CORONATION Street star Chris Gascoyne has been announced as the villain in this year’s Alhambra pantomime.
Chris - who played Peter Barlow in the ITV soap - will play the evil Stromboli in Pinocchio. He joins Bradford panto legend Billy Pearce who, as the Telegraph & Argus reported earlier this year, will star as toymaker Geppetto.
No stranger to panto, Chris Gascoyne is a film, theatre and television actor, best known as Peter Barlow in Britain’s top soap, Coronation Street.
Over his 23 years on the cobbles, Chris has led many high-profile storylines, including affairs, alcoholism and a custody battle for his son, Simon. The son of Corrie stalwart Ken Barlow, Peter’s first appearance was during the 40th anniversary live episode in December 2000.
Peter was at the centre of a bigamy storyline when he married both Rovers barmaid Shelley Unwin and florist Lucy Richards. He has also been married to Leanne Battersby and Carla Connor, and was framed for the murder of Tina McIntyre.
In October 2023, Peter finally saw off Corrie serial killer Stephen Reid when he ran him over, in a final showdown on the Street. The residents watched as Stephen died, and Peter later left Weatherfield to join an old Navy pal travelling the world on his boat.
Chris’ other TV dramas include The Feud, Moving On, New Street Law, The Royal and A Touch of Frost.
His stage credits include The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice, Frankie And Johnny At The Clair De Lune and Bluebird.
Said Chris: “I’m looking forward to joining the cast and crew of Pinocchio and I’m so excited to meet the lovely people of Bradford this Christmas.”
Adam Renton, General Manager Bradford Theatres, said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the addition of Chris to our cast for this year’s pantomime.
“I’m sure that audiences of all ages will thoroughly enjoy another outstanding festive show in Bradford and will look forward to welcoming Chris to our city.
"There is huge affection for the Alhambra’s annual panto - and particularly this year, in the theatre’s 110th anniversary year, I’m very proud that we’ll be presenting a brand-new pantomime title, Pinocchio.
“Along with Billy Pearce at the helm, Chris will ensure that Pinocchio is bigger and better than ever before, packed with festive magic, spectacular effects, and lots of laughter.”
Pinocchio is produced by the world’s biggest pantomime producer and the team behind the 2023 production of Cinderella, Crossroads Pantomimes.
Further casting for Pinocchio will be announced later in the year.
* Pinocchio runs at the Alhambra from December 7 to January 19, 2025. Call (01274) 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk
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