From telly’s most famous duo Ant and Dec to the mighty Hunter from Gladiators and the lovable Orville the Duck, a galaxy of stars have appeared at Sunderland Empire pantomimes over the years. We’ve rounded up some of the biggest names
5. John Challis and James Baxter, Peter Pan, 2009
Best known as Boycie in Only Fools and Horses, John Challis went down a storm as Captain Hook with Sunderland-born James Baxter. Best known as Boycie in Only Fools and Horses, John Challis went down a storm as Captain Hook in Peter Pan. He appeared alongside Sunderland-born James Baxter who appeared in Emmerdale. Photo: JPI Media
6. Geoffrey Hughes, Jack and the Beanstalk, 1983
A familiar face on British TV thanks to roles in Keeping Up Appearances, Heartbeat and The Royle Family, a young Geoffrey played the Empire in the early 80s, alongside Nicholas Parsons. Photo: Sunderland Echo
7. Stanley Baxter, Mother Goose, 1984
Comedian Stanley Baxter drew plenty of giggles as the Dame in Mother Goose in 1984. He's pictured here at the annual Christmas parade through the city centre. Photo: Sunderland Echo
8. Sheila Ferguson and Kavanagh, Aladdin, 2008
Members of Kathleen Davis School of Dance rubbed shoulders with Sheila Ferguson, of The Three Degrees fame, and popstar Anthony Kavanagh, known by his surname, in 2008. Photo: Sunderland Echo