Baddie Larry hooks up for Derby panto

Published: 6 May 2012
Reporter: Steve Orme

Larry LambLarry Lamb, former EastEnders villain and Gavin’s dad in Gavin and Stacey, will headline Derby LIVE’s Christmas production, playing Captain Hook in The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan.

Loved and loathed, Larry Lamb was voted villain of the year for his menacing portrayal of Archie Mitchell in the BBC soap. The character was killed off on Christmas Day 2009 in a programme watched by nearly 17-million viewers.

On stage Lamb’s numerous credits include Claudius in Hamlet opposite Sam West for the Royal Shakespeare Company and Frank in Educating Rita.

On the big screen, he starred as Great Train Robber Bruce Reynolds alongside Phil Collins in Buster as well as appearing in the first three Superman films as a reporter on the Daily Planet.

Paul Holman Associates and Derby LIVE are producing The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan. Paul Holman said, “Having Larry on board this year is excellent news.

“He has the skills to combine comedy with evilness, making him the perfect Hook. I’m very excited about this year’s pantomime. The story will closely follow the Darling children’s adventure to Never Never Land.

“We’ll be including a dame, played by Jason Sutton, who was voted entertainer of the year last year, and of course, there’ll be plenty of magic including spectacular flying and a few surprises.”

Peter Ireson, director for Derby LIVE, added, “Larry is one of that special breed of actors who as well being a household name from his TV work, has also trodden the boards at the RSC and National Theatre.

“It’s this blend of popular appeal and quality which make him perfect for this role.”

Meanwhile it’s been announced that Mancunian Mike McClean who was a bit hit with audiences last year as Idle Jack in Dick Whittington and His Cat will play Smee.

Jason Sutton has been cast as Dame Abel Mable while Keith and Ben Simmons will direct.

The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan will fly into Derby’s Assembly Rooms from Wednesday, 5 December until Sunday, 6 January.

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