A swashbuckling new adventure awaits at Sunderland Empire this Christmas as the 2026 cast of the canniest panto in the land, The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook took flight to Royal Navy Museums Hartlepool to launch the return of Wearside’s biggest pantomime, unveiling its full crew of principal stars.
Emmerdale favourite and Heartstopper star, Bradley Riches, set to play the plucky hero Peter Pan, brought the high energy and excitement of the boy who never grew up as he said ahoy to the ever fabulous North East Queen of Comedy, Miss Rory (Boulevard), recently revealed as the deliciously detestable Captain Rorina Hook in her first villainous turn as she prepares to wreak havoc on the high seas. Tom Whalley will once again be adding to the mutiny this Christmas as sackless sidekick Smee. The pair are back for a seventh year by popular demand.
Much-loved Channel 5 Milkshake! presenter Olivia Birchenough brought her signature smile and sparkle to the museum as she returns to the region after starring as Belle in Sunderland Empire pantomime Beauty and the Beast in 2023, reinvented as the enchanting Ethel Mermaid.
The panto launch also brought two exciting exclusive cast announcements completing the principal casting for the nautical festive tale.
Middlesborough’s own Millie Readshaw joins the cast fresh from touring the UK and Europe in Six the Musical as alternate Aragon and Cleves. The popular musical theatre TikTok face will be sprinkling fairy dust as Peter Pan’s loyal fairy friend Tinker Bell this festive season. Sunderland audiences were first treated to Millie’s powerhouse vocals in 2024 panto, Jack and the Beanstalk in which she played the ethereal Vegetable Fairy.
Millie said: “I am beyond excited to be back in my wings at Sunderland Empire this Christmas! I am so grateful to be back performing on the stage my 13-year-old self dreamed of! Come join us for a very magical Christmas!”
The cast is completed by the reveal of newcomer Sophie Bishop who will be making her professional pantomime debut starring as the adventurous Emily Darling. Sophie trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, graduating with an MA in Performance.
Sophie said: “I am absolutely thrilled to make my professional pantomime debut in The Further Adventures of Peter Pan at the iconic Sunderland Empire! My stage journey began in a pantomime when I was ten years old, so returning to this magical tradition as a professional is a true dream come true. Let’s fly to Neverland!”
Producer Martin Dodd said: “We are delighted that Millie Readshaw and Sophie Bishop are flying to Sunderland Empire as Tinker Bell and Emily Darling for this exciting new pantomime adventure. Captain Hook is back on the scene, and adventure is around every corner, audiences are in for a spectacular festive treat. What are you waiting for? Sprinkle some fairy dust on your family Christmas and book your tickets today!
Join Peter, Smee, Tinker Bell, Emily Darling and Ethel the Mermaid on a brand-new adventure full of audience interaction, incredible flying effects, giggles galore and…of course, crocodiles!
Life has been smooth sailing for Peter Pan since he defeated Captain Hook… or so he thought. Whispers are spreading that the notorious Hook survived those stormy seas and is out for revenge. Could it be true? Watch out… he might be right behind you!
Get ready for gravity-defying flying scenes, stunning choreography, and mind- blowing special effects that will leave you gasping. Pirate sword fights, crocodile chases, and jaw-dropping stunts bring Neverland to life like you’ve never seen before!
The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook will bring swashbuckling adventure to Sunderland Empire audiences from Friday 11 December 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027! Hook your tickets and book online now at ATGTickets.com/Sunderland*
*A transaction fee may apply to online
Photo Credit: David James Wood
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