The city's great and good gathered at the Sunderland Empire last night for the VIP show, attended by more than 1,550 people.

This year's seasonal outing is bigger and better than ever before, with Only Fools and Horses star John Challis stepping into the shoes of this year's panto baddie, Captain Hook.

He is joined by home-grown actor James Baxter, of High Barnes.

The 19-year-old former Emmerdale star has returned to his home city to take up the lead role as Peter Pan.

Returning to the stage after a laugh-a-minute performance in last year's Empire panto, Aladdin, is North East comic Steve Walls, who plays Captain Cook's side-kick, Smee.

Veteran panto dame Steve Luck makes a return to the very stage where he was introduced to panto as a child. Steve, originally from Darlington, steps into a fabulous frock as the Cook.

* Peter Pan is at the Empire until January 3.

For tickets, phone 0844 847 2499 or visit www.sunderlandempire.org.uk

>> Review in Wednesday's Sunderland Echo