But yesterday, Peter Pan and Captain Hook hopped on board a bus – to promote a special deal for ballet audiences.

Yorkshire bus company Arriva has teamed up with Leeds's Northern Ballet Theatre to offer theatre-goers a special discount on the company's festive performances of A Christmas Carol and Peter Pan.

On selected dates, people arriving at Leeds Grand Theatre on an Arriva bus will be able to claim 25 per cent off.

Captain Hook, played by Christopher Hinton-Lewis, said: "I usually travel by boat because I like to make people walk the plank, but I find that the bus offers more protection from crocodiles and it saves me precious gold when it comes to parking!"

Chloe Leach, Arriva Yorkshire marketing manager, said: "Visiting the theatre at Christmas is a real treat for the whole family. We wanted to offer passengers a chance to be part of this great festive tradition and at the same time encourage them to give their local bus service a try. "

The offer is valid for the following performances: A Christmas Carol, December 1 at 7pm and December 2 at 7pm; Peter Pan, December 18 at 2pm and 7pm, December 23 at 2pm and 7pm and December 26 at 7pm.

To book, call the box office on 0844 848 2701 and quote 'Arriva offer'. People will need to take along their Arriva bus ticket, valid for the same day as the performance.