Joe Pasquale all at sea in Peter Pan this Christmas!

Pasquale will lead the cast as Smee, the hapless second-in-command to the evil Capt’n Hook.

The squeaky voiced entertainer has established himself as one of the country’s best-loved personalities and top-selling comedians. He has been delighting audiences for more than 20 yearswith his live stand-up tours and infectious sense of fun.

Along the way he has voiced characters for Hollywood movies Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties and Horton Hears A Who!, toured in several major theatrical productions including Mel Brooks’ The Producers, been crowned King of the Jungle in ITV’s I’m A Celebrity…Get Me out Of Here; appeared in five Royal Variety Performances and even learned to skate for ITV1’s Dancing On Ice - no mean feat!

Michael Harrison, managing director of Qdos Entertainment’s pantomime division and executive producer of Peter Pan, said: “We are thrilled that Joe Pasquale, who has smashed pantomime box office records wherever he has performed, will be leading the cast of Royal & Derngate’s pantomime.

“Joe’s high-energy comedy, along with a superb cast, means that audiences will be hooked during this production of Peter Pan”.

Martin Sutherland, chief executive of Royal & Derngate, added: “We’re delighted to have Joe this Christmas. Peter Pan promises to be a real treat for all ages, with fun for all the family.

“We really look forward to Christmas when so many people get their first experience of live theatre through pantomime, and with tickets from just £9 it’s now more affordable than ever.”

Peter Pan runs from December 5 to January 4. For tickets call the box office on 01604 624811 or online at www.royalandderngate.co.uk.