Sarah Singleton looks at this week's stage shows in Swindon

EastEnders star leaves the Square for the highseas of panto

WICKED pirate captain James T Hook – otherwise known as Adam Woodyatt or Eastenders’ Ian Beale – continues his on-stage swashbuckle and swagger in the Wyvern Theatre’s hit pantomime Peter Pan.

If you have not yet bagged a ticket for the high-flying pantomime adventure, then act fast – many shows are completely sold out and few tickets remain.

The popular panto tells the story of the perpetually young Peter and his adventures in Neverland, with the Lost Boys, Indians, pirates and one very hungry crocodile. With sassy sidekick Tinkerbell, the fairy with attitude, he takes Wendy Darling and her two young brothers on the trip of a lifetime through the night sky to Neverland, where they hatch a scheme to defeat the dastardly pirate chief.

Expect plenty of boos and hisses, audience interaction, slapstick comedy, custard pies and enthusiastic entertainment. With a sumptuous set, colourful costumes, cheering songs and live music, the panto has all you might expect and more.

Adam Woodyatt relishes his role as Captain Hook and Antony Lawrence, as Smee, puts in a terrific performance in his first pantomime role – definitely not to be missed.

The show goes on till December 31 and tickets are £19 to £31.50. www.swindontheatres.co.uk

Festive Lols at comedy club

Comedy fans will roll up for a barrel of laughs at a Comedy Club Christmas Special in The Place at Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre on Saturday.

The sold-out show, beginning at 8pm, will feature compering legend Jon Wagstaffe, along with razor-sharp comedy from Markus Birdman and Derek Ryan.

Jon claims to be Tewkesbury finest and only stand-up comic, with devilish good looks and beautiful hair. Markus Birdman has a dry, witty style and performs with energy and dynamism. Derek Ryan is equally at home with the smart and the silly, the profane and the profound.

www.swindontheatres.co.uk

Purr-fect panto from Dick Whittington and his Cat

The classic tale of aspirational country boy Dick Whittington and his helpful cat will be performed in the New College pantomime, at the Phoenix Theatre tonight and tomorrow night.

The panto, about the boy who becomes thrice Lord Mayor of London, includes plenty of comedy, and sing-along songs.

The Phoenix is at New College, in New College Drive in Swindon.

A licensed bar will be open, offering seasonal mulled wine, beers and a selection of soft drinks. Tickets are £5.70, and £1.50 for children under 12. On the door, tickets are £6 and £2. www.swindontheatres.co.uk