Panto Review - PETER PAN - PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

 

Written by J.M. Barrie and adapted by Tom Whalley, Peter Pan tells the story of the Darling children travelling to Neverland in a typically silly pantomime format. With mermaid dance troops, singing pirates and revolting Lost Boys, you know you’re in for a fun show. It was a stroke of genius to have a Geordie Tribe with Princess Cheryl rather than Tiger Lily and her Tribe. With a delightful crocodile that guarantees a smile, this show is full of laughs.

 

Director Pamela Birleson created a fun and well-choreographed production that will make you smile. Great and unending applause go out to Musical Director Jonathan Goodman and Choreographer Julie Bowman for total perfection in music and dance that left the audience wanting more and tied nicely into the action. The sound quality was also excellent throughout the performance. The various dance troupes surprised and delighted at every opportunity. The whole company was phenomenal and made the show wondrous. In this production, Kate Davies-Tse as John Darling (also played by Amy Reid) and Martha Brown as Michael Darling (also played by Isaac Hamilton, Juliet Francesca Bone and Siersha Mason) were charming and brilliant portrayals of Wendy’s innocent brothers. Rhiannon Wilson as the jealous Geordie Tinker Bell had us all believing in fairies. While Joe Robson was a sprightly Peter Pan, bringing a lot of energy to the stage. Ryan Smith had the audience ‘hooked’ as the despicable Captain Hook. Craig Fairbairn was hilarious as Chief of the Geordies and Minnie Dobson was a pure delight as his daughter Princess Cheryl. Steve Robertson was very droll as the outrageous Dame Starkey/Mrs Darling. Luke Newey made Smee not just lovable and funny, but also brought the house down with his Act Two solo. As for Daisy Burden as Wendy, two words: ‘Star Quality’ - from the moment Daisy walked on stage it was obvious we were in the presence of great talent, a point confirmed undeniably when she sang; true magic.

 

It’s a panto, so we expect the expected “Oh yes we do”. However, the plot holes felt a little large at times and there were a few opportunities missed. Explaining when/how the Lost Boys were kidnapped would have been helpful, for example. Nevertheless, there are with plenty of jokes and the show overall is a great night out for young and old.

Peter Pan showing at People’s Theatre, until 17^th December 2023.