HMT panto stars have just brought a bit of festive magic to Aberdeen – revealing the full cast and glittering costumes four months before they turn His Majesty’s Theatre into Neverland.
But before The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan arrives in Aberdeen on Saturday December 3, the talented cast – Alan McHugh, PJ Corrigan, Brendan Cole, Danielle Jam and Michael Karl-Lewis – took the time to venture to Codona’s to talk to the P&J about the festive extravaganza.
“It’s not a chore, it’s not a job – it’s a delight and privilege to come back every year. It’s a riot for all the right reasons,” said Dame Alan who also writes and directs the Christmas show.
“I’ve done panto in many places but Aberdeen is the best audience in the country as far as I’m concerned – and the best team.
“It’s my 19th year but my 18th panto because of the year we missed due to Covid.
“I’m playing Dame Maggie Celeste – named after the famous ghost ship.”
And how many outrageous costumes can we expect this year?
“I think about 13 – every one more ridiculous than the last,” said Alan before adding: “Dignity at all times!”
Familiar faces return to HMT panto
Alan won’t be the only one returning to HMT this year. PJ Corrigan will be back too, this time playing Smee – hiya pal!
We wondered what it felt like to be everyone’s favourite Glaswegian in Aberdeen during the festive season.
“It’s not often you can say that,” said PJ.
“This is my third year in Aberdeen. When I first arrived I was really nervous about how the audience might take me but they were really really great and it’s really nice to be back.”
Brendan Cole plays the baddie
No stranger to Aberdeen audiences is Strictly dancer Brendan Cole who will be making his Aberdeen panto debut as Captain Hook – but is he going to be dancing?
“This is something I haven’t really thought about,” said Brendan.
“Obviously, being a baddie, I’m not sure there’s ever been a dancing baddie before… so it’s trying to make the role my own.
“I’ve waited a long time to play a baddie. I think (Captain Hook) is a pretty interesting role to play. I need to find the dancing niche within the role but I love this.
“I love Aberdeen – it’s a great city to be in. It’s lovely here in the summer. And in winter? I’ll bring my coat.”
Returning to HMT panto Peter Pan after 12 years
Returning to the HMT panto after more than a decade will be Aberdeen actor Michael Karl-Lewis.
“When I was 12 I actually played little Michael Darling in Peter Pan – which was 12 years ago,” said Michael.
“It feels like a full circle to be Peter Pan this year – it’s mad and I can’t wait.
“Playing Peter Pan is such a dream – everybody loves the story.”
Described as a high-flying panto, the cast promise a few of them will get to fly this Christmas.
“People are paying good hard-earned many to come see the panto – there would be riots at the box office if there was no flying,” laughed Alan.
“Yes, they can expect flying from Peter, they can expect flying from Tinkerbell and they can expect a wee bit of flying from me as well – I’m just putting it out there, it’s worth the ticket money alone.”
Returning to work magic for her second stint at the panto is another Aberdeen talent – Danielle Jam – who will play Tinkerbell after stealing the show last year as Belle in The Beauty And The Beast.
And the gifted actress is looking forward to sharing the HMT stage with fellow north-east actor Michael.
She said: “I’m so excited and so happy that it’s Michael. We both did the same youth theatre, we have a million mutual friends so it feels like I just made a new friend even though I only met him a few days ago.”
Focus on Doric
It’s not just local actors who are a huge part of the show – Aberdeen’s local dialect always adds another dimension to the festive show.
And Danielle’s Tinkerbell will be a feisty Doric fairy.
“Personally, I don’t even know half the (Doric) words,” said Danielle.
“I’ll be going to my grandma and Alan… it’s a whole new language.”
And how’s Brendan coping with Doric?
“It was new to me,” said the performer.
“My father is Scottish so I should have known a little bit no, I know nothing so it’ll be a learning curve – hopefully not a slow one.”
Panto provides escapism
With Covid-19 and the cost of living crisis, HMT panto stars hope Peter Pan can provide a bit of escapism.
“We’re in a very privileged position and we know people have bought these tickets almost a year in advance. Everyone’s got their situation in life and it’s our duty to take them out of their lives for 2,5 hours and put a smile on their face.
“It’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly. We want to give them (audiences) the best night of their lives.”
“It’s such a special time of year of all the family coming together – there’s something for absolutely everyone in panto, especially the one at His Majesty’s,” added Michael.
“It’s an honour to be part of it.”
How to book tickets to see The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan at HMT
The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan is at HMT from Saturday December 3 to Sunday January 8. Tickets can be purchased here.
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