Comedy star Jason Manford is almost unrecognisable with a curly wig, pirate hat and rocking a mean grimace for his latest role. For TV favourite Jason is preparing to go full-on panto villain as Captain Hook in the Adventures of Peter Pan at Manchester Opera House this Christmas.
It will mark Jason's pantomime debut - and what's more special for Jason is that it's here on home turf in Manchester. He met up with co-stars for the first time in Manchester this week who include Britain's Got Talent finalist and panto favourite Ben Nickless who will be playing Smee in the show.
And Jason says he's looking forward to making his first foray into the festive theatre tradition. And he certainly looked to be getting into character at his first shoot in costume outside the Opera House.
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Salford-born Jason, 41, tells the MEN: "It's my first time in panto but obviously I've seen loads of them before. I'm nervous but I'm excited about it and I think it's going to be a good laugh."
Although dad-of-six Jason says there's been a mix of reactions from his kids about taking on his latest wacky role. Jason, who now lives in Stockport, says: "I've got six children, so there's a range of opinions from them about me being in panto.
"My four year old and seven year old are absolutely delighted, can't believe their luck, and my 10 year old he can't wait either.
"But then my 11 and 13 year old daughters are like "oh no"." Jason jokes: "So I've said I'll do the school run in my outfit. Maybe we'll just stand outside the school gates in our full wardrobe."
BGT star Ben has been a firm favourite on the panto scene in recent years with his hilarious comedy routines - so as he given Jason any tips ahead of his first time? Jason says: "Ben has told me to get used to booing!
"I'm fine with getting booed as the character, but when I see people getting booed at the curtain call I think ah no leave him alone, don't boo him now!"
Ben adds: "I've told him you can't swear! You've got to be a bit more family friendly." He quips: "I mean, the kids love it, but the parents, not so keen."
Jason jokes that there will be plenty of light and shade with his interpretation of rascal pirate Hook though. He says: "Is anyone really 100 per cent goodie or baddie? We've all got good sides and bad sides."
Jason has just been announced as the presenter of this year's BBC Children In Need and says: "I'm really chuffed to be a part of it, and it's filmed up this year. When you do stuff that you remember watching when you were a kid, it's quite a nice feeling."
He's also just confirmed he's been backing filming a new series of popular singing show Starstruck, while his stand-up comedy tour is also continuing across the UK. But come December, he'll be ready to delight audiences here in Manchester for the panto run starting from December 10.
The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan is at the Opera House from 10th – 31st December with tickets priced from £13. For more information, or to book, visit www.atgtickets.com/Manchester.
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