The deck of HMS Trincomalee was transformed into a theatrical spectacle as Forum Theatre Billingham officially launched this years festive pantomime The Further Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan with a dazzling press event at the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Hartlepool.
Media representatives and invited guests were welcomed aboard Britain’s oldest floating warship for a afternoon of exclusive interviews and a lively photoshoot with the show’s star-studded cast.
In attendance were Michelle Heaton (Liberty X, TV personality) as a radiant Tinker Bell, Jessie Williams (Tracey Beaker Returns, The Dumping Ground) as the spirited Angela Darling, Ben-Ryan Davies (Waterloo Road, Hollyoaks) as the ever-youthful Peter Pan, Liam Mellor, comic talent and writer/producer, as the mischievous rogue Smee and Forum Theatre’s beloved dame Robert Squire, bringing his signature flair and fun to the role of Mrs Hook.
Pictured from left to right – Michelle Heaton (Tinker Bell), Robert Squire (Mrs Hook), Ben-Ryan Davies (Peter Pan), Liam Mellor (Smee), Jessie Williams (Angela Darling)
Although Connor McIntyre (Coronation Street’s notorious villain Pat Phelan) was unable to attend, excitement continues to build for his portrayal of the villainous Captain Hook and for his return to Forum Theatre Billingham following his success as Flesh Creep in Jack & The Beanstalk in 2023.
The cast shared their excitement about the upcoming pantomime:
Michelle Heaton said “I’m so excited to be playing Tinker Bell at Forum Theatre Billingham this Christmas. The crowds in the North East are always the best and to be able to perform so close to where I was brought up is great. I love performing in pantomimes and it has been a big part of my family traditions over the years. Meeting the rest of the cast today was brilliant and I now can’t wait to get started.”
Pictured from left to right – Michelle Heaton (Tinker Bell), Ben-Ryan Davies (Peter Pan)
Liam Mellor said “Being aboard HMS Trincomalee for the pantomime launch was the perfect setting to launch a show full of adventure and sparkle. This is my 6th year performing in the festive pantomime at Forum Theatre Billingham and I can’t wait to bring back big laughs and a few cheeky surprises once again.”
Liam added “I’m always blown away by how much our audiences embrace the panto, it’s like one big festive family reunion and I can’t wait to be back on the stage again! It’s going to be #cracking!”
Pictured – Liam Mellor (Smee)
The pantomime promises to be an awe-inspiring spectacle for all ages with the perfect blend of breath-taking sets and costumes, mind-blowing flying, special effects, plenty of festive cheer and of course, side-splitting comedy that is brought to you once again by the team behind previous year’s pantomime favourites including Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Jack and the Beanstalk and Cinderella.
The Further Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan opens at Forum Theatre Billingham on Monday 1st December 2025. Hook your tickets now from Forum Theatre Billingham’s website or box office for an unforgettable experience that will leave you believing in the power of magic!
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Pictured from left to right – Michelle Heaton (Tinker Bell), Jessie Williams (Angela Darling)
Pictured – Robert Squire (Mrs Hook)
Pictured from left to right – Robert Squire (Mrs Hook), Liam Mellor (Smee), Ben-Ryan Davies (Peter Pan), Jessie Williams (Angela Darling), Michelle Heaton (Tinker Bell)
Pictured – Michelle Heaton (Tinker Bell)
Pictured from left to right – Robert Squire (Mrs Hook), Liam Mellor (Smee)
Pictured – Ben-Ryan Davies (Peter Pan)