Peter Pan flies into Buxton for the first time

Published: 8 December 2012
Reporter: Steve Orme

Louis Emerick as Captain Hook and Glen Davies as Smee

Buxton Opera House will be producing Peter Pan, which stars Louis Emerick as Captain Hook and Glen Davies as Smee, for the first time.

The opportunity to play Hook fulfils a long-held ambition for Emerick who is probably best known for his 12-year stint as cab driver Mick Johnson in the TV series Brookside.

“It’s always been my ambition to play Hook because he’s such an iconic character.

Peter Pan is the Disney movie I always remember as a kid and I guess that the film is one of the reasons why Hook has become such an enduringly popular villain.”

Glen Davies admits he is “very happy and not just a little bit excited” to be playing Smee.

He may be recognised as the bear-hating caretaker Mr Prank in CBBC’s Bear Behaving Badly and recently appeared with Dame Judi Dench in the film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

Peter Pan is such a good story and it has become a byword for all things youthful and fun,” he said.

“It's a story that has it all: action, adventure, caring relationships and flying humans. What's not to like?

“Many years ago I played Buxton Opera House and I'm chomping at the bit to go back. It's a beautiful theatre and a lovely part of the country.

“It'll be a new Christmas experience for me and one I'm really looking forward to.”

Philip Dart, writer and director of Peter Pan, said, “Peter Pan is a fantastic story that lends itself well to panto as it’s so visual.

“There are red Indians, mermaids and Peter’s tribe of lost boys, not to mention a life-sized, ticking crocodile.

“Those who enjoy traditional panto won’t be disappointed as Peter Pan will have all the popular songs, colourful dance numbers and comedy routines that people have come to expect from a Buxton Opera House panto.”

Peter Pan runs from Wednesday (12 December) until Tuesday, 1 January.

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