Peter Pan

Peter was once a normal child, but he ran away to Neverland so he would never have to grow up. One night, he slips through the open bedroom window of the Darling children and whisks them away to his enchanted land. Together they soar into a world where they encounter the Big Chief, the brave Tiger Lily, the mischievous Lost Boys, fearsome pirates, and the infamous Captain Hook. And woven through every adventure, shimmering like stardust, is the magic of Tinkerbell.

Harriet Radcliffe delivered a wonderfully spirited performance as Peter Pan, while Nancy Brookes Baker (Wendy), James Reynolds (John), and Jess Reynolds (Michael) were utterly charming as the Darling children. Robin Brown’s take on Tinkerbell offered a fresh twist on the character, earning warm appreciation from the audience. Mike Jackson (Captain Hook) revelled in his villainy, giving a deliciously dastardly portrayal.

Sebastian Burrows (Miss Smee – Captain Hook’s nanny) embraced the “dame” role with gusto—he had it down to a tea!!! The hapless pirate duo, Line (Tia Kerby-Camps) and Sinker (Judith Moeckell), connected brilliantly with the audience. Tom Wharton (Mr Darling & Big Chief) handled some particularly boisterous audience banter about a “pink fluffy bunny” with admirable composure, never once breaking character. Sally Wharton (Mrs Darling & Tiger Lily) brought real flair to both her roles. The supporting cast, too, contributed beautifully to the overall production.

Susan and Andy Jackson’s musical accompaniment—keyboard and bass guitar respectively—was confidently played, though at times I thought the bass slightly overpowered the melody. Even so, the musical numbers were well chosen and, for the most part, confidently sung. The opening number felt a touch tentative, but this seemed no more than a case of “first night nerves.”

Sara Summerville’s direction ensured a lively, fast-paced performance, peppered with delightful moments of humour. Tinkerbell’s “death fall,” complete with a high-viz–clad H&S operative trailing behind with a crash mat, and closing the scene hoisting her away, was a particular comic highlight.

The lighting and sound team, Joff and Gabe Shaw, enhanced the show with a well-executed lighting plot and perfectly timed sound effects. Props were effective throughout—though I remain unconvinced about the foam hand in Go West—and the scenery supported the action nicely. Costumes and make-up were excellent across the board; dressing Tinkerbell alone must have been quite the undertaking.

All in all, this was a thoroughly entertaining production, very warmly received by the audience. Congratulations on staging such an enjoyable pantomime. I look forward to many more shows to come.

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