Peter Pan

My annual visit to Eyemouth traditionally marks the start of the panto season and this year was no different. At the time of my visit the performance venue was threatened by demolition, but I was pleased to learn a few weeks later the local Council had decided to reverse this decision following strong local opposition. Had it been demolished this group would have had nowhere to perform and Eyemouth and the surrounding area would be very much the poorer for that.

This year’s choice of panto was Peter Pan and my first time seeing it as a panto. Based on the famous JM Barrie story the show had all the necessary ingredients for a fabulous show – goodies to cheer, baddies to boo, jokes to laugh or even groan at, local references, great song choices, colourful costumes and appropriate choreography and above all a happy ending.

What impressed me this year was the high level of production values, and particularly the scenes involving flying – not easy to do in such a small venue but very well executed and added so much to the show as did the menacing crocodile.

The cast from ensemble to principals worked their socks off to deliver, once again, the standard of show I have come to expect from Eyemouth. Whilst there were no weak links at all I would light to highlight a few of the principals. In fine form as always, Andrew brought great comedy to the role of Squatting Bear (the dame in this panto) with some corny gags that had you laughing despite being so bad!. Holly gave us a feisty performance as Tinker Bell equally match by the evil Captain Hook played with great menace by Stuart ably assisted by Sonny as his sidekick Smee. Heidi, as Peter and Grace as Wendy worked well together as did the other members of the Darling Family. All other principals and ensemble added greatly to the overall success of the panto.

Thanks as always for the invite and warm welcome. Congratulations once again on getting my panto season of to such an enjoyable start – oh yes they did!

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