The London Palladium has announced a new production of Peter Pan will be is Christmas 2023-4 pantomime.

Comedy star Jennifer Saunders is to lead the cast as the nefarious Captain Hook across the show's five-week run.

Palladium panto regular Julian Clary will co-star as Seaman Smee, with other returning regulars Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, Gary Wilmot and Rob Madge.

Tickets go on sale on Thursday 27th April at 10 am through palladiumpantomime.com. Prices start at £10, with performances running from Saturday 9th December to Sunday 14 January 2024.

Jennifer Saunders says: "I could not be more delighted to be doing my first panto ever at The Palladium. I am a huge fan of panto and The Palladium always delivers. I wouldn't want to be in Peter Pan's tiny soft shoes let me tell you, because I am going to give Hook my all!"

Michael Harrison, the producer and director of all eight pantomimes at the venue since the theatrical tradition was revived in 2016, said: "I'm thrilled to be welcoming comedy legend Jennifer Saunders to our panto as Captain Hook. She is going to be a sensational addition to our show.

"Julian Clary is without doubt one of the greatest performers ever to grace The Palladium stage and it's also a huge pleasure to welcome back the much-loved team of Paul, Nigel and Gary. I am particularly excited that the inimitable Rob Madge loved appearing in last year's show so much they have signed up for another year of Palladium madness!"

Dawn French played the lead in 2022-3's Jack And The Beanstalk, whilst other prior stars have included Donny Osmond, Count Arthur Strong and Amanda Holden.