The New Adventures of Peter Pan | Panto Press Launch Trailer | Hazlitt Theatre | 26th Nov - 31st Dec

Parkwood Theatres, Hazlitt Theatre and Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) are delighted to announce ‘The New Adventures of Peter Pan’ as Maidstone’s Christmas Panto.
Cllr Claudine Russell, Cabinet Member for Communities, Leisure and Arts at Maidstone Borough Council said: “We are thrilled to be able to host the launch of this year’s panto, ‘The New Adventures of Peter Pan’, at the Archbishop’s Palace. It will be wonderful to see the building brought to life with the larger-than-life characters in their beautiful, colourful costumes. I love pantomimes; they are such fun and full of musical comedy. We are pleased to be supporting the Hazlitt Theatre, which is such an important part of the arts and culture offer in the borough of Maidstone.”
The historical Archbishop’s Palace kindly hosted the annual Hazlitt Theatre Pantomime Press Launch on Friday 22nd September, in which the main rooms of the Palace were decorated as Hook’s Galley, Tinkerbell’s Sponsors’ Suite and, of course, the Great Hall was decorated in a Neverland theme. Prior to the cast announcements, members of West Borough Primary School met with Deputy Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Martin, Cox and all the attending members of the cast:
Matt Montfort - Peter Pan
Rebecca Avery - Wendy
Joe Meloy - Mrs Smee
David Zachary - Stinky
Stuart Ash - Starky
Ria Turner - Mia the Mermaid
John Stacey, who plays Captain Hook, could not attend the afternoon, but instead made a virtual appearance through a video link from The Jolly Roger to help Hazlitt Theatre General Manager, Martin Cleverley, introduce the Deputy Mayor and the cast. Cllr Martin Cox, Deputy Mayor of Maidstone, said:
“It was a great honour to meet the fantastic cast of this year's Peter Pan pantomime and welcome them to our County Town of Kent.
“I know the amount of work that goes into putting on a production like this and I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved.
“On behalf of the people of Maidstone, thank you to the Hazlitt Theatre for everything you do for Maidstone.
“I am so looking forward to seeing it and would suggest everyone should buy their tickets now to avoid disappointment. If it’s anything like last year, it will be amazing. It’s on from 25 November to 31 December, so book your tickets now.”
Guests in attendance were greeted with food and drink from sponsors The Village Hotel and Fred’s Wines, as well as getting the chance to meet The Fairy Tale’s Tinkerbell. The Hazlitt Institute also provided a mermaid and pirate in Hook’s Galley to continue the magical theme. Guests also had the opportunity to ask questions and the venue was a hive of excitement, signalling the countdown to ‘The New Adventures of Peter Pan’ has truly begun.
Hazlitt Theatre General Manager, Martin Cleverley, said “We know it will be a fun, funny, swashbuckling adventure, but with some aspects of what we all know from the original story being changed as we adapt the script for a very different society today to that when this story was first published.”
And that is not the only adaptation! To continue the theatre's commitment to being an accessible and inclusive venue, this year's panto will have three relaxed performances as the theatre understands that certain lighting effects, loud noises and large crowds can be overwhelming; especially to those with additional needs. Relaxed Performances provide the exact same production that any other audience would enjoy, but with modification to the show, with an atmosphere and attitude in the auditorium that makes everyone feel safe and comfortable.
Audiences with additional needs can expect reduced volume and lighting effects, with more space and supportive opportunities to break away if it all gets a bit too exciting.
Our Relaxed performances this year will take place:
Wednesday 29th November (Schools Relaxed Performance) - 11.00am
Friday 8th December (Family Special Relaxed Performance) - 6.00pm
Saturday 9th December (BSL Interpreter) - 2.30pm
Finally, it was announced the panto is fundraising for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Not only for the incredible work they do for young people in need, but also with its connection to the show, as author J.M. Barrie gifted the rights of Peter Pan to the hospital in 1929 and Great Ormond Street Hospital has since treasured a special relationship with the boy who wouldn’t grow up. Please donate what you can here: bit.ly/3KAGHum
We hope when audiences come to see us, they look out for our fundraising QR codes around the theatre and in the programme. Or patrons can donate online now!
We can't wait to give Maidstone a panto adventure you will Never forget!
All tickets are on sale now!!
Book to see The New Adventures of Peter Pan 25th November -31st December
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Call or visit our box office on 01622 758 611 10.30am - 2.30pm Mon - Sat.