This year’s magical pantomime at the Cresset has got off to a very watery start, with the Peter Pan cast coming head-to-sword with a very scary crocodile in Peterborough’s landmark Lido. Captain Hook, played by Coronation Street legend Kevin ‘Curly’ Kennedy and Wendy, portrayed by newcomer Sophie Binks, battled with the enormous reptile during rehearsals for the panto, which flies to the stage from the 12th – 31st December 2026.
PETER PAN AT THE PETERBOROUGH LIDO Credit Geraint Lewis
Meet the stars!
This year’s panto is produced by The Cresset and Stuart Morrison’s Second Star Productions, who have been responsible for the last few sensational pantomimes at the Bretton venue.
The much-loved story of Peter Pan is brought to life by a cast of well-known faces and panto favourites, led byCoronation Street legend Kevin Kennedy as the villainous Hook. Other cast members joining Kevin are Cresset favourites, including Edward Simpson as the hilarious Mrs Smee, and local actress and drama teacher Vanessa Boland, who started her extensive performing career at The Cresset in the children’s panto ensemble. They are joined by newcomer Robbie White as Peter Pan, comedian David Arnold as Mr Smee, and a fabulous young ensemble simply fizzing with talent.
PETER PAN AT THE PETERBOROUGH LIDO Credit Geraint Lewis
PETER PAN CAST AT THE HOLIDAY INN PETERBOROUGH Credit Geraint Lewis
Second star to the right and straight on ’til morning
What can audiences expect? This spectacular production promises to be packed with laughter, thrills, magic and all the festive fun you’d expect from a Christmas showstopper. Bringing together a talented cast of performers, breathtaking sets, dazzling costumes and stunning visual effects (we did say they will fly!), The Cresset’s stage will be transformed into an unforgettable and atmospheric Neverland and promises to delight audiences of all ages (but remember to never grow up!).
Monique Benoiton-Smith, Choreographer and Co-Director, says: “Nearly 30 years after launching the first in our series of much-loved pantomimes at The Cresset, we’re continuing to build upon our reputation for providing the very best in panto experiences.”
She continues, “We’re delighted to welcome audiences back this December to enjoy the ultimate festive adventure, which will include a spectacular flying sequence – never before seen in the city! It will be a breathtaking moment of magic, adventure and theatrical wonder that will leave audiences spellbound.”
Join Peter, Wendy and the Lost Boys as they take on Hook in the must-see family event of the season. And panto-goers will be pleased to know that, as part of YMCA Trinity Group, all profits go back into the charity’s work, supporting young and vulnerable people in the region – making a real difference to their lives.
Peter Pan will be showing at The Cresset from the 12th to the 31st December 2026. Tickets are priced from just £18 with fantastic group offers available. A BSL/Relaxed performance is on the 28th December. To book tickets, call the Box Office on 01733 265705 or visit the website at www.cresset.co.uk.
