Press Pack: Peter Pan 2025
Welcome
Welcome to the Royal Spa Centre’s magical 2025 pantomime, Peter Pan! This year’s production brings all the laughter, sparkle and swashbuckling spirit audiences have come to expect from Leamington’s biggest festive tradition. Whether you’re here as accredited press, a local blogger, or a panto super-fan with a passion for writing reviews, this pack gives you everything you need to tell the story and share the excitement.
Quick Links
6. Approved Language and Messaging
8. Key Dates and Contact Information
1. About this Pack
Here you’ll find summaries of the show and cast, historical context about the theatre, approved quotes and hashtags, and links to high-resolution photographs, logos and video clips for use in your coverage.
You can also download a PDF version of this pack:
2. About the Show
Title & Credits
- Peter Pan
- Produced by Imagine Theatre in association with Warwick District Council’s Arts Section
- Directed by Stephen Fletcher and co-directed by JP McCue
- Musical Direction: Tim Spencer
- Choreography by Connor Clifford
- LX Design: Toby Darvill
- Sound Design: Chris James
- Fight Director: Lisa Connell
Synopsis
When Wendy and her brothers encounter the mysterious Peter, the boy who never grows old, they are whisked off to the magical island of Neverland. With the island under threat can they help Peter and the Lost Boys to defeat the villainous Captain Hook and her infamous pirate crew?
Theme and Tone
- Family
- Adventure
- Friendship
- Magic
- Local humour
- Festive fun
Expect larger-than-life characters, high-energy dance numbers, and a sprinkling of Leamington wit.
Running Time and Guidance
- Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes (including interval)
- Suitable for ages 3+
- Relaxed, signed, and captioned performances available – see website for details.
Performance Dates
- Friday 5 December 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026
- Press Night: Saturday 6 December 2025 at 5 pm
3. Cast and Creative Team
Creative Team
- Produced by Imagine Theatre in association with Warwick District Council’s Arts Section
- Written by JP McCue and Sean Dodds
- Directed by Stephen Fletcher and co-directed by JP McCue
- Choreography: Connor Clifford
- Musical Direction: Tim Spencer
- LX Design: Toby Darvill
- Sound Design: Chris James
- Fight Director: Lisa Connell
Principal Cast
- Captain Holly Hook & Dolly Darling – JP McCue
- Smee – Sean Dodds
- Peter Pan – Charlie Smart
- Tinker Bell – Hollie Smith-Nelson
- Wendy Darling – Emma Marsh
- Ensemble – Molly-Marie Matthews (Dance Captain), Demi Brooks, Joe Laveille, Oliver Ward, Alex McAteer
About Imagine Theatre
One of the UK’s leading pantomime producers with over 30 annual productions nationwide.
www.imaginetheatre.co.uk
4. About the Royal Spa Centre
Opened in 1972, the Royal Spa Centre is Leamington Spa’s flagship performing arts venue, owned and operated by Warwick District Council. It hosts a year-round programme of drama, comedy, film and live music, and is home to the district’s much-loved annual pantomime.
Recent investment includes new energy-efficient lighting, cinema equipment, and a refurbished auditorium, improving comfort for audiences and reducing carbon emissions.
- Venue Capacity: 667 (main auditorium) | 188 (studio)
- Website: www.royalspacentre.co.uk
5. Quotes & Endorsements
"Peter Pan is pure escapism; flying, pirates, and laughter; and we can’t wait to share it with audiences this festive season."
"The magic of panto lives in the audience’s reaction; every boo, cheer and giggle counts!"
Farewell to Panto Favourites – JP and Sean
This year’s production of Peter Pan marks a very special milestone at the Royal Spa Centre, as we say a fond farewell to two of our long-standing pantomime performers, JP McCue and Sean Dodds.
Sean says:
“We are so excited for the panto season to begin, and we have some news! After 12 wonderful years, both JP and I have decided that this year’s Peter Pan will be our last pantomime at the Spa Centre. Just like Peter, we’re off on some new adventures! So this Christmas, more than ever, we’d love you to join us one last time to make some truly special festive memories together.”
JP adds:
“That’s right, we’re hanging up our wigs! For over a decade you’ve laughed with us, booed the baddies, and sung your hearts out, and we can’t thank you enough. So, let’s make this year truly unforgettable! We promise to bring you the biggest, boldest, and most magical show the Spa Centre has ever seen packed with heart, hilarity, and tonnes of glitter!”
Paul Roberts, Arts Manager, Warwick District Council, says:
“JP and Sean have shared so many unforgettable panto moments with us here at the Spa Centre. For over a decade, they’ve been at the heart of our pantomime tradition, and we’d love everyone to join us this Christmas to give them the send-off they truly deserve and enjoy what promises to be a very special show. While we’ll miss them both, we’re excited for the future. Their wonderful legacy will continue as new casts bring amazing family favourites to life for many generations to come. The magic of pantomime at the Royal Spa Centre is here to stay!”
Both have been central to the success, warmth and humour of the Royal Spa Centre pantomimes for many years, becoming firm favourites with local audiences and an essential part of Leamington’s festive tradition. Their energy, timing and rapport with audiences have helped make each Christmas show a highlight of the local calendar.
Further details and personal tributes will be confirmed closer to the show’s run, and this section will be updated to include photographs, and farewell messages from colleagues and fans.
6. Approved Language and Messaging
Suggested Headlines
- Leamington takes flight this Christmas with Peter Pan at the Royal Spa Centre!
- Swashbuckling fun for all the family; a panto adventure not to be missed.
Approved Descriptive Phrases
- Family friendly festive fun
- High energy song and dance spectacular
- Local stars and laugh-out-loud moments
Official Hashtags
- #PeterPanLeamington
- #RoyalSpaCentre
- #LeamingtonChristmas
- #FestiveLeamington
- #LeamingtonPanto
- #PeterPan
- #panto
Social Handles
- Facebook Royal Spa Centre & Town Hall | Facebook
- Instagram Royal Spa Centre & Town Hall (@royalspacentre)
- TikTok Royal Spa Centre (@royalspacentre) | TikTok)
Embargo
Reviews may be published after Press Night 6 December 2025, 10 pm onwards – please send your review through to spa.marketing@warwickdc.gov.uk
7. Press and Media Assets
Downloadable Photography
Video Clips
To follow
Logos
Artwork
8. Key Dates and Contact Information
Press Night
- Saturday 6 December 2025, 5pm
- Royal Spa Centre Main Auditorium
- RSVP to spa.marketing@warwickdc.gov.uk
Interview Opportunities
Cast and creative team interviews available on request (pre-record and in-person).
Media Enquiries
- Daisy Jennings / Cat Jeffcock
- spa.marketing@warwickdc.gov.uk
- 01926 737154
9. Community and Impact
The Royal Spa Centre pantomime is a cornerstone of Leamington’s festive calendar, welcoming over 20,000 audience members each season and supporting local businesses, volunteers and young performers. This year’s production includes a schools’ education programme, relaxed performance for SEND audiences, and a partnership with The Friendship Project who are our Charity.
This year our sponsor is The Dice Box board game café in Leamington Spa.
10. Practical Information
Venue Address
Royal Spa Centre, Newbold Terrace, Leamington Spa CV32 4HN
Parking & Arrival
Multi-storey parking is available at St Peters, press check-in at the press desk from 4pm at the Spa Centre.
Complimentary Tickets / Tokens
Issued to accredited press only; these will be handed out on arrival.
Photography & Filming Policy
No filming or flash photography during the performance. Authorised photography only during designated press call times.
The cast will be available for photoshoots on Tuesday 25 November 10am-11am at the Dice Box, let us know if you’d like to attend.