EastEnders star Cliff Parisi is looking forward to playing a baddie for the first time in the Theatre Royal Bath's swashbuckling Christmas production of J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan.
Sponsored by The Bath Chronicle, the pantomime will transform the theatre into Neverland tonight, running until Sunday, January 12.
Cliff, who captivated television audiences for eight years as Minty in EastEnders and more recently as Fred in BBC1's Call the Midwife, will take centre stage as both Captain Hook and Mr Darling.
The actor previously appeared in the 2013 UK tour of The Ladykillers and is relishing his evil part.
He said: "I'm basically Phil from EastEnders with a booming voice. It's a massive change because this is Christmas and we're having a bit of fun – at Christmas in EastEnders, loads of people usually get killed!"
He will bring audiences on an adventure alongside Smee, Tinkerbell, Tiger Lily and The Lost Boys, joined by acrobat group The Nitwits as The Pirate Crew and Jessica Punch in the title role.
"I'm terrified about opening night, but really excited at the same time," he said. "I suppose that's why actors become actors – it's the addiction to adrenaline and the fear of getting something wrong.
"We all love that. I know it's going to be a brilliant show so I'm looking forward to it. It's one of the most beautiful theatres I've ever worked in."
Parisi said he loved watching director Chris Harris and comedian Jon Monie at work – "they're such old hands at this, it's purely magical" – and is really impressed with the company.
""I wouldn't cast anyone else in these roles," he said. "The kids have been very professional. They're ahead of the game with Peter Pan because they know the story better than I do. I'm kind of at the bottom of the food chain here!"
Chris Harris is directing the panto for the 12th year running and stars as Governess Gertie.
With more than 30 years' experience as the dame in South West pantomimes, he says the balance between directing and acting is "quite a big challenge" because of all the disciplines involved. "We have to address all those things to have a panto fit for Bath."
Jon Monie, award-winning comedian and ITV West television presenter, has appeared on the stage in Bath nearly 800 times.
He said: "Historically, people like Charlie Chaplin and other comedy giants have walked on that stage and, to me as someone who loves comedy, the fact that I've done it so many times is nothing short of an honour."
He says the role of Smee is "more physically demanding" than he expected. "I have to take part in an acrobatic routine this year and I'm not an acrobat, an athlete, or in any way vaguely fit, so I'm battered and bruised."
The theatre hosts the largest number of children it's ever had in a production, thanks to the Dorothy Coleborn School of Dance and the Theatre Royal Bath's Young People's Theatre.
"They remind us to be professional – we have to pull our socks up and follow their lead!" Jon smiles. "They add so much to the show.
"Peter Pan is a story which everyone knows and loves. It's got some very dark moments, but it's got a beautiful and touching story. The kids are great at making it quite emotional."
He encourages everyone in Bath to see the pantomime over Christmas. "I think it's got everything – laughs, wonderful music, fabulous singing from the principles, flying, special effects – so sell the telly and come to the panto!"
To see more pictures of the panto stars click here
