The Orchard Theatre Dartford have announced that Soap Star Steve McFadden will lead their panto cast as the villainous Captain Hook in this year’s swashbuckling family pantomime, Peter Pan, which runs from Saturday 14 December 2019 –  Sunday 5 January 2020.

Former British Soap Awards ‘Villain of the Year’, Steve McFadden is one of Britain’s favourite soap-baddies and has been a regular on our TV screens for nearly two decades. Steve’s TV credits include The Bill, Minder, Bergerac, Kevin and Perry Go Large, Murder in Mind, Britain’s Hardest and, most famously, EastEnders.

Joining him as the hilarious shipmate Mr Smee will be comedian Andy Ford. One of pantomime’s most successful comedians Andy has appeared on stages across the UK entertaining thousands of theatregoers with his quick-wit, physical routines and sense of humour winning rave-reviews and legions of fans wherever he performs. Peter Pan will reunite Steve and Andy having performed together to critical acclaim in Peter Pan at the Theatre Royal in Plymouth 2017.

Speaking on his casting, Steve McFadden said “Nothing beats playing to a live theatre audience, so I can’t wait to be on stage at the Orchard this Christmas. I’m also really looking forward to working with Andy once again and bringing some festive magic to Dartford and beyond.”

Peter Pan is produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer and the company behind the Orchard Theatre’s annual festive production. Managing Director of Qdos Entertainment Michael Harrison said “Steve is a first-class actor and we are absolutely delighted that he’ll be leading the cast of our Dartford pantomime alongside the brilliant Andy Ford as Smee. We’re already planning plenty of surprises and a ship-load of family friendly fun for everyone to enjoy.”

Peter Pan, which is adapted from the original story by J M Barrie, runs from Saturday 14 December 2019 until Sunday 5 January 2020. With tickets selling fast, audiences should Hook theirs today, or they’ll be forced to walk the plank!

The show will be at The Orchard Theatre from Saturday 14 December 2019 – Sunday 5 January 2020.

Pre-show dining is also available before the show. The Orchard Theatre’s Restaurant provides a delicious range of, unique and memorable dishes, using the freshest local produce and prepared daily by the Head Chef.  Reserve your table when booking your show tickets.

To book tickets or for more information visit orchardtheatre.co.uk or call the Ticket Office on 01322 220000.