Swansea Grand has announced that this year’s swashbuckling family pantomime Peter Pan will star Coronation Street’s Tristan Gemmill, Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Ricky K and Swansea’s iconic dame Kevin Johns in an all-new spectacular production from Friday 13 December to Sunday 12 January.
Television and stage actor Tristan Gemmill will swap the hallowed cobbles of ITV’s Coronation Street for the boards of Swansea Grand, starring as the most evil man in Neverland, Captain Hook. Known for his wide range of television appearances, Tristan is best known for his role as consultant Adam Trueman in Casualty for the BBC, and roles in London’s Burning, Cape Wrath and Strictly Confidential. His theatre credits include A Street Car Named Desire for Theatre Clwyd, Design For Living for English Touring Theatre, Dangerous Corner for Chichester Festival Theatre and Henry V for the Royal Shakespeare Company.
In 2013 he made his west end musical debut starring in the title role of The Bodyguard, opposite Beverley Knight, in the critically-acclaimed adaptation of the popular movie which starred Whitney Houston. Since 2015 Tristan his been a regular on ITV’s hit soap Coronation Street, starring as Robert Preston, embroiled in major storylines on the popular show, which he leaves at the end of this year.
[aoa id=”1″]Joining him as Starkey will be Britain’s Got Talent star Ricky K. Ricky regularly tours internationally with his unique blend of physical, observational and zany comedy, travelling the globe and entertaining millions. In 2014 Ricky auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent, wowing the judges and audiences with his self-penned routine The Fairy Tale of Love, which received a huge global response. From 75,000 applicants, Ricky got through to the live finals which were seen by over 5 million viewers. Since then Ricky has been a regular in pantomime, starring for producers Qdos Entertainment each year.[/aoa]
They will join Kevin Johns as Mrs Smee, as previously announced. Peter Pan marks his 21st consecutive pantomime at the Swansea Grand, where year after year he entertains thousands of festive theatregoers with his local put downs, quick wit and outrageous costumes. One of Wales’ most prolific performers, Kevin’s career has spanned musical theatre, stand-up comedy, presenting and pantomime. From Shakespeare to Songs of Praise, Kevin has appeared in numerous theatrical productions, television programmes and radio shows as well as being a newspaper columnist, author, fundraiser and recipient of the MBE from Her Majesty the Queen.
Qdos Entertainment’s Executive Producer of Peter Pan Jonathan Kiley said:
“I’m delighted we have enticed Tristan into the world of pantomime, and to play one of its most iconic villains. With his wonderful stage presence he’ll make a fantastic Captain Hook, and with hilarious comedy from Ricky and Kev, this year’s panto will be a trip to Neverland audiences will never forget.”
Cabinet member for Regeneration, Councillor Robert Francis Davies commented;
“Swansea Grand Theatre’s pantomimes have always exceeded expectations and this year will be no exception. With a star cast and all the trimmings, Peter Pan promises to be a festive family favourite.”
With tickets selling fast Peter Pan promises a boat-load of comedy, plenty of audience participation, high-flying special effects, song, music and magic that audiences have come to expect from Swansea Grand each festive season. Hook your tickets now!
