Peter Pan will be flying into the Empire theatre this pantomime season.
However it will be a very different type of Peter Pan, a modern version which will reflect Liverpool.
Former X Factor star Ray Quinn takes the lead role as the boy who doesn’t want to grow old but said he would certainly not be wearing tights and hats.
The panto will take place on the brand new stage in the Empire, which is the biggest one in Europe, over the festive season.
Liverpool’s very own Quinn is known for his success in X-Factor in 2006 before he went onto win the 2009 series of Dancing on Ice.
Since then Quinn has gone on to star in some of the biggest musicals there are, including ‘Grease’ and ‘Dirty Dancing’.
He told JMU Journalism: “I am absolutely super excited. This is the big one for me. I can’t wait to come home and get back on the Empire stage. It’s one of the best theatres in the country and I love performing here to a home crowd.”
He will be performing alongside his wife, Emma Stephens, who is playing the role of Wendy. The couple met when they appeared together in a London production of ‘Grease’ and got married in 2012.
Stephens told JMU Journalism: “I am looking forward to performing in the Empire. I have only performed in Liverpool once in Saturday Night Fever. I am nervous about both me and Ray flying though.”
The couple plan to spend Christmas at Quinn’s mum’s house in Liverpool for their son Harry’s second Christmas.
Also starring in this year’s festive spectacular is Brookside legend, Louis Emerick, who will play the famous baddie role of Captain Hook. Louis has recently been over in Benidorm filming for the new series.
He told JMU Journalism: “I am so excited. I have played Captain Hook before but this is my first time in the Empire.
“I am looking forward to being home for Christmas and performing in my hometown with the best audience in the world.”
Other members of the cast include Juice FM’s Leanne Campbell who is playing Tiger Lily, Shaun Mason playing the loveable Smee, and Radio City’s Pete Price playing the part of a pirate.
Peter Pan runs at the Liverpool Empire from Friday 13th December 2013 to Sunday 5th January 2014.