Dave Lee (Tinkerbell), Steven Butler (Peter Pan) and
Ade Edmondson (Captain Hook) on the River Stour during Wednesday's
Marlowe Theatre panto launch. Picture: Chris
Davey.

by Adam Williams

This year’s Marlowe Theatre panto
was launched in true pirate style on Wednesday, on the River
Stour.

The cast of Peter Pan, led by
comedian Ade Edmondson, as Captain Hook, posed for photos on the
river, courtesy of Canterbury Historic River Tours.

Sorry, this video asset has been removed.

Video: Cast members
launch this year's Marlowe Panto

Edmondson (left), who is married to comedienne
Jennifer Saunders, starred as Eddie in cult BBC comedy Bottom, as
well as Vyvyan in The Young Ones. More recently, he finished
runner-up in ITV1 reality cookery show Hell’s Kitchen.

It will be the 52-year-old’s first
ever panto.

He said: "Bottom as a live show was
a pretty panto-esque affair and when I starred in the Comic Strip
during the 1980s, we always discussed doing some sort of
alternative panto.

"It’s a great art form, I like
performances where you see a whole range of acts and Captain Hook’s
a great character, who I can’t wait to sink my teeth into.

"I think it’s going to be great
fun."

Kent actor Steven Butler
(right) plays the lead role and is already looking forward to
flying around the stage at the panto’s temporary home, the Marlowe
Theatre Arena at Kingsmead coach park.

He said: "I’m really excited, even
though I’ve played Peter Pan several times.

"Lots of effort’s been put into the
script and the production, and I can’t wait."

The 26-year-old from Meopham
admitted the new panto venue will provide a special atmosphere.

He added: "I think if anything
lends itself to that kind of environment, then it’s Peter Pan.

"It’s a very different, odd show as
it is, so on that kind of stage, I think it’ll be very
exciting."

Herne comic Dave Lee (left) returns to the cast for
his 15th consecutive Marlowe panto, as Tinkerbell.

He said: "The new arena will be
fantastic as it’ll allow us to seat more people than before for
each performance, it’s a magnificent marquee that’s been used by
the Royal Shakespeare Company in Hyde Park this summer.

"I think for the novelty factor
alone, to come and see it there will be fantastic."

The show, produced by husband and
wife team Paul Hendy and Emily Wood, runs from December 5 to
January 17, 2009.

Tickets are available from the Marlowe box office on 01227 787787 or online at www.marlowetheatre.com