Miss Rory to appear as Captain Hook in Sunderland

Sunderland Empire and Martin Dodd for UK Productions are excited to today reveal villainous casting for The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook taking flight for Christmas 2026. Turning to the dark side and sailing the high seas is Miss Rory, reinvented as the swashbuckling, sword-sharp Captain Rorina Hook from Friday 11 December 2026 until Sunday 3 January 2027.

The beloved Sunderland Empire pantomime dame will be shedding her matriarchal persona, unleashing an altogether more magnificently devious and conniving character that audiences will relish to boo, bringing the glamour, wit and edge to the infamous seafaring villain that only Miss Rory can bring.

Miss Rory is one of the North East’s most beloved performers synonymous for her hilarious observational comedy and quick wit. She is best known for compering at Boulevard Newcastle since the award-winning venue opened in 2010, as well as becoming a household name as Sunderland Empire’s revered pantomime Dame since 2019, in roles including Rorina Hardup (Cinderella) for which she was nominated for a coveted Great British Pantomime Award, Rorina La Plonk (Beauty and the Beast), and most recently Rorina The Cleaner (Sleeping Beauty) to name a few. A ‘Tyneside Institution’ (ITV Tyne Tees), Miss Rory is also known for her numerous sell-out solo shows including Land of Hope and Rory (2022); Winging It (2023), TWENTY (2024) and ‘Live Laugh Live’ (2025).

Miss Rory said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be causing havoc this Christmas, this time as the nefarious and may I say deliciously despicable Captain Rorina Hook! Pantomime is THE highlight of my year, and I can’t wait to be returning for a seventh season, this time in a role that will allow me to be an even bigger diva than usual. I’ve loved playing the warm mothering dame, but I think it’s time I get to steer the ship in this story... after all, a Rory takeover was always bound to happen! Rorina Hook isn’t your bog-standard baddie, she’s sassy, sharp, and deliciously evil, you’ll love to hate her. Oh, and expect to see the most bedazzling looks to tread the boardwalks!”

Martin Dodd, Producer for UK Productions, said: “We are delighted to that Miss Rory has agree to climb aboard the Jolly Roger as Captain Rorina Hook in this year's swashbuckling spectacular, The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook. Miss Rory is one of the North East's most beloved entertainers, with razor-sharp wit, impeccable comic timing and just the right amount of villainous sparkle to make her a truly unforgettable Hook.

One of the things that makes Sunderland Empire pantomime’s so special is a team that audiences adore, and Miss Rory and Tom Whalley as Captain Rorina Hook and Smee is something we're especially excited about. Their chemistry, comic rivalry and ability to have audiences in stitches are legendary across Wearside, and I have no doubt they'll once again prove why they're one of the region's favourite double acts.

With Rory at the helm, Tom causing mischief alongside her, and an incredible cast joining them on this magical adventure, we're charting a course for a pantomime packed with laughter, spectacular entertainment and plenty of pirate pandemonium. I'd encourage audiences to hook their tickets now before they sail away!"

Miss Rory will of course be joined by her sackless sidekick ‘Smee’, the rib-ticklingly hysterical Tom Whalley as they continue to entertain as Wearside’s most iconic panto duo. This year they’re set to be cheekier than ever before as they battle Emmerdale and Heartstopper’s Bradley Riches, recently announced as plucky opponent Peter Pan.

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…of course, crocodiles!

Life has been smooth sailing for Peter Pan since he defeated Captain Hook... 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... he might be right behind you!

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’ve never seen before!

Further casting to be announced.

The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook will bring swashbuckling adventure to Sunderland Empire audiences from Friday 11 December 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027! Hook your tickets! Book online now at ATGTickets.com/Sunderland*

*A transaction fee may apply to online bookings.