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Panto may be full of tradition but producers are always striving to top their previous shows, with ever more stunning special effects.
High-flying new panto Peter Pan, which will be staged at Maidstone Studios for the first time this Christmas, could be set to outdo all the others when it opens its doors this weekend.
Alongside the “he’s behind yous” and the booing and hissing, producers Vexx Pantomimes promise it will be bigger and better than anything audiences have seen.
And the star-studded cast are enthusing about it.
They include X-Factor singer Amelia Lily, former Hollyoaks star James Sutton, X-Factor 2010 finalist Lloyd Daniels and TOWIE star Pascal Craymer, who popped in to the kmfm studios to chat to Rob Wills on Drivetime.
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Amelia, who also stars as Princess Fiona in Shrek next year, plays fun-loving Tinkerbell. She said: “This is the third panto I’ve done but this is a pretty contemporary, modern one. It still has all the funny gags in there but what is amazing is all the effects. We have wristbands which work with the audience and there’s plenty of flying, too.”
Peter Pan, aka Lloyd, said: “I cannot wait to get in there and fly around. This is my seventh panto and it’s absolutely awesome. This is so ahead of the game in what you’d expect from a panto.”
James, who plays Captain Hook, and transforms into character the second he puts on his hat, said: “I have never played a villain before. I want everyone to boo me. If they don’t boo enough I’m going to be more and more evil until they boo at the right level.”
He said: “I have these dance moves. If I was even a remotely decent dancer it would be fun. But I’m really not, I’m terrible, so that’s what I’m nervous about.” The show will be staged in the studios which is normally home to celebs such as Jools Holland and his BBC Hootenanny and Paddy McGuinness and ITV’s Take Me Out.
Producer Danny Wright said: “We’re very excited to be bringing such an extravagant and modern production to the county town of Kent. With the incredible space and unbelievable facilities we know this is going to be an unforgettable show.
“Our star cast is full of talent and experience. We’re trying to bring something fresh and new to Maidstone and we think this cast represents that.”
Also starring will be Dave Short as Dame Mrs Starkey and local actor Jazmin Patey-Ford as Wendy. Peter Pan opens at Maidstone Studios on Friday, December 15. For details click here.
