Wimbledon Hook Jerry Springer for Hoff Holiday

No stranger to London theatre, Springer appeared as smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn in the West End production of Chicago last year, a role Hasselhoff also played in 2004. The American television presenter, who is British-born, is best known for hosting the notorious Jerry Springer Show. He has also appeared on US reality TV show imports such as America’s Got Talent and Dancing with the Stars.

David Hasselhoff, who started previews of Peter Pan on 10 December 2010 ahead of the show’s 17 December opening, will play the part of Captain Hook on 19 December, 21 to 30 December, 9 January to 12 January and 15 and 16 January 2011. Springer takes the role for two stretches from 31 December to 8 January and and 13 to 14 January 2011. It has also been announced that Hasselhoff’s Baywatch co-star, American actor Jeremy Jackson will play hook for two performances on 18 December and the matinee performance on 19 December 2010.

All three American Hooks will appear alongside television personality and artistic director of Pineapple Dance Studios Louie Spence who plays Cabin Boy Roger through to the production’s close on 16 January 2011.

First Family Entertainment, who have produced the New Wimbledon Theatre pantomime for the previous six years, have cast a number of big-name stars in their recent Christmas productions. Last year’s production of Aladdin saw Pamela Anderson, Paul O’Grady, Ruby Wax and Anita Dobson share the role of the genie alongside Brian Blessed whilst Happy Days star Henry Winkler appeared in theatre’s 2006 production of Peter Pan.