(Image: T&A)
Billy Pearce will once again be starring in this year's panto after overcoming health issues.
The countdown to Christmas is officially on, with The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan preparing to bring the magic of Neverland to the Alhambra Theatre this festive season.
Leading the cast is Pearce as Smee, Ryan Thomas, who played Jason in Corrie for decades, as Captain Hook and returning crowd favourite Myra DuBois as Magical MerMyra.
They will be joined by Jamie John as Tink, Sarah Pearson as Wendy and Mya Louise Fenton in the title role.
Myra DuBois, who stars as Magical MerMyra in this year's Alhambra pantomime, The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan. (Image: T&A)
A welcome return to the stage
This year's production comes after a challenging period for Pearce, who revealed he has undergone five operations, with the latest taking place just weeks ago.
The star said he has spent much of the year focusing on his recovery rather than performing.
"I've had five operations on this arm and the latest one was only about a month ago," he said.
"I've been more worried about my health than working recently...but when I walk through that stage door, all of a sudden the happiness floods over me and I'm back."
Mya Louise Fenton, who stars as Peter Pan, leads the way during a cast photocall for The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan outside the Alhambra Theatre. (Image: T&A)
'Such an iconic role'
As rehearsals draw closer, the leading lady is celebrating a major career milestone.
For Fenton, this year's production marks her professional pantomime debut as Peter Pan, one of theatre's most beloved characters.
Speaking ahead of the show, she said: "I'm very, very excited.
"It's such an iconic role and Peter Pan has been part of so many people's childhoods.
"I'm so excited to be making my professional debut in a panto because it's probably the most heightened version of theatre that you can get, and that's really exciting."
Mya Louise Fenton in costume as Peter Pan outside the Alhambra Theatre ahead of this year's production of The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan. (Image: T&A)
While she admitted there are some nerves about the lengthy festive run ahead, she is looking forward to settling into the role.
She added: "During training and beforehand, when I've done shows, it's been for a maximum of a week, so doing it for a longer period of time is a little bit nerve-racking.
"I'm really excited to get into the swing of things, get into a routine, really know my character and know the show, and feel excited about performing every day."
Billy Pearce (Smee), Myra DuBois (Magical MerMyra), Ryan Thomas (Captain Hook) and Mya Louise Fenton (Peter Pan) outside the Alhambra Theatre ahead of this year's pantomime. (Image: T&A)
How to get tickets
For tickets, visit this link: https://www.bradford-theatres.co.uk/whats-on/the-pantomime-adventures-of-peter-pan
Alongside the principal cast, audiences can look forward to performances from comedy acrobatic troupe The Acromaniacs, while the Sunbeams from Sara Packham Theatre School will return for their 21st year as part of the Alhambra pantomime.
Directed by long-time Bradford panto director Ed Curtis, the production promises spectacular special effects, dazzling costumes, plenty of laughs and all the magic audiences have come to expect from a festive trip to the theatre.
Produced by Crossroads Pantomimes, The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan runs from December 5 until January 17, bringing pirates, crocodiles and a touch of Neverland magic to audiences throughout the Christmas season.