Hull New Theatre – until 31 December 2107. Reviewed by Catherine McWIlliams
4****
Qdos Entertainment’s production of Peter Pan is guaranteed to warm the soul on a cold winter’s day, full of fun, spectacle and gasp out loud moments, it has something for everyone. I have to be honest I was a sceptic about pantos when I arrived at the theatre, having seen only one before I really didn’t think they were for me as an adult. How wrong I was, I was very quickly joining in the shouting with the children, groaning at the gags and laughing till I ached. I left the New Theatre with a huge smile on my face.
This show is a visual feast with spectacular scenery and costumes. It really benefits from the redevelopment of the New Theatre which has increased the size and the height of the stage, allowing Peter Pan to soar high into the sky. From the start we were treated to stunning dancing and musical numbers. The 3D section was amazing and I have to confess to screaming as loudly as the children were at times.
The story of course is that of Peter Pan taking Wendy and the Darling boys to Neverland and the ultimate defeat of Captain Hook. Along the way we meet Tinker Belle, Tiger Lily, Big Chief Sitting Sid, Mimi the Mermaid, Smee and Starkey.
Darren Day makes Captain Hook a suitably nasty piece of work, Hook is an east Ender sneering at the audience and their City of Culture and clearly reveling in the booing! His timing was excellent and he was more than happy to throw in the odd ad lib (much to the delight of the adults in the audience). His musical numbers were excellent but particular mention must go to his rendition of “I Did it My Way” – one to remember!
Jonny Labey, as Peter Pan, was totally believable as he soared effortlessly into the sky, wielded a sword, asked Wendy to be his Mummy and sang and danced his way around Neverland. Alice Strachan made a delightfully petulant Tinkerbelle, eventually seeing the error of her ways.
Laughter was never far away when Mimi the Mermaid (Charlie Hardwick), Smee (Ricky K) and Starkey (Brendan Sheerin) were around. Ricky K for me was the stand out in this production adding anarchy at the drop of a hat. His two handers with Brendan were spot on.
All in all this is a production to add sparkle, magic and rollicking fun to your Christmas – if you have the chance go and enjoy it. Oh yes one last thing – I believe in fairies