White Rock Theatre, Hastings
White Rock, Hastings, TN34 1JX
The Pirates are coming.... Oh yes they ARRRGH!
Join us for a swashbuckling adventure that promises fun for the entire family as The White Rock Theatre, Hastings presents The Magical Pantomime Adventures Of Peter Pan.
Take flight alongside Peter, Wendy, and Tinker Bell as we venture into Neverland and set sail on Captain Hook's pirate ship. Brace yourselves to meet the crazy crew and test your sea legs in this thrilling adventure that 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. Don't delay - set your course for adventure today and Hook your tickets now!
Principal Cast
TINKS - Alexandra Mardell
Alexandra Mardell is a Northern actress who has just been cast in the BBC comedy SMOGGIE QUEENS. Alexandra was recently seen in the family sitcom FAMILY PILE as a series regular. She is best known for playing the role of Emma Brooker in CORONATION STREET for which she won the British Soap Award for Best Newcomer and was nominated for both Best Newcomer and Serial Drama Performance at the National Television Awards. Other credits include ITV’s crime drama series VERA and the STRICTLY COME DANCING CHRISTMAS SPECIAL which Alexandra won in 2022.
WENDY - 'Dynamite' Emily Steel
Dynamite, aka Emily Steel, is the youngest star in the current line-up of BBC’s Gladiators and her tagline is small, explosive and dangerous! Emily competes internationally in CrossFit and weightlifting competitions and is the current Under 23’s weightlifting champion. In 2022 finished 1st place in the world-renowned Arnold Fitness Games as well as 1st place at the European Championships in 2020.
Audiences can expect Emily to bring some serious star power to the role of Wendy in her panto debut and Emily wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
HOOK - Tim McArthur
Tim McArthur is an Actor, Presenter, Playwright and Theatre Director.
His acting credits include Demetrius in Eurovision Your Decision 2024 (Kings Head Theatre) Eurovision Your Decision 2023, (Wonderville) Cook in Queens Laundry UK Tour for the Toy Project. Baker in Into the Woods and soloist in A Perfect Christmas (Cockpit); In Gay Company (RADA); Bathhouse and The Silence of the Lambs (Above the Stag); Assassins (Pleasance); Blair on Broadway (Arts); Company (Westcliff); Forever Plaid (UK tour); South Pacific (Aberystwyth); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Chelmsford and Middlesbrough); Godspell (Millfield); As You Like It (Colchester); Another Country and Twelfth Night (Catford); You’re Gonna Love Tomorrow and The Golden Key (Greenwich); Fred Astaire: His Daughter’s Tribute (London Palladium); Dame in Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, Dick Whittington and Cinderella (Hereford); Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Hayes); Aladdin (Chelmsford) and Charming Dick (Cockpit). From 2018 he has been Dame in Sleeping Beauty, Jack and the Beanstalk, Aladdin and Robin Hood at the White Rock Theatre in Hastings for Qdos. From 2022 for Imagine Theatre, Beauty and the Beast and Fairy Godmother in Cinderella. This year he returns to play the baddie, Hook in Peter Pan.
Solo shows
Tim has performed his one-man show Mountains at 54 Below in NYC, St James Theatre, Jermyn Street, Above the Arts, Pride Arts Centre (Chicago); Tim McArthur and Chums (London Hippodrome); A New Direction (Theatre Lounge in Kuala Lumpur); Ding Dong (Purcell Room) Tim Sings Sondheim’s Divas (Tada Theatre, (NYC), UK tour, Above the Arts. Several Seasons at Drews On Halstead (Chicago). He has supported Helen Lederer (UK tour); Graham Norton (Hilton); Julian Clary (Savoy) and, for three years has hosted monthly concerts for the Sondheim Society; appeared in Sondheim Unplugged (Hippodrome) and SingEasy (Pianoworks, London) and also the presenter on “Stages The Musical Theatre Festival” on the Explorer of The Seas
His television credits include EastEnders; Ginger Beer and The Richard Blackwood Show. He appeared in two of Passengers Music Videos in 2020. And a commercial for Bwin (Spain)
Tim also has numerous writing, radio and presenting credits.
Twitter @Tim_McArthur
Instagram mcarthur.tim
SMEE - Ben Watson
Ben trained at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and the National Youth Theatre.
Over the past decade, he is proud to have appeared as the comic at White Rock. Previous pantomimes include Aladdin, Beauty and The Beast, Cinderella, Dick Whittington, Peter Pan, Robin Hood and Sleeping Beauty. He has also directed five Summer Youth Projects at the theatre: Oliver!, Grease, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Matilda and The Wizard Of Oz.
His theatre credits include: Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em (UK Tour), Around the World in 80’s Days (Blackpool Grand), I Capture the Castle (Watford Palace/Bolton Octagon), The Jungle Book (Birmingham Stage Company), Peter Pan (Beck Theatre, Hayes), Jack and the Beanstalk (Watford Palace), Cinderella (Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds), Beauty and the Beast (Blackeyed Theatre), Who’s Harry? (Fringe First Winner - Pleasance, Edinburgh Festival), The Blues Brothers Party (UK/International Tours), Mania - The ABBA Tribute (New Theatre, Oxford), Eurovision Your Decision (Wonderville), A Midsummer Night’s Dream/The Comedy of Errors (Cambridge Shakespeare Festival), Mrs Warren’s Profession (Theatre Royal Bath) and The Postman and the Poet (Original cast recording).
Alongside performing, he has written and directed for Newsrevue (Pleasance Beyond, Edinburgh Festival), and written for The Treason Show (Komedia, Brighton). He is also the creator of comedy shows The History of Everything and Mind the Monsters (Oxford Playhouse).
Film and Television credits include The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe (Netflix), Ten Minutes (Cannes Film Festival) In The Mix (Filmlab), Heroes and Villains and Guest Presenter appearances on CBBC.
PETER PAN - Calum O'Rourke
Calum's 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 6 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 has used these skills to perform Gigs all around London to build on his stage presence and stay involved in the industry.
Calum is overjoyed to play Peter Pan in "The Magical Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan" at the White Rock Theatre this Christmas Period. The role is a dream come true for him, blending his passion for theatre with the magic of a beloved story. He eagerly anticipates soaring through the air, bringing Neverland to life. The role challenges him and fuels his personal growth, and he is grateful for the support around him.
MRS DARLING / PERSIL THE MERMAID - Jess Mabel Jones
Jess is a performer, theatre-maker, writer and director but most importantly, she’s a Hastings local! Jess’ own work specialises in collaboration with disabled, Deaf, learning disabled, autistic and neurodivergent artists and contributors. The art she makes is joyful, disruptive, inclusive and eclectic. It’s played venues and platforms that include, Barbican, TATE, Southbank Centre, Soho Theatre, Machynlleth Comedy Festival, Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago, and Huangpu Theatre Shanghai. Jess is a Total Theatre and a Best of Edinburgh Award winner.
Credits include: The Hero’s Journey (AfriCoLab), Arietis Sisters and the Sun (Miroslava Večeřová & Lucie Kordačová), Burnt Out in Biscuit Land (Touretteshero), Croytopia (Croydonites), Signal Fires (Potential Difference), The Liminoid (Rose Bruford), War of the Worlds (Rhum & Clay), Cadbury’s Worldwide Hide (Cadbury), 5 Minutes with Aunty Vulva (Where’s My Vagina?), Love Letters to a Liveable Future (Metis Theatre), Gestational Diabetes: One Prick at Time (Motherhoody), The Paper Man (Improbable), A Christmas Carol (LAS Theatre & Quarterhouse Folkestone), Madhouse Re:Exit (Access All Areas), The Flop (Hijinx & Spymonkey), Philosophy According to Puppets (Barbican Open Lab), The Singing Mermaid (Little Angel Theatre), Torch (Flipping the Bird), Backstage in Biscuit Land (Touretteshero), The Table (Blind Summit), Beauty & the Beast (Improbable & OneOfUs), Ovid’s Metamorphoses (Pants on Fire).
Jess also works in TV and Film as an Access Coordinator, winning awards for inclusive practice from the Royal Television Society and Scope. Credits include: Ralph & Katie, All Creatures Great & Small, Screw, Glow Up, Traitors, Blue Peter, The Last Leg, BAFTA.
Ensemble
BLAIZE ARCHER
Blaize, who trained in professional dance and musical theatre at Italia Conti Academy as a Junior and now graduated from Masters Performing Arts in 2023, is excited to be joining Polka Dot Pantomimes this Christmas. After being in pantomimes as a child, Blaize is thrilled to be back on the festive stage once again!
Since 2015, Blaize has appeared in various TV shows and music videos in addition to being in a number of short films and corporate events around the world. Blaize would like to express her gratitude to White Rock Theatre and Polka Dot Pantomimes for this opportunity, as well as to her friends and family for their continuous encouragement and support. She wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.
JACK FIRMAN POPE
Training: Italia Conti Academy
Theatre Credits include: Munchkin in The Wizard of Oz (London
Palladium), Young Cosmo in Singin' in the Rain (Palace Theatre), Jeremy Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (UK Tour), Kurt in The Sound of Music (UK Tour), Sinderella (UK Tour) PC Pop in Aladdin (Esher Theatre) Ensemble/cover in Jack And The Beanstalk (Floral Pavilion Theatre)
TV and Film credits include;
Britain's Got Talent (ITV), Pride of Britain (ITV), Made in Dagenham (BBC Films), Robin Hood (Universal Pictures), Soccer Aid (ITV) BeetleJuice 2 (Warner Bros), Fitness Advert (TNT Sports).
Follow Jack on social media: @jackfirmanpope
OLIVER FURZE
Oliver trained at Arts Educational schools in London, and is now in his final year at Emil Dale Academy and will be graduating with a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre. Oliver is delighted to be making his professional theatre debut with Polka Dot Pantomimes.
Oliver currently works as the Creative Entertainment Coordinator at Hobbledown Epsom and Heath where he writes and directs all in house productions, and can be seen performing as the character ‘Tipp the Inventor’. Oliver recently associate directed a new musical produced by the National Youth Music Theatre called the ‘Boy Who Sailed the Ocean in an Armchair’ written by Jordan Li Smith, and is continuing to work with the show as it develops.
Credits while training include: Jimmy Miller in Miss Littlewood, Mad Hatter in Alice By Heart, Sam in Pirates of Penzance, Al DeLuca in A Chorus Line.
Previous Professional TV credits: George Dyer in Morgana and Friends – BBC Pilot. Youth Theatre credits include: LT in Legend Trippers (The Other Palace), Head Chicken in Tess of the D’urbervilles (The Winchester Theatre royal and The Other Palace),Maxim in A Winters Tale (Rose theatre Kingston), Mr Pinky in Hairspray (Arts Depot), Little Black Bear in The Legend of the White Bear Lake (Barbican Theatre Plymouth), Benjamin In Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Leatherhead theatre)
LAUCHLAN GRAHAM
Lauchlan is originally from Fife in Scotland. Previously he trained at Edinburgh College and is currently in his final Year at Emil Dale Academy and will be graduating with a BA(Hons) in Musical Theatre.
Lauchlan can’t wait to be making his panto and professional debut with Polka Dot Pantomimes and can’t wait to spread some Christmas magic to all who come to watch!
He would like to thank his family and friends for their endless love, support and encouragement. He would also like to thank all of his teachers and creatives at EDA who supported him and inspired him on this exciting journey.
Credits whilst in training include: Pirelli, Sweeney Todd, 2024, Blair Anderson. Hamlet, Merely a Madness, 2024, Blair Anderson. Claude, The Baker’s Wife, 2023, Stephen Jameson.
MADDIE SMITH
Maddie has been performing since the age of 3 in her hometown of Leigh-on-Sea (Essex) and trained at the Morgan Academy of Performing Arts Dance School. She successfully auditioned for the company West End Kids and had the opportunity to perform at the Greenwood theatre in London, as well as several other showcase events. Maddie spent all her childhood taking part in various theatrical events/shows in both Essex and the London Area, and has been a regular on stage at The Palace Theatre (Westcliff on Sea), The cliffs Pavilion (Southend On Sea) and the Towngate theatre (Basildon) and feels very at home on the stage. Since graduating Masters Performing Arts in 2023, Maddie has recently finished a 7 month contract performing in Turkey and is excited to be back performing with polka dot pantomimes for another year of Christmas fun and magic.
This will be Maddie’s 3rd pantomime with Polka Dot, and she would like to thank her family and friends for their continuous support, and wishes everyone joining us at the White Rock Theatre a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year. Enjoy the show!
CHRISTOPHER TWYFORD
Christopher was born and raised in Shrewsbury and started attending StageCoach when he was just 4 years old. His love for acting continued into adulthood and after finishing his A-Levels he moved to London where he completed a Foundation course at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Christopher went on to study at Emil Dale Academy where upon he graduated with a First Class BA Hons in Musical Theatre playing roles such as Robbie Hart in his third year show ‘The Wedding Singer.’ Christopher has been involved in several Pantomimes over the years including ‘Aladdin’ at the STIWT Theatre in Wrexham and the Wizard of Oz at the Theatre Severn Shrewsbury. He is extremely excited to be involved in the White Rock panto and hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas.
MICHAEL: EDEN NAMVAR, BERTIE THOMAS-JONES, ALFIE WILTON
JOHN: SAMUEL HARDY, ALFIE WARD-JAMES, FREDDIE LOFTUS
LOST CHILDREN: SOPHIE MARTIN, IRIS PEARL SMART, LYLA NAMVAR, FRED GRANT, EMILY BARTON-BYRNE, EVIE OAKMAN, FREYA JORDAN, AMELIA LAWRENCE, EVIE GLADWELL, LACEY-MAE HALL, DOLLIE SMITH, EVALYN COUNDLEY-HOWARD, ROXIE SCOGINGS, AOIFE O’REGAN, OLIVIA SMITH, MATILDA BROOKER, FLORENCE APPLEGATE, SOPHIE DICKSON
DANCERS: SCARLET LANCASTER, ELLIE GLADMAN, EMILY LEDSHAM, EVIE DADSON, SHANNON BAVERSTOCK, TORI BENNETT, SAEANNA DORE, LISSIA CARSON, EDEN BREWER JOHNSON, BEATRIX PRAWANNA, LUKE CHARLESWORTH, OSCAR LITTLE, ELLA MEEK, POPPY BALL, ISLA SMITH, EMMA FERGUSON, DOLORES CRICHTON, LILY TODD
Production Team
DIRECTOR: KATE EASON
CHOREOGRAPHER: VIKKI BUSSELL
WRITERS: DARREN MADDISON & ALISTER WILMOTT
MUSICAL SUPERVISOR: STEVE HESSION
VOCAL COACH: KATE EASON
SCENERY: CROSSROADS
COSTUME DESIGN: MICHELLE TAYLOR
COMPANY STAGE MANAGER: MACUSHLA McGOWN
DEPUTY STAGE MANAGER: CHARLOTTE FRENCH
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER: GEORGIA JOHNSON
SOUND DESIGNER/OPERATOR: TOM YOUNG
WARDROBE SUPERVISOR: MICHELLE TAYLOR
HEAD CHAPERONE: AMANDA CHARLESWORTH
Stage Team
BUILDING & TECHNICAL MANAGER: ADAM HARKIN
DEPUTY BUILDING & TECHNICAL MANAGER: STEVE MANSER
FLYING & STAGE CREW: CEIRAN PIKE
FLYING & STAGE CREW: TOBY MANSER
FLYING & STAGE CREW: DICKON SAVAGE
FLYING & STAGE CREW: DEL EL-MEZOGHI
FLYMAN: DAVID O’HEARN
FLYMAN: JULIAN GREIG
FOLLOW SPOT OPERATOR: NATHAN POWERS
FOLLOW SPOT OPERATOR: SUZIE McDERMOTT
LIGHTING DESIGNER: CLIFTON HOLLISTER
LIGHTING & AV OPERATOR: ANTHONY PARKER
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
Special Thanks
A big THANK YOU to our chaperones:
TAMMY BEANEY, DIANA BENTON, ANDREA BREWER, LEE BREWER, MICHELLE BROWN, AMANDA CHARLESWORTH, SARAH DADSON, LISA DAVIS, LISA GENTRY, DONNA GIBBONS, CAROLINE GRIFFIN MARTIN, HELEN HALL, BETHANY HENNESEY, ROWENA HOWARD, SAMANTHA JORDAN, KATIE KENT, LYNDSEY LOFTUS, LINDSEY OAKMAN, VICKY RABBETTS, LIZZIE SMALLDON, LAURA SMITH, LORRAINE TURVEY, NAOMI WAREHAM, KATIE WELLING
2025
Tickets on sale soon for next years fantastic show, Jack and the Beanstalk.
