

After winning the hearts of the audiences as Dame Dolly Dumpling in Beauty and the Beast, Ian Hallard will be popping on his fabulous frocks once again to play the role of Mrs Smee this year.

Starring with Ian will be Harvey Zaffino as cheeky Peter Pan, Hannah Taylor as lovable Wendy, Antonia Luisa-Clarke as mischievous Tinkerbelle and Michael Loftus as silly Wibbles.

Towngate Theatre Manager, Simon Scott-Pearce said: "The Panto Adventures of Peter Pan is the most magical of all pantomimes, and the whole Towngate team are so excited to bring this incredible production to Basildon this festive season.

This year's panto is currently breaking all Box Office records with more than 23,000 people already booked! We would strongly recommend that audiences secure their seats without delay, as this is on-track to be our most successful panto ever!"

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'The Panto Adventures of Peter Pan' runs from Wednesday, 23 November to Monday. 2 January 2023 with Family Packages and Group Rates of 10+ available.

Book tickets online at www.towngatetheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01268 205 300.