{"id":692388,"date":"2026-07-15T04:34:09","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T04:34:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/692388\/"},"modified":"2026-07-15T04:34:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T04:34:09","slug":"heartstopper-and-emmerdale-star-bradley-riches-will-play-peter-in-the-further-adventures-of-peter-pan-the-return-of-captain-hook-at-sunderland-empire-this-christmas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/692388\/","title":{"rendered":"Heartstopper and Emmerdale star Bradley Riches will play \u2018Peter\u2019 in The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook at Sunderland Empire this Christmas"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sunderland Empire and Martin Dodd for UK Productions are taking flight for Christmas 2026 with\u00a0The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook\u00a0and are delighted to announce that Heartstopper and Emmerdale star,\u00a0Bradley Riches,is set to join this latest swashbuckling adventure in the role of \u2018Peter\u2019 from\u00a0Friday 11 December 2026\u00a0until\u00a0Sunday 3 January 2027.<\/p>\n

Bradley Riches\u00a0is an award-winning autistic actor best known for his roles currently in the Yorkshire Dales as Lewis Barton in Emmerdale and as James McEwan in Netflix\u2019s Heartstopper. In 2024, he became a favourite on Celebrity Big Brother UK, further cementing his place as a popular and authentic voice in British entertainment.<\/p>\n

Bradley is also a bestselling author of Autistically Me and A Different Kind of Superpower, championing autistic voices and inclusive storytelling. Across TikTok and Instagram, he connects with over 2 million followers, using his platform to promote visibility, positivity, and representation.<\/p>\n

Bradley said:\u00a0\u201cI\u2019m absolutely delighted to be returning to panto and especially to be playing Peter Pan again- it\u2019s such an iconic and magical role. There\u2019s nothing quite like the energy of a live audience at Christmas, and I can\u2019t wait to be at the Sunderland Empire. It\u2019s going to be a brilliant festive season \u2013 I\u2019m so excited to get flying!\u201d<\/p>\n

Martin\u00a0Dodd, Producer for UK Productions,\u00a0said:<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re absolutely delighted to be\u00a0bringing\u00a0Bradley Riches to Wearside this Christmas to lead the adventure at the magnificent\u00a0Sunderland Empire. Audiences will know and love him from\u00a0Emmerdale\u00a0and\u00a0Heartstopper,\u00a0Bradley\u00a0brings the courage, charm and sparkle needed to fly high as Peter Pan in\u00a0The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook. Sunderland you are in for a swashbuckling treat \u2014 packed with thrills, laughter and a sprinkle of fairy dust. Tickets are flying away, so hook yours now and join us for the must-see adventure!\u201d<\/p>\n

Bradley will of course be joined by Wearside\u2019s most iconic panto duo, the fabulously funny North East Queen of Comedy,\u00a0Miss Rory\u00a0(Boulevard) and the rib-ticklingly hysterical\u00a0Tom Whalley, both back by incredible popular demand.The pair will return to Sunderland Empire\u2019s stage for a seventh year running and are sure to be cheekier than ever before.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Join Peter, Smee, Tinker Bell, Emily Darling and Ethel the Mermaid on a brand-new adventure full of audience interaction, incredible flying effects, giggles galore and\u2026of course, crocodiles!<\/p>\n

Life has been smooth sailing for Peter Pan since he defeated Captain Hook\u2026 or so he thought. Whispers are spreading that the notorious Hook survived those stormy seas and is out for revenge. Could it be true? Watch out\u2026 he might be right behind you!<\/p>\n

Get ready for gravity-defying flying scenes, stunning choreography, and mind- blowing special effects that will leave you gasping. Pirate sword fights, crocodile chases, and jaw-dropping stunts bring Neverland to life like you\u2019ve never seen before!<\/p>\n

Further casting to be announced.<\/p>\n

The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook\u00a0plays at Sunderland Empire Friday 11 December 2026 \u2013 Sunday 3 January 2027. Tickets are available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n


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