Soap star is the hook

Brookside star Stephen Pinder, who played the role of Max Farnham in the former Channel 4 soap has been unveiled as the mystery star at the official launch of this year's panto.

He will be playing the role of evil villain Captain Hook when the panto opens in Swindon on December 10.

Mr Pinder said: "I have never played the role of Captain Hook before.

"I am very excited about appearing in Swin-don this Christmas."

Even though Mr Pinder's character won't be thinking happy thoughts, Daniel Boys' character certainly will be.

Mr Boys, 26, will be taking the role of Peter Pan himself a role normally played by a woman.

He said: "I am delighted to be performing again before a Swindon audience.

"Peter Pan was always one of my favourite stories."

Daniel performed as Jack in last year's Wyvern panto, Jack and the Beanstalk, and after rave reviews, panto directors were keen to have him back.

"It's going to be a super show," said Daniel.

"It's a magical tale that everyone will love and there is flying too, so come on down and see us flying."

It will be the first time in the Swindon theatre's history that JM Barrie's classic has been performed as a pantomime.

Nicki Western, marketing manager of the Wyvern Theatre said: "We are really excited about this show.

"It's the first time that we have been able to do flying on such a large scale in the theatre, it's going to be an amazing show."

"I understand that Stephen's character in Brookside was not a nice chap, so that should give him plenty of practice for playing Captain Hook."

The play will be performed by a group of 10 professional actors.

But there will also be auditions for the parts of Captain Hook's pirates and the Lost Boys, which the Wyvern's staff hope will be played by young children from in and around Swindon.

Peter Pan will be appearing at the Wyvern from December 10 to January 8, 2006.

To find out more about auditioning for Peter Pan call the Wyvern on 01793 535534.

Anthony Osborne