Peter Pan

Published Monday 10 December 2007 at 11:40 by Kevin Berry

Watching Billy Pearce at Christmas will remind many of when Ken Dodd was in his pantomime prime. Yes, a different style, but audiences love him. They respond to him and he fills theatres. The buzz of anticipation beforehand is just the same.

This year, Pearce is in Peter Pan at the Bradford Alhambra - not exactly a pantomime, more of a musical adventure. Until of course Pearce, playing Smee, appears. Then it’s full-on fun and laughter all the way.

Rhoda Montemayor is Peter Pan and she plays him with gleeful spirit and eagerness. She has the audience responding to her shouts and her enthusiasm for the adventure is infectious.

Jodie Jackson is Tinkerbell, a life-sized blonde on roller skates - much better to look at than an annoying little light!

The ever-excellent Peter Blake is both Captain Hook and Mr Darling. As Hook, he teases the audience like a favourite uncle. His pirates are played by acrobatic team the Acromaniacs. Lots of skilled knockabout comedy from them, but little in the way of extreme thrills.

Nevertheless, a show worthy of Pearce’s talents. Magical scenery, splendid battles and some spectacular dance sequences.