The Albert Halls, Bolton
Victoria Square, Bolton, BL1 1RU
The Pirates are coming.... Oh yes they ARRRGH!
Join us for a swashbuckling adventure that promises fun for the entire family as The Albert Halls, Bolton proudly presents The New Adventures Of Peter Pan.
Take flight alongside Peter, Wendy, and Tinks as we venture into Never Island and set sail on Captain Hook's pirate ship. This thrilling adventure features spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes, amazing special effects, lots of audience participation, plenty of comedy and a good helping of fairy dust!
Our celebrity and West End cast will leave you believing in the power of magic in this perfect festive treat that features all the best elements of a traditional pantomime, so don't delay - set your course for adventure today and Hook your tickets now!
Programme
Polka Dot Pantomimes are delighted to welcome you to the Albert Halls and this production of The New Adventures of Peter Pan. This is the sixth pantomime we have produced here following the success of Aladdin (2019), Beauty and the Beast (2021), Jack and the Beanstalk (2022), Cinderella (2023)and Rapunzel(2024). We hope that you will enjoy watching this magical pantomime as much as we have enjoyed producing it.
For the 2025/2026 season we are producing nine professional pantomimes in Spalding, Bolton, Grantham, Harpenden, Grays, Hastings, Bristol, Didcot and Christchurch. Our pantomimes are consistently of the highest standards and we are delighted that every year we get to work with exceptionally talented performers, wonderful theatre staff, dedicated and hard working backstage teams, and our amazing creative teams - all of who put 100% effort into making our shows successful! We also love working with our three teams of children’s chorus and our wonderful chaperones – once again we had over 100 young people attend the auditions and the chosen 24 amaze us every day!
Since 2005 we have produced professional productions of Aladdin, Jack & The Beanstalk, Peter Pan, Robin Hood, Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, The Wizard of Oz, Rapunzel, Dick Whittington and Beauty and the Beast.
We are delighted to be producing professional pantomime at the Albert Halls again this year and would like to take this opportunity to thank you for supporting your local theatre – we appreciate you spending your time with us and choosing to watch this production –
THANK YOU!
From all of us at Polka Dot Pantomimes, we hope you enjoy this wonderful show and we would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2026!
History of Peter Pan
J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up was first performed at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London on 27 December 1904. While not originally intended as a pantomime, its magical story, youthful energy, and adventurous spirit made it a perfect fit for the genre, and it soon became a festive favourite.
Early productions remained faithful to Barrie’s play, but as pantomime traditions evolved, so did Peter Pan. Key additions included a stronger emphasis on comedy, audience participation, and larger-than-life characters. The role of Peter Pan is traditionally played by a female performer, following the pantomime tradition of the principal boy, while Captain Hook is often portrayed by a well-known male actor or comedian in the classic villain role.
One of Peter Pan's defining features in pantomime is its spectacular flying sequences. From early counterweight systems to modern harnesses and automation, the ability of Peter and the Darling children to "fly" has remained a highlight of every production. Special effects, elaborate sets, and large ensemble numbers further enhance the magical atmosphere.
Unlike more traditional pantomimes, Peter Pan does not always feature a pantomime dame, though comic characters are often added to provide slapstick humour. Many productions introduce a Smee character as Hook’s bumbling sidekick, creating opportunities for audience interaction. Music, often a mix of contemporary songs and original compositions, helps bring the show to life.
Today, Peter Pan remains a staple of the pantomime season, regularly performed in theatres across the UK. Some productions stay true to Barrie’s original, while others fully embrace pantomime traditions, adding new characters and topical humour. With its timeless appeal and the promise of adventure, Peter Pan continues to enchant audiences of all ages, ensuring that the magic of Neverland lives on.
Principal Cast
SMEE - Lloyd Warbey
Actor, presenter, and host of the children's TV classic Disney’s Art Attack remake, Lloyd Warbey completed his professional training at the East 15
Acting School near London, where he developed his love for theatre, performance, and live entertainment.
UK TV commercials include Honour magic7 lite, Majestic Wine Spring & Christmas, Ye Olde Oak Hot Dog & Leisure Range Cookers. His radio and theatre credits include ‘Phillppe’ in
Beauty & the Beast’ (Vietnam 2024 Ha Noi & Ho Chi Minh), ‘Muddles’ in Sleeping Beauty (Chesterfield 2023 & Rickmandsworth 2022 - PHA), the title role in 'Peter Pan' (Malvern - UKP), 'John' in Ordinary Heroes (6-Episode
Drama, BBC Radio 4), Fragments - Six Short Plays (The Queen's Theatre), 'Timothy' in G & T, 'Peter Pan' (Tunbridge Wells - UK Productions),
'Judah' in Joseph & His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (UK No. 1 Tour - Bill Kenwright), 'Tima' in The Jungle Book (UK No. 1 Tour - Birmingham Stage Company), 'Silly Simon' in Jack & The Beanstalk, 'Wishie Washie' in Aladdin, both at the Brid Spa -PHA, 'Feste' in Twelfth Night, and 'Lodovico' in Othello, part of Arrow & Traps Rep Season at UpStairs at the Gatehouse. Other notable roles include 'Dandini' in Cinderella (Derby Arena - PHA), 'Herbie The Huntsman' in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Ferham Hall,
Fareham - Jordan Productions), the title role in Aladdin (The Sands Centre), 'Idle Jake' in Dick Whittington (Ferham Hall - Jordan Productions), 'Fleshlumpeater' in The BFG (Derby
Theatre), 'Silly Billy' in Sleeping Beauty (The Sands Centre), Actor in Rinaldo
(Glyndebourne Opera House), and Ba-loo/Taz in The Jungle Book (Dubai).
Away from theatre, commercials, and radio, Lloyd is best known as the presenter of the long-running kids' show Disney’s Art Attack. The much-loved show, aimed at sparking the
imagination and creativity of children, first shot to success in the UK 1990. Hosting the iconic show was a dream come true for Lloyd when he took over in 2012. Although filming has now stopped, you can catch over 150 episodes online and on repeats.
Lloyd is also the director of an UK events company, Glow Experiential Agency, which offers fun interactive art workshops, Grotto Management, school projects, and large-scale bespoke events. For more information, email info@workwithglow.co.uk.
Follow Lloyd on Instagram @lloydwarbey to see what he is up to.
CAPTAIN HOOK - Kivan Dene
Kivan is relishing a villainous return to the Albert Halls this Christmas after playing King Bumble in last years “Rapunzel” & voicing many characters for Polka Dot Pantomimes shows throughout the UK.
He can currently be seen in Waterloo Road (BBC/Iplayer), Mr. Bates vs the Post Office (ITV), Red Rose (BBC/Netflix) & feature film Morningstar (Trinity Media).
Recent credits include: Tom in Coronation Street (ITV), Vince Fontaine in Grease: The Live Experience (Birmingham NEC), Yondu in Guardians of the Galaxy: Live experience (Secret Cinema/Disney/Marvel Studios), Tony in musical Innit (The Lowry, Salford) & multiple roles in immersive show Alcotraz (Inventive Productions).
Further credits include: Peaky Blinders (BBC,Tiger Aspect), Fred & Rose (CH5, Nine Lives Media) Inspector Hector: Crime Detector & The Earth Project (Bluestocking Theatre), Brendan in Boyfriend Stroke Husband (Viaduct Theatre), A Touch of Magic & Martin in A Fine Life (ABW Productions), Jeff GoldFish in Crystal Maze LIVE! Experience (Little Lion), Fluellen in Henry 5 (Brick Wall Ensemble), Mercutio in Romeo & Juliet (Worcester Repertory), Hawker/Les in The Ale House (Grand Central Hall, Liverpool), Brian/Lead Guitarist in Leave Hitler to Me Lad (DuckEgg Theatre), Mad Hatter in Mad Hatter’s G&T Party (Fever), Lead puppeteer/presenter in The Gruffalo Experience (Unit 10 Eventive). Narrator for BBC schools radio series; Listen & Play, numerous appearances in Emmerdale (YTV). King Rat in Dick Whittington for Qdos (Civic Theatre, Chelmsford). Ralph in Bouncers, Al in Hopeless Romantics, Jack in This Might Hurt, Spud in The Debt Collectors, Steph in Thick As Thieves (which he co-wrote for the stage), Kev in STAND, Tom in Seconds Out, Mac in Studs, Gavin in Dead Fish & Tony in Up ‘N’ Under (all UK tours for Reform Theatre). Feste (& M.D) in Twelfth Night, Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Don John/Dobgberry in Much Ado About Nothing, Mercutio in Romeo & Juliet, Banquo in Macbeth, Smee in Peter Pan, Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood (Page-2-Stage). Mick in Ocean’s 5 ½ (Northumberland Theatre Company).
Follow on Instagram: kivandene X: @KivanDene
PETER PAN - Calum O’Rourke
Last festive season, Calum took to the skies with his role of Peter Pan in The Magical Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan at The White Rock Theatre in Hastings. Some of Calum's other previous credits include Jack Frost in 'Jack Frost and the Guardians of Childhood', Daniel in 'I Love You Mum, I Promise I Won't Die' and Young Laertes in Feature Film 'Ophelia', Dir. Claire McCarthy.
Calum writes and produces his own music and has been releasing material for over 7 years on multiple online streaming platforms. As well as singing, Calum also plays the guitar and has a Degree in Songwriting and Music Production.
Calum is overjoyed to return to play Peter Pan this year at The Albert Halls Theatre this Christmas Period.
TINKS - Megan Edmondson
Megan trained in musical theatre at Laine Theatre Arts in Surrey and since leaving has worked in just about every area of the industry of this business we call showbiz.
She’s travelled the world as a leading vocalist with Viking cruises, popped up on TV as the face of ‘HAYS TRAVEL’ in a recent TV commercial and also appeared on stage in ‘TONIGHT SOMEONE DIES (UK Tour)’, THICK AS THIEVES (McQueens Theatre, London) & AN INTIMATE EVENING OF SONG (Courtyard Theatre, London).
In between she has brought fun and laugher to several pantomimes and has played Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, a friendly fairy (more than once) and she has always wanted to play ‘Tinks’ in Peter Pan so is absolutely delighted to be spreading some of her fairy dust in Bolton this Christmas!
WENDY - Chelsey Morgan
Chelsey trained at the Hammond School of performing arts in Chester graduating with a BA (honours) degree in Musical Theatre. She has recently performed in some great shows playing ‘Little Red Riding Hood in ‘Into the woods’ & hitting the dance floor in both ‘Strictly does Dirty dancing’ & ‘Strictly goes to the movies’.
Chelsey is excited to be making her professional Pantomime debut as ‘Wendy’ at the Iconic Bolton Albert halls this Christmas & can’t wait to bring her youthful energy, singing, dancing & acting talents to what promises to be a fun & magical production for all the family.
She is absolutely over the moon to be joining the amazing cast of ‘The New Adventures of Peter Pan’ in this well-known & much loved seasonal adventure.
MRS DARLING/PERSIL - Ella Heywood
Actor and singer Ella has been performing since the age of four with youth groups, performing professionally for the first time when she was seven in Coronation Street (ITV) as a supporting artist. Since then, she has pursued a career in acting, training at the Jim Cartwright Drama Studio and Oldham Theatre Workshop and finally graduating Queen Mary University of London with a BA (Hons) in 2019. Most recently, she has completed filming for new Riley Bramley-Dymond film Minotaur, playing Genine.
Theatre credits include: Cordelia in Lear (Hope Mill Theatre & Shakespeare North), Ida in Realms Of Glory (53 Two), Chelsea Girl in Just A Minute (The Lowry).
Film/TV Credits include: Genine in Minotaur (dir. Riley Bramley-Dymond), Lisa in Oxtail (dir. Joshua Reeves) and Makeup Artist in We Are Not Alone (dir. Fergal Costello) and Zelda in Exist Without Anyone Knowing (dir. Raheela Suleman).
Credits whilst training include: Chelsea Girl in Just a Minute, Louise in Osama The Hero, Egeus in A Midsummer Nights Dream, and No.3 in Festival Of Plays.
Ensemble
ORLA REVILLE – PROFESSIONAL DANCER/ UNDERSTUDY
Originally from Scotland, Orla trained at Morea Performing Arts where she graduated with a diploma in Dance and Performing Arts. While training she also gained a Diploma in Dance Education with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing.
Previously, Orla has performed in several shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, as ensemble in ‘Oliver! The Musical’ (The Edinburgh Playhouse) and in numerous local pantomimes as a juvenile, including ‘Cinderella’ and ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’.
Christmas has always been Orla’s favourite time of year and so she is thrilled to be back for her third year performing at the Albert Halls. Orla would like to thank Darren and the team at Polka Dot Pantomimes for this fantastic opportunity and her family and friends for their constant, unwavering support. Orla is proud to be represented by Tyler Sargent Associates.
LARA JAYNE EROL – PROFESSIONAL DANCER/UNDERSTUDY
Lara Jayne Erol graduated from Masters Performing Arts College in 2023 and is thrilled to be back at the Albert Halls working with Polka Dot for this year’s Pantomime of ‘The New Adventures of Peter Pan’!
Lara enjoyed being part of pantomime as a child in her hometown of Gainsborough and made her adult pantomime debut with Polka Dot in 2021 performing in Dick Whittington.
Lara has just returned to the UK after spending 9 months performing at the ‘Neverland Dinner Show’ in Egypt. Last year she was also busy touring the UK singing and dancing in ‘Total Pop Party’.
Lara would like to thank Polka Dot Pantomimes for having her back to work with them for a 4th year and is looking forward to spending Christmas back in Bolton spreading panto cheer! She hopes you enjoy the show and wishes her family, friends and everyone watching a Magical Christmas and a Happy New Year!
MORGAN HARRY – PROFESSIONAL DANCER/ UNDERSTUDY
Morgan graduated from Urdang where he studied Dance and Musical theatre.
Morgan’s Credits include: Aaron & Reporter in Ghostlight (The Union Theatre) Dancer in West End & Broadway Spectacular (The Other Palace) Dancer in Melanin Migration : The Journey (Curve Theatre) Dancer in Hoods The Musical: The Chicago Freeze (Music Video) Dancer in All About The Fight : Going The Distance (UK Tour) Dancer in The Taylor Swift Cabaret (New Wimbledon Theatre) Dancer in The Pearl (UK Tour) Dancer / Singer for Fred Olsen’s Bolette Cast 5 (Cruise) Dancer / Singer for Fred Olsen’s Bolette Cast 6 (Cruise)
Morgan is very excited to be debuting in his first ever pantomime this year.
JOSEPH LEWIS – PROFESSIONAL DANCER/UNDERSTUDY
Joseph trained at Emil Dale Academy, BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre graduating in 2022.
Joseph’s credits whilst training includes Assistant Dance Captain in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Bill/Ensemble in Made in Dagenham, Cinderella Prince in Into the woods.
Theatre credits: Swing in Dick Whittington (Royal & Derngate), Morris/Young Ronnie in Our Day Out (Oldham Coliseum), Ensemble and Cover in Cinderella (Crewe Lyceum), Swing Featured Dancer (NCLH Creative Studios), Singer/Dancer (Fred Olsen Cruise Line), Featured Dancer (Oceania Cruise Line), Michael Darling in Peter Pan (Stockport Plaza).
Other credits: Peter in Obsessed with being his Prey, Head Elf in Mission Chrstmassive advert at The Trafford Centre 2023, Barber Shop Boy in Key 103 Thousand Faces campaign, Tom “the pupil” in DFE Train to Teach.
Joseph would like to thank his friends and family as well as Kennedys School of Performing Arts for their constant support and cannot wait to be performing in Peter Pan in Bolton this Christmas.
JACKSON GOUGH – PROFESSIONAL DANCER/UNDERSTUDY
Jackson Gough is a dynamic actor and vocalist with a strong foundation in musical theatre and a proficiency in dance. A 2024 graduate of the Performance Preparation Academy (PPA), Jackson has spent three years honing his craft. He is thrilled to be part of this production and looks forward to bringing this production to life alongside such a talented creative team.
RIO ALKER – PROFESSIONAL DANCER/UNDERSTUDY
Angel Rio Mark Attouche Alker (Rio) is seventeen years old, and he lives locally to the Bolton area. Rio is currently studying a dance teaching diploma at PCD (Preston college dance). The genres that Rio is equipped in, include ballet, tap, jazz, heels and commercial. Rio's interests would be modelling, drawing, and stretching. When it comes to strengths, he would say his are that he’s trustworthy, enthusiastic, mature and a hard worker in and out of the studio. A challenge Rio has faced was the MOVE IT dance convention in London, that he attended in March. Successfully he had the honour of representing PCD twice on the main stage, so that definitely pushed Rio out of his comfort zone and challenged him. Rio is so excited for the upcoming winter period and to begin panto season, as it is always his favourite time of the year. Especially he is looking forward to learning new things, growing, meeting new people, and starting his very first professional contract!
Chorus (Red Team)
FRANKIE IRLAM
EVA JOHNSON
HOLLIE SMITH
LACEY-BELLE FISHWICK
CERYS LAW
EMILY SPEAKMAN
MARNI MAI LEWIS
AVA MEREDITH
BRONTЁ BRERETON
ELENA-ROSE MYERS
ISABELLA TODD
ABIGAIL ECCLES
Chorus (Blue Team)
BETSY BELL
ALISHA CHEN
HALLE EDWARDS
EVAN HUGHES
HALLE BLANCHARD
MATTHEW CHEN
EVIE PRINCE
ALICE BRIERLEY
MADISON HICKEY
EVA ASHWORTH
TILLY RIGBY
SAFI WRIGHT
Chorus (Yellow Team)
MYA COLLINGS
EOWYN GORE
MILLIE FAN
MAYA SKYE GERRAR
POPPY BATES
AVA ROSE BRAMER
ISLA PARDEN-BELL
FRANKIE BROWN
WILLOW MCLEOD
SCARLETT ATKINSON
SOFIA SIMMONS
ESSIE EVANS
Production Team
DIRECTOR: ALISTER WILMOTT
CHOREOGRAPHER: LUCY ROSE ROLLASON
WRITERS: DARREN MADDISON, DARREN O'SULLIVAN, LUKE ATTWOOD & ALISTER WILMOTT
MUSICAL SUPERVISOR: STEVE HESSION
VOCAL COACH: ALISTER WILMOTT
SCENERY: PAUL LAZELL
COSTUMES: POLKA DOT PANTOMIMES
COMPANY MANAGER: BRYAN MALCOLM
STAGE MANAGER: ANDREW PARMAR
DEPUTY STAGE MANAGER: RIANNA McINTOSH
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER: KA MING CHU
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER: ZOE BOWERS
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER: DAVE HAYCOCK
Polka Dot Pantomimes
COMPANY DIRECTOR: DARREN MADDISON
PRODUCER: CATHERINE MAYER
TECHNICAL PRODUCER: BEV A.M. PASKELL
FINANCE: HELEN WRIGHT
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: TONY MAYER
ADMINISTRATOR: ELAINE BARRON-CLARK
HEAD OF CASTING: LUKE ATTWOOD
SOCIAL MEDIA: JOEY RODAK
MUSICAL SUPERVISOR: STEVE HESSION
Scene Synopsis
ACT ONE
Prologue – PROLOGUE! A STARRY NIGHT
Scene 1 – LONDON TOWN
Scene 2 – THE DARLING’S NURSERY
Scene 3 – LONDON ROOFTOPS
Scene 4 – THE EDGE OF NEVER ISLAND
Scene 5 – NEVER ISLAND
Scene 6– THE EDGE OF NEVER ISLAND
Scene 7 – HOME OF THE NOANA TRIBE
Scene 8 – BUCANEER’S BAY
Scene 9 – MERMAID’S LAGOON
ACT TWO
Prologue to Act Two – A STARRY NIGHT
Scene 1 – ONBOARD AMAZONIA PRIME
Scene 2 – BUCANEER’S BAY
Scene 3 – THE LOST KIDS HIDEOUT
Scene 4 – THE EDGE OF NEVER ISLAND
Scene 5 – ONBOARD AMAZONIA PRIME
Scene 6 – SONG SHEET
Scene 7 – ONBOARD AMAZONIA PRIME FINALE
Song List
ACT ONE
Song 1 – ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
Song 2 – DEFYING GRAVITY
Song 3 – LET SMEE ENTERTAIN YOU
Song 4 – CROCODILE ROCK
Song 5 – THE TWELVE DAYS AT SEA
Song 6 – THE TWELVE DAYS AT SEA REPRISE
Song 7 – SWIM
Song 8 – GOLDEN
ACT TWO
Song 9 – ENTERATCE
Song 10 – IT’S A PIRATE’S LIFE
Song 11 – SHINE YOUR WAY
Song 12 – THERE YOU’LL BE
Song 13 – PINK PONY CLUB
Song 14 – SOMEBODY TO LOVE
Song 15 – APT BOWS
Song 16 – GOLDEN REPRISE
