Cast revealed for Northampton's Royal Theatre Christmas show fresh from Broadway success

Audiences will take an unforgettable journey through the Neverland they never knew this Christmas, as Northampton’s Royal stage is transformed for the much-anticipated European Premiere of Peter and the Starcatcher, from 29 November to 31 December.

Winner of five Tony Awards for its hugely successful run on Broadway and one of the most produced plays in America last year, this fascinating and funny prequel to Peter Pan brings one of classic literature's most beloved characters to life.

In this fantastical and funny adventure, join Starcatcher apprentice Molly as she embarks on a daring mission to stop a precious cargo of stardust from falling into the wrong hands. As well as meeting a very special orphan who helps to solve the mystery of how he became 'the boy who never grew up'.

Thirteen actors playing more than 100 characters use ingenious stagecraft, inventive storytelling and live music to whisk audiences to a magical world of lost boys, pirates, and mermaids.

Heading the cast in the role of Molly is Evelyn Hoskins, seen in the lead roles of award-winning musical This is My Family, which toured to Northampton last year, and the musical Carrie at Southwark Playhouse. Micheal Shea makes his professional stage debut as Peter, while Greg Haiste, last seen at Royal & Derngate in A Christmas Carol and fresh from the success of Nell Gwynn at Shakespeare’s Globe and in West End, plays pirate leader Black Stache, with Dan Starkey (Commander Strax in Doctor Who) as his sidekick Smee.

The ensemble cast is completed by Marc Akinfolarin, Lewis Griffin, Ian Harris, Tendayi Jembere, Michael Matus, William Pennington, Sebastien Torkia, Miles Yekinni and Tom Attwood (also musical director).

Part of the Royal & Derngate’s Made in Northampton season, this collaboration with theatre producer Paul Taylor-Mills is directed by Luke Sheppard, whose hit production, In The Heights, won three Olivier Awards this year. Luke’s other recent credits include The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾ at Curve Leicester, Oliver! at the Watermill Theatre, Newbury, and A Christmas Carol and The Adventures of Pinocchio at The Castle Theatre, Wellingborough.

This brand new production of Peter and the Starcatcher premieres at Royal & Derngate, from Tuesday November 29 to Saturday December 31. Tickets, priced from £10 to £26*, can be booked by calling Box Office on 01604 624811 or visiting www.royalandderngate.co.uk.

The play Peter & The Starcatcher is written by Rick Elice, with music by Wayne Barker. It was originally produced on Broadway by Nancy Nagel Gibbs, Greg Shaffert, Eva Price, Tom Smedes, and Disney Theatrical Productions. It is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Limited on behalf of Music Theatre International.