PANTOMIME stars lined up to promote their show in swashbuckling style yesterday.

Cast members of Peter Pan, including veteran actor Brian Blessed and Children's BBC presenter Kirsten O'Brien, alias Captain Hook and Peter Pan, gave a sneak preview of their costumes before opening night, on Friday.

With a cast including acrobats and high-tech lighting effects, they will perform at The Sunderland Empire, until January 20.

A theatre spokesman said the show promises to delight audiences.

"It's a Jim Davidson production, and the company takes pantomimes into the 21st Century," he said yesterday.

"It has still got all the ingredients of a panto, but it is also a modern stage show, with acrobats and phenomenal lighting effects. It is really top-notch stuff."

While this is Blessed's fifth year as Captain Hook, it is his first at The Sunderland Empire.

The spokesman said the star is glad to be back in the region.

"He used to go on holiday in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, so it is a very happy place for him," he said.

To book, ring the box office on 0191-514 2517.