There is treasure to be had in the Bridges shopping centre this summer! The newly opened indoor beach today launched a hook-tastic competition alongside Sunderland Empire as the countdown to the festive season commences (it’s just 146 days to go until Christmas Day!).
First on the trail of the treasure map was Peter Pan’s Lost Boys after hearing through the grapevine that the dastardly Captain Hook had hidden golden tickets in the sandy playground paradise! The rumours are correct! Every Friday for the remainder of the school holidays from 10am – 12 noon, a treasure competition will be running at the Bridges and one lucky visitor to the indoor beach will have the chance to win one of five family tickets to Sunderland Empire’s swashbuckling pantomime adventure, Peter Pan (14 December 2018 – 6 January 2019).
Samantha Czwordon-Auld, Marketing Manager at the Bridges shopping centre said:
“Nothing says Peter Pan better than our pirate themed summer beach - and it’s fantastic that Sunderland Empire Theatre have chosen it as the place to host their panto competition. We think it’ll be a big hit with parents and their little pirates!”
The Lost Boys launching the treasure hunt today aka the successful actors from Northern Star Theatre Arts, will be taking centre stage later this year after auditions in front of pantomime producers, UK Productions. Harry Davison, Connell Donoghue, Oliver Ross, Zach Larsen, Harry McDonagh and Jake Cooper have all secured parts in Peter Pan at the Sunderland Empire alongside Euan Freeman and Ethan Boyd who’ll take on the role of John and Michael retrospectively. The roles of the Lost Boys and John and Michael will be alternated alongside performers from both Kathleen Davis Stage School and Shameem Karim School of Performing Arts.
This will be Northern Star’s first pantomime at the Sunderland Empire, but they are no stranger to the spotlight after appearances over the years in professional touring productions of Evita, Joseph (alongside Joe McElderry) and Annie.
Geri Feeney, Northern Star Theatre Arts said:
“Northern Star are very excited that some of our boys have been chosen to perform in this years pantomime Peter Pan at Sunderland Empire Theatre. This is yet another wonderful achievement for our students on the back of 2 professional productions of Joseph and Evita. We are very proud of the hard work and dedication of our students and staff. It is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our talented youngsters. Northern Star classes run from Sunderland College Bede Campus training 4-16 year olds in Performing Arts.”
Seasoned performers from Kathleen Davis Stage School, Shameem Karim School of Performing Arts and The Worx – Dance Theatre Arts will also return to Sunderland Empire this pantomime season with full casting to be announced.
All local performers will share the stage with this years star-studded cast including award winning actor Jamie Lomas (Hollyoaks, Eastenders, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here) as the dastardly Captain Hook, CBBC’s Richard McCourt aka ‘Dick’ from Dick and Dom will be going solo as Hooks right-hand man Mr Smee! Topped off by everyone’s favourite Barry-born omelette flipping mum, Melanie Walters from BBC’s BAFTA winning series ‘Gavin and Stacey’ as the delightful Mrs Darling with Josh Andrews (Cats, Book of Mormon and 42nd Street) as Peter Pan.
John Cliff, Head of Marketing and Communications, Sunderland Empire said:
“It is fantastic to work with our friends over at the Bridges shopping centre to run this fun summer competition. After launching Peter Pan on the majestic backdrop of the Tall Ships last month we have pantomime season well and truly in our sights and we can’t wait to welcome back UK Productions for what promises to be another high-flying adventure for all the family.”
So hoist the mainsail and get set to fly to Neverland as another PAN-tastic pantomime adventure hits Sunderland, with laughs-a-plenty, live music, flying and audience participation guaranteed!
Martin Dodd for UK Productions by arrangement with
Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity and Samuel French Limited proudly present
Peter Pan
Adapted from the book by J.M. Barrie
Tickets available from the Box Office on High Street West, via the ticket centre 0844 871 3022* or www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland *calls cost 7p per minute plus standard network charges. Booking and transaction fees may apply to telephone and online bookings.