Jennifer Ellison and Jake Quickenden are Pan's star turns

It'll be second star to the right and straight on to Blackpool for celebrity stars of the Opera House's Christmas show Peter Pan - Jennifer Ellison and Jake Quickenden.
Jennifer Ellison will play Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the Opera HouseJennifer Ellison will play Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the Opera House
Jennifer Ellison will play Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the Opera House

In a new take on the classic tale, Jennifer will play bad ‘guy’ Captain Hook with Jake in the title role of the boy who never grew up, the Gazette can exclusively reveal.

Jennifer’s best known for her role in soap Brookside, as well as playing Meg Giry in the 2004 film adaptation on musical The Phantom Of The Opera and fronting the UK version of reality show Dance Moms. She’s also alleared on stage in Chicago, Boeing Boeing and Singin’ In The Rain.

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Jennifer said: “I’m really excited to be turning the classic tale of Peter Pan on its head and playing a female Captain Hook.

Jennifer Ellison will play Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the Opera HouseJennifer Ellison will play Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the Opera House
Jennifer Ellison will play Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the Opera House

“This isn’t a traditional pantomime; it will be a real adventure with lots of magic and some fantastic music.

“It’s a really exciting project to be working on and I can’t wait to get on stage to play the ultimate baddy. Sometimes it’s good to be bad!”

Jake made it to the live finals of The X Factor in 2014, and just a few weeks after being voted off he landed a place in the I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here jungle, where he came second to one-time Lytham resident and motorbike champion Carl Fogerty - going on to win Carl’s daughter Danielle’s heart.

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Jake said: “I’ve been really interested in taking on a stage role for a long time and this is the perfect opportunity for me.

Jake Quickenden will play Peter Pan in Peter Pan at the Opera HouseJake Quickenden will play Peter Pan in Peter Pan at the Opera House
Jake Quickenden will play Peter Pan in Peter Pan at the Opera House

“I love the Peter Pan story I’ve always said I’m a bit like him as I never really wanted to grow up, so to have the chance to play him in a brand new production with a fabulous contemporary score is going to be amazing.

“I’ve also heard that I will definitely fly. Brilliant, I mean, who doesn’t want to fly?!’

They will be joined on stage by Radio Wave’s Breakfast Show host Scott Gallagher as hapless sidekick Smee.

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Peter Pan will feature all the favourite characters from the JM Barrie story of the boy who never grew up; Wendy and her brothers John and Michael, a feisty fairy, the lost boys and a merry band of pirates.

Peter PanPeter Pan
Peter Pan

With a live band, lavish set and spectacular costumes, the sky’s the limit this Christmas as you’re taken on a magical journey to Neverland in this sensational, swashbuckling adventure.

Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure is being produced by the award-winning Selladoor Family, leading producer of mid and large-scale family productions including The Quite Remarkable Adventures of the Owl and the Pussycat, James and the Giant Peach, Guess How Much I Love You and The Broons.

David Hutchinson, of Selladoor Family said: “We’re thrilled to be working alongside the Opera House, to bring this classic tale to life on stage.

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“Peter Pan marks our commitment to our partnership with the Winter Gardens to bring many more shows to this fantastic venue.”

Jennifer Ellison will play Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the Opera HouseJennifer Ellison will play Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the Opera House
Jennifer Ellison will play Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the Opera House

Book your flight to Neverland now

Tickets are on sale now for Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure.

The show runs at the Opera House from December 16 to January 7.

Tickets cost from £10.

Book online at www.wintergardensblackpool.com before September 19 to be entered into a free prize draw to win a trip to Disneyland Paris (terms and conditions apply) from our friends at National Holidays.

Peter Pan in presented in partnership with The Blackpool Gazette, Radio Wave, National Holidays, Brightprint and Cox Media Group.

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