This year’s pantomime at the Palace Theatre, Mansfield, promises a swashbuckling adventure brought up to date for the digital age.

The Further Adventures of Peter Pan – The Return of Captain Hook is a new take on an old favourite.

Things have moved on in Neverland since Captain Hook’s demise. He wants his ship and his crew back, but whose side is his comical former sidekick Smee (Adam Moss) on now?

The story follows our hero, Peter Pan, everyone’s favourite fairy Tinker Bell, and the mystical Mermaid as they seek to thwart the dastardly Captain Hook.

Producers have revealed that Connor Keetley (top) will be playing the role of Peter Pan this Christmas.

Connor, who graduated from ArtsEd in 2022, played SpongeBob SquarePants in the European premier of The SpongeBob Musical.

He said: “Prior to my training I have played various roles in Peter Pan, including Crocodile, Ensemble, and even Nana! I can’t wait to get on stage — maybe even up above it — and interact with the Mansfield crowds that I have heard good things about.”

Joining Connor is Jenny Huxley-Golden (above), who will take the role of Emily Darling.

She trained at Performance Preparation Academy in Guildford, graduating with distinction and receiving the Best Actor award.

“I’m excited to play the role of Emily again this Christmas as I had so much fun being part of Peter Pan – The Return of Captain Hook at Malvern Theatres last year,” she said.

“If girl power is your thing, then you will love Emily Darling.”

Martin Dodd, producer for UK Productions, added: “I am delighted to have Connor and Jenny joining our hugely-talented cast of Coronation Street bad-boy Marc Baylis (Hook) Nickleodeon’s Holly Atterton (Tinker Bell) and Hollyoaks’ Sarah Jane Buckley (Mrs Darling / Mermaid), making this the Neverland dream team.

“Together with our hilarious new script, comedy acrobat pirates The Nit Wits, and the man Mansfield just can’t seem to get enough of — Adam Moss — Mansfield audiences are guaranteed another truly memorable festive treat.”

Sian Booth, cultural services manager at Mansfield District Council, which operates the theatre, said: “Nothing beats the sparkle of a Christmas pantomime.”

The panto runs from 26th November to 31st December. To book tickets go to mansfieldpalace.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01623 633133 or drop in at the Box Office on Leeming Street.