David Hasselhoff, cult figure and star of hit TV series Baywatch and Knightrider, will be strutting his stuff on the stage of the New Wimbledon theatre this winter, as he plays the evil Captain Hook in Peter Pan.
Following in the footsteps of his former Baywatch colleague Pamela Anderson, who delighted dads in the New Wimbledon audience last year when she played the Genie Of The Lamp in Aladdin, Hasselhoff will don the buccaneer’s famous pantaloons and wig from 10 December to 16 January to help the theatre celebrate its centenary.
“Peter Pan is a show that has always been close to my heart, as my first theatre role was playing Lost Boy Nibs when I was a child,” commented the American actor. “I am so delighted to be asked to join this British tradition. I know all about pantomime as some of my good friends have already appeared in previous productions. They’ve told me how much fun it is. Get ready London for Hoff The Hook!”
Kevin Wood, Chief Executive for First Family Entertainment added: “I can’t tell you how thrilled we are to be working with David. This is without doubt the most exciting piece of panto casting in history and is so fitting as the New Wimbledon theatre is celebrating its 100th birthday on Boxing Day. Peter Pan is going to be the hottest ticket in London this Christmas.”
Hasselhoff, who also famously performed a soft rock gig standing upon a partially demolished Berlin Wall, is joined in Peter Pan by another cult figure, the choreographer, dancer and star of Pineapple Studios Louie Spence, who plays Roger the cabin boy.
Peter Pan tells the famous story of a boy who wouldn’t grow up, who takes the children of the Darling family on an exciting and perilous trip to Neverland, where they meet the Lost Boys, Tinkerbell and the nefarious Captain Hook.
MA