11:52am Friday 20th November 2009
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Henry Winkler joined forces with Mickey Rooney, Joanna Page, Kara Tointon, Chris Fountain and Anthea Turner to launch the pantomime season.
The 64-year-old actor - who shot to fame playing the Fonz in 70s sitcom Happy Days - will reprise his role as Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the Liverpool Empire for the fourth year running.
"I've looked at a lot of roles and none of them seem to measure up, this is the best - he is the best baddie and there's sword fights involved, and I'm carried on a chair by six or seven pirates, it's really fantastic," he said.
He added: "I love this guy. I love the Hook and he is misunderstood. People don't understand him. He's really a lovely guy. OK, so he wants to fry children but in the bigger picture sometimes that's not so bad, if you think about it."
Gavin And Stacey star Joanna will be playing Cinderella at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking.
"I played Cinderella last year and it's going to be lovely to do it again, sing pop songs, dance, run around the stage and wear pretty ballgowns so I'm looking forward to it," she said.
"All through the year, I do comedy or a serious shows - I never really get the chance to sing pop songs or do what you got you into the business in the first place, so if somebody's happy to let me sing and dance on stage, then I'd happily do it every Christmas!"
:: All the celebrities will be taking part in First Family Entertainment pantomime productions this year, sponsored by Robinsons. Tickets to your local pantomime are now on sale at www.firstfamilyentertainment.co.uk.
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