Todd McKenney will transform into Captain Hook for Bonnie Lythgoe panto

The ‘Bonnie Lythgoe Pantomime’ is becoming something of an annual tradition. This British-import, family-style form of entertainment keeps coming back, and after last year’s Cinderella (starring Real Housewife Gina Liano) she’s back to planning next winter’s extravaganza: The Adventures of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell. 

Star Todd McKenney and producer Bonnie Lythgoe.

And this year, beloved Aussie all-rounder Todd McKenney will take the lead as the villainous Captain Hook.

“By hook or by crook, Todd will be Captain Hook; he is witty and smart and great for the part.  Todd is the one and only ‘Hook’ for me.  He sings, he acts and he dances like a dream.  Just Perfect,” said producer Bonnie Lythgoe, clearly in a whimsical mood.

“There was only one actor I visualised to play ‘Hook’ and that was Todd McKenney. He is so very talented, clever, experienced and flamboyant.  The perfect characteristics for the perfect ‘Hook’.

“I am so excited he said ‘yes’!”

Casting is currently underway for the roles of Wendy, Peter, Tinkerbell, Tiger Lilly, Mr & Mrs Darling and the Lost Boys and will be announced in the very near future.

For the first time, Lythgoe’s panto will play outside Sydney’s State Theatre. It will open on the Gold Coast on 23 June ahead of its Sydney season on 7 July. Finally, it will land at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne on 21 July.

And what can we expect? If previous years are anything to go by, we’ll see plenty of song and dance numbers (ripped from the pop charts), glittery, enchanting sets, and charm aplenty.

For tickets and more information, visit www.ozpanto.com.

Cassie Tongue

Cassie is a theatre critic and arts writer in Sydney, and was the deputy editor of AussieTheatre. She has written for The Guardian, Time Out Sydney, Daily Review, and BroadwayWorld Australia. She is a voter for the Sydney Theatre Awards.

Cassie Tongue

One thought on “Todd McKenney will transform into Captain Hook for Bonnie Lythgoe panto

  • Are you coming to brisbane

    Reply

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