Squeaky’s back for fourth panto

Panto fans are in for a treat as local favourite Mike “Squeaky” McClean has been confirmed as being back on the Christmas menu for 2015.
Derby panto star Mike 'Squeaky' McClean

Photo by Adam RileyDerby panto star Mike 'Squeaky' McClean

Photo by Adam Riley
Derby panto star Mike 'Squeaky' McClean Photo by Adam Riley

The family favourite funny man is to return to Derby as Wishee Washee in the all-star traditional family pantomime Aladdin, to be held at the new Derby Arena, where he will entertain audiences again with his own special, unique style of comedy.

Mike returns for a fourth year to Derby by popular demand.

Mike said: “I’m so excited to be back in Derby. I missed the city and the audiences last year.

“I hope I see lots of familiar faces in the audience at this new arena. I hear there’s a cycle track. I wouldn’t mind a go on that. And the arena’s near the football ground isn’t it?

“If Derby are promoted at the end of the season then maybe I’ll get to see my team Manchester City annihilate them! Only joking Derby. You’ll be fine!”

Mike has appeared in three hugely popular and successful pantomimes at the Assembly Rooms, having shared the stage with Linda Robson, Paul Nicholas, Larry Lamb, George Sampson, Cheryl Fergison and Marcus Collins.

His ability to entertain and engage with every one of every age has guaranteed him a large and loyal Derby following with audiences and critics alike.

During that time, he has also returned to the city on a number of occasions for some successful stand-up comedy performances.

The mimicker and master of one-liners will be on stage in Aladdin, from Monday, December 7 until Sunday, January 3.

Pantomime-goers will follow loveable rogue Aladdin on his quest for hidden treasure as he tries to win the heart of the beautiful Princess Jasmine.

With fabulous new sets and costumes, hilarious slapstick comedy, high energy music and dance routines, and lots of audience participation, Aladdin will fulfil all of your three wishes for Christmas 2015.

Joining Mike McClean in the cast will be two of TV’s favourite pirates, who will be making their pantomime debut together at the new Derby Arena.

Instantly recognisable to young viewers as the hopeless and loveable double-act Cook and Line from the BAFTA nominated CBeebies Swashbuckle, Joseph Elliott and Richard David-Caine will be charged with picking up the comedy batons of PCs Ping and Pong in the spectacular pantomime Aladdin.

The comedy partners and writing duo have worked together for the last five years, specialising in big, slapstick comedy and OTT characters. As Cook and Line they have also appeared together in the hugely successful televised pantomimes A CBeebies’ Christmas Carol and Peter Pan, have featured on Justin’s House as well as doing live shows, guest appearances and headlining festivals up and down the country.

Joseph and Richard have also been performing together for over four years as part of acclaimed comedy group, Four Screws Loose, in which they’ve written and starred in four smash-hit Edinburgh shows, had sell-out runs at the Leicester Square and Soho Theatres and performed in a multitude of exciting venues from Norfolk to Adelaide.

With tickets already on sale, it’s never too early to book for this fantastic festive treat.

Call the Derby LIVE box office on 01332 255800, pick your seats online at derbylive.co.uk, or book in person at the Assembly Rooms, Market Place, Derby.

Tickets are priced from £11.25 and concessions, group, school and family tickets are available.

n There will be a poetry event at Deda’s CUBE bar, based on Chapel Street in Derby city centre, on Thursday, May 7, at 7.30pm.

Come along, listen or perform your own poetry in front of an enthusiastic and supportive crowd.

If you would like to be in with a chance of reading your work as the ‘warm-up’ for the venue’s Simon Armitage event in June, submit your poem by May 1.

Go to www.deda.uk.com for further details of the forthcoming event.

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