Tony Maudsley joins Peter Pan cast at Liverpool Empire

Benidorm star Tony Maudsley will return home for Christmas to tread the boards at the Liverpool Empire.

The Kirkby-born actor will take on the role of Kenneth the Cabin Boy in Qdos Entertainments’ pantomime Peter Pan.

He will join fellow cast members John Evans – returning to the Lime Street theatre for a third festive season – as Smee, and fellow Benidorm star Asa Elliott who will take on the role of Tiger Billy.

Further casting is yet to be announced.

Maudsley said today: “It’s a huge honour to have been asked to join the cast of the Liverpool Empire panto.

“Growing up in Liverpool I know full well just how important panto is for the city, so to be back in the beautiful Empire and back on my home turf at Christmas is going to be really magical.”

The 51-year-old actor is best-known for playing lovable crimper Kenneth Du Beke in long-running, award-winning ITV comedy Benidorm from 2011 onwards. Most recently he has reprised his role as Kenneth in Benidorm Live at theatres across the UK, including a sold out run at the Liverpool Empire.

His other work includes roles in Stephen Poliakoff's Summer of Rockets for the BBC and ITV's The Job Lot and as Edna Turnblad in a UK tour of Hairspray.

He has also appeared on the big screen alongside Johnny Depp in Sleepy Hollow, Vanity Fair starring Reece Witherspoon, and in Bright Young Things, directed by Stephen Fry and starring Richard E Grant, Imelda Staunton, John Mills, Peter O’Toole and Michael Sheen.

Peter Pan is at the Liverpool Empire from December 7-29. Tickets from the website HERE