Panto runs into problems before hooking its villain
ONE of Scotland’s major pantomime productions is having problems with its villain.
Peter Pan at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow, which began on Saturday, is now on to its third Captain Hook since the show was first announced.
Alex Bourne, an actor who has played major roles in London’s West End, is now playing the part of the dastardly pirate leader in the pantomime, following the sudden departure of Warren Brown.
Brown himself was announced as Captain Hook two weeks ago, when Gavin Mitchell, a King’s pantomime regular, had to withdraw from the show for medical reasons.
Brown, who is best known for his role in the television crime drama Luther, said at the time of the announcement that, “I didn’t expect to be donning a Hook this Christmas.”
He has now left the production, which runs until January 11, for “personal reasons”.
The Peter Pan cast also includes Greg McHugh, Des Clarke, Scott Fletcher and Joanne McGuinness.
The production marks 50 years of pantomimes at the King’s Theatre, one of the city’s signature theatre and comedy venues.
Despite its Hook problems, Peter Pan is set to break King’s box office records with an estimated 85,000 people expected to see the show in its Christmas run.
A statement from the Ambassador Theatre Group, which runs the King’s, said: “West End star Alex Bourne is thrilled to be taking on the role of Captain Hook.
“His theatre credits include the lead role in Buddy -The Buddy Holly Story at the Victoria Palace Theatre and Khashoggi in We Will Rock You, a role he played for six years at the Dominion Theatre.”
Bourne also played the dual role of Fred Graham and Petruchio in Kiss Me, Kate, at the Chichester Festival Theatre and at the Old Vic, for which he was nominated for awards, including an Olivier and WhatsOnStage Award.
The statement added: “The King’s Theatre would like to wish a warm welcome to Alex Bourne who will be joining Greg McHugh, Des Clarke, Scott Fletcher and Joanne McGuinness in a spectacular production of Peter Pan which will have audiences of all ages hooked.”
The K ing’s yesterday announced that its pantomime for next year - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
It is being staged for only the second time in 50 years of King’s traditional pantomime productions.
It will run until Sunday January 10 2016.
James Haworth, general manager of the King’s Theatre, said: “As our 50th pantoversary celebrations get into full swing , I’m pleased to announce next year the King’s Theatre will be staging Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
“Proving a big hit in 2010, this popular title is back with even more sparkle and plenty of laughs.”