Thameside Theatre, Grays
Orsett Rd, Grays RM17 5DX
The Pirates are coming.... Oh yes they ARRRGH!
Join us for a swashbuckling adventure that promises fun for the entire family as the Thameside Theatre, Grays 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! So don't delay - set your course for adventure today and Hook your tickets now!
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 Thameside Theatre and this production of The New Adventures of Peter Pan. This is the fifteenth pantomime we have produced here and every year continues to be more exciting and popular! We hope that you will enjoy watching this exciting adventure 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 accessible and 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 36 amaze us every day! A special mention must go to the wonderful staff at the Thameside Theatre who work tirelessly to keep the theatre open and maintained – they might not wear capes but they are all superheroes!
Since 2005 we have produced professional productions of Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk, Peter Pan, Robin Hood, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 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 Thameside Theatre 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!
A message from the Thameside
Pantomime is always the highlight of the year at the Thameside with over 15,000 people coming to watch a traditional performance. I would like to say a big thank you to our wonderful cast, crew and Polka Dot Pantomimes for a wonderful production. A huge well done to the amazing team at the Thameside for all the hard work they put in with making the venue look so festive, helping to promote, supporting our customers and making everyone feel welcome.
The team is supported by the Theatre Management, Box Office Team, Ushers, Technicians, Marketing Team, Thameside Young Producers and Volunteers.
Thank you to all involved in making Christmas so special at the Thameside and thank you to you our audience for supporting our Great Little Theatre. We hope you all have a wonderful time and a very Merry Christmas and we hope to see you again soon.
DIANNA FERRY: THEATRE MANAGER
History
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
MRS SMEE - Luke Coldham
Training: Mountview (Acting BA HONS)
Luke is very excited to be back with Polka Dot for his 9th year at the Thameside Theatre as Dame making this his 39th panto to date!
Luke’s background has been predominately performing in pantomimes up and down the country, as well as writing, producing and directing them. He has also spent many years on the London fringe comedy scene; notably working 4 years for the longest running sketch show in the world “NewsRevue” at the Canal Café Theatre, as well as producing his own original works at the Edinburgh festival and appearing in national tours. He’s a great advocate for professional work for local artistes and will continue to provide platforms for local comedians, performers, and creatives in his adult pantos at the Towngate Theatre, Basildon which this January will see “The only way is Dick”. He is also the chairman of TOPS (Thurrock Operatic Society), artistic director of the Essex Group, publicity officer for Thurrock Courts Players and patron of the Thameside Young Producers.
Since 2004, Luke has been involved in over 50 productions at the Thameside Theatre and continues to be an advocate for its success and future.
He is very much looking forward to flying back to Never Island as Mrs Smee and also absolutely thrilled to be directing it this year! Peter Pan was his first ever panto at the Thameside Theatre with Polka Dot, so he cannot wait to see you all for what is going to be a magical, hilarious and swashbuckling adventure!
PETER PAN - Josh Harrison Yellop
Training: Laine Theatre Arts. Josh is also a professional Irish Dancer.
Theatre includes: Prince Philip - Sleeping Booty (Towngate Theatre) Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk (Thameside Theatre) Christian in Moulin Rouge the Cabaret (Genting Casino) In the Night Garden (UK Tour), The Pirate Queen (London Coliseum), Lord of the Dance (UK Tour) Prince Charming in Slipnella (Towngate Theatre) Prince Henry in Snow White (The Broadway Theatre), Aladdin in Aladdin Me (Towngate Theatre) , Flynn in Rapunzel (The Broadway Theatre) Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk (The Broadway Theatre) u/s Peter Pan in Peter Pan (Cliffs Pavilion) and Cop in Aladdin (Buxton Opera House)
TV/Film: Reconstruction Actor in The British Airways Killer (ITV) Silent Witness (BBC1) It Takes Two (Strictly Come Dancing) Sunday Brunch (Channel 4) Murder in Successville (BBC3)
TINKS - Ella Mclaughlin
Ella is thrilled to be making her professional pantomime debut as Tinks in this year’s magical production of The New Adventures of Peter Pan.
Ella is currently training at Emil Dale Academy, where she is developing her passion for musical theatre and honing her skills in singing, dancing and acting. Although this is her first panto as a professional performer, Ella is no stranger to the sparkle and joy of pantomime, having performed in numerous productions during her childhood - and she’s absolutely delighted to be spreading fairy dust once again!
She would like to thank Emil Dale Academy for their incredible training and support, and Polka Dot Pantomimes for this exciting opportunity.
Ella hopes that you all enjoy the show, cheer on your heroes, boo the baddies, and leave with a heart full of joy - and maybe just a little fairy dust in your hair!
CAPTAIN HOOK - Samuel Ward Smith
Samuel trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, and in his final year was a recipient of the prestigious Sir John Gielgud Bursary Award. Credits include Tin Man in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Gormless in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (Alhambra Dunfermline) Ebenezer Scrooge in ‘A Christmas Carol’, Gorm in ‘The Wagon of Dreams’ (Jellyfish Theatre UK Tour and Italy) Several years of the ‘Playmakers' Project for Go Live Theatre (Formerly Mousetrap Theatre Projects) Doc in ‘Spellz’ (UK Tour for TAG Entertainment and Haven) ’Twas the Night Before Christmas’ (One Person Show, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch) King Rat in ‘Dick Whittington’ , Captain Jack in ‘Lust!’ And Billy Bones in ‘Treasure Island’ (Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch)
WENDY - Isabelle Byrne
Isabelle studied at Italia Conti academy for 5 years and at the age of 16 won a place at the Urdang Academy where she studied there for 3 years and received a level 6 diploma in professional musical theatre.
Isabelle is a local girl born and bred and first performed on the Thameside stage at the age of 3! She is absolutely thrilled to be back at the Thameside Theatre this Christmas playing Wendy and would like to thank her family, friends and agent for all of their support!
Credits: Snow White, Snow White – Polka Dot Pantomimes, Duffy, Annie the Musical UK Tour. Kayla, The Prom (while training). Gloria, Flash Dance the Musical (while in training)
PERSIL THE MERMAID/MRS DARLING/CLAUDIA - Michelle Whitney
Michelle trained at Hertfordshire Theatre School and The Royal Academy of Music
'Whitney' can recently be seen in commercials for Domino's (Domin oh hoo hoo) and Indeed for Ch4 / ITVX
Other commercials include Etisalat (Dubai), AniFit (Switzerland), BBC Bitesize (Don’t learn off randoms) Do It Now! (PPI advert FCA campaign) Sporty Diana (BBC Sport Relief) Principle Ensemble The Magic Flute directed by Sir Kenneth Branagh, Linda Front of House (Mockumentary, Twist of Lime Productions) ADR/ Vocals Guitar Hero live / Eddie the Eagle (Pinewood Group Ltd)
Theatre: Gary Barlow and Tim Firths Calendar Girls The Musical National Tour, Vi Petty / Mary Lou Sokoloff The Buddy Holly Story (Exchange Theatre) Zoe / Swing / Puppeteer Sesame Street Live! Make A New Friend (International tour) Sketch comedy Dyer & Whitney (The Underbelly Festival, Edinburgh Fringe) lead roles in Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Tempest, Measure for Measure (Cambridge Shakespeare Festival / Principle Theatre Company)
Pantomime: Fairy Flutter in Snow White (Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne M2M) Fairy Snowflake, Sleeping Beauty (Medina Theatre M2M) Sheherazade Aladdin (Weymouth Pavilion Theatre M2M) Mrs Darling/ Tiger Lilley/ Mermaid in Peter Pan (Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne M2M) Fairy Flutter in Rapunzel (Weymouth PavilionM2M) Fairy Butterbean Jack and the Beanstalk (The Place, Telford Shone Productions) Fairy Snowflake Sleeping Beauty (Weymouth Pavilion M2M), Billy Bones / Ben Gunn Treasure Island (Tour LP Creatives) Trazza Cinderella Boom Or Bust (The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane) Dorothy The Wizard Of Oz (Weymouth Pavilion Theatre Spillers) Slave Of The Ring Aladdin (Keith Harris and Orville productions) Dandini Cinderella (The Middlesbrough Theatre, Extravaganza)
Whitney is delighted to be making magic at Thameside Theatre this year with Polka Dot Pantomimes!
@Whitneyactress Instagram / tiktok
Ensemble
SAMMY J HEMMINGS – PROFESSIONAL DANCER/ UNDERSTUDY
Sammy is very excited to be returning to Grays this year to celebrate the holidays with you all and excited to be a part of a fantastic production.
He graduated from Masters Performing Arts College back in 2017 and since then has had the chance to work around the world in some fantastic locations for some amazing companies.
He wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
TAYLOR DARK – PROFESSIONAL DANCER/UNDERSTUDY
Taylor is 22 years old and is from Swansea, South Wales.
Taylor began his passion for all things musical theatre at the slightly older age of 18 and didn't look back. Thanks to the guidance of Stage 8 Theatre School in Neath, Taylor got to play a variety of roles such as Galileo in We Will Rock You, Lucas Beineke in The Addams Family Musical, Mr Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors, Skipper in Madagascar, Prince Eric in Little Mermaid, Hugo/Loco Chanel in Everybody's talking about Jamie and Joe in 9 To 5.
Taylor studied at Level 3 at Gower College performing arts and got to play the role of Duke Orsino in Twelth Night the musical. He also had the wonderful opportunity to sing for Christina Modestou for her one woman show back home in Wales.
Taylor is now currently in his 3rd year at Emil Dale Academy and thanks to them, and their support he was given the incredible opportunity to audition for his very first professional show.
Taylor is so excited and proud to be making his professional debut with Polka Dot Pantomimes. Taylor is honoured to be joining Polka Dot Pantomimes and hope to bring cheer, laughter and joy to the audience this festive season.
BLAIZE ARCHER – PROFESSIONAL DANCER/UNDERSTUDY
Blaize trained in professional dance and musical theatre at Italia Conti Academy.
As a junior before graduating from Masters Performing Arts in 2023, having performed in pantomimes from a young age, she’s thrilled to be back with the Polka Dot family this Christmas.
Since 2015, Blaize has worked across television,music videos, short films, theatre, and international corporate events. She’s performed across the UK and abroad, and has just returned from a 4-month retro showcase tour in Egypt.
Blaize is incredibly grateful to Thameside Theatre and also to Polka Dot Pantomimes for having her back, and would like to thank her friends and family for their continued love and support.
Wishing you all a joyful Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
JIMMY FORDHAM REED – PROFESSIONAL DANCER/ UNDERSTUDY
Jimmy began performing at the remarkable age of two at the Thameside theatre and made his stage debut in Peter Pan eight years ago. He brought energy and charm to the role of Tommy in Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge Theatre in London, where he performed for two years. His diverse stage credits also include roles in Into the Woods, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Dick Whittington.
On screen, Jimmy has appeared in the hit series Call the Midwife, Matilda the Film, and Netflix’s Big Boys Don’t Cry, along with several commercial appearances.
Jimmy began his early training at Starshine Stage School and now hones his craft at Footprints Academy of Dance. He is currently pursuing a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre and Performing Arts at MEPA College.
JENSON BACON - PROFESSIONAL DANCER/UNDERSTUDY
Jenson is very excited to be making his professional debut in Never Island this winter. He’s currently completing his 3rd year at Emil Dale academy studying musical theatre and would like to thank them for their continued support.
MADDIE SMITH - PROFESSIONAL DANCER/UNDERSTUDY
Maddie is delighted to be returning to Polka Dot for another magical year of panto fun! This marks her fourth year performing with the company. She trained at Masters Performing Arts and has loved bringing joy to audiences both in the UK and abroad. Most recently, Maddie spent seven months performing in Turkey, and she’s thrilled to be back on stage to spread festive cheer once again.
Maddie wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Chorus (Red Team)
SCARLETT MATTHEWS
SKYLA-RAE BRISTOW
ALBIE HOPTON
BEN SMITH
LOLA REYNOLDS
EVIE NEVILLE
ELLIE-BELLE HALL
MAGGIE STOCK
RUPERT SALE
JAYDEN FATT
ROSIE AUSTEN
SAMARA-ELISE BANKS
Chorus (Blue Team)
BROOKE BURVILL
AVA CRITCHELL
EMMA DENNIS
NIAMH BURFORD
PENNY HARE
OLIVIA MEADE
ESME MASSEY
ELOISE STEWART
GEORGIA CHAPPELL
KACIE-LEA COLLINS
PACHA BUSBY
SHANIA WILLIAMS
Chorus (Yellow Team)
AMELIA TARLING
DAISY NASH
ESME JARMYN-PURVIS
ISABELLE GARDNER
BROOKE REYNOLDS
ELPHINE HERRETT
GRACE HAMM
DANIELLE BIRD
BELLA CHAPMAN
KADIE-JANE BENNETT
SCARLETT GOUDIE
SCARLETT KEEPING
Production Team
DIRECTOR: LUKE COLDHAM
CHOREOGRAPHER: VIKKI BUSSELL
VOCAL COACH: VIKKI LYONS
WRITERS: DARREN MADDISON, DARREN O'SULLIVAN, LUKE ATTWOOD & ALISTER WILMOTT
COSTUMES: POLKA DOT PANTOMIMES
COMPANY STAGE MANAGER: FRANKI MCEWEN
DEPUTY STAGE MANAGER: ELISABETH MOSS
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER: MICHAEL SOUTHGATE
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER (TECH): ALFIE WILLIAMS
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER: CHARLOTTE POGOSE
LIGHTING DESIGNER: PHIL PATTIE
SOUND DESIGNER/OPERATOR: KANE CROCKER
WARDROBE SUPERVISOR: SHERYLYN DUKE
HEAD CHAPERONE: ALISON FORDHAM
Polka Dot Pantomimes
COMPANY DIRECTOR: DARREN MADDISON
PRODUCER: CATHERINE MAYER
TECHNICAL PRODUCER: BEV A.M. PASKELL
FINANCE: HELEN WRIGHT
CREATIVE PRODUCER: 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
Scene 10 – UNDER THE SEA
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 – FLYING THROUGH LIFE
Song 3 – LET SMEE ENTERTAIN YOU
Song 4 – CROCODILE ROCK
Song 5 – SWIM
Song 6 – UV K POP
ACT TWO
Song 7 – ENTERATCE
Song 8 – IT’S A PIRATE’S LIFE
Song 9 – TOGETHER WE ARE ONE
Song 10 – THERE YOU’LL BE
Song 11 – PINK PONY CLUB
Song 12 – SOMEBODY TO LOVE
Song 13 – SEA SHANTY SONG SHEET
Song 14 – APT BOWS
Song 15 – GOLDEN
