Peter Pan

Published Thursday 20 December 2007 at 16:40 by Roger Malone

When it comes to sheer spectacle and swashbuckling good fun, this show has it in spades. A superlative production, it is not only a tonic for jaded parents, but for youngsters, a flying introduction to the power of panto.

Lavish scenery and excellent lighting underpin the action - the stage and auditorium being showered in laser fairy dust is an early hint of the magic to come.

Kerris Peeling is an engagingly boyish Peter Pan, locked in mortal combat with Paul Nicholas” scheming Captain Hook.

As Mr Smee, Matt Slack does a sterling job in the comedy stakes. His madcap antics and streetwise approach make excellent high spots of hilarity. Slack skillfully works the audience with his off the wall delivery, and also shows himself to be a master of ad lib when getting the best out of a quartet of children who join him on stage.

Toby Hull and Emu provide more comedy, with the mute bird ruffling a few feathers aboard the Jolly Roger. As pirates, daredevil gymnasts the Acromaniacs blend athletic precision with slapstick routines that amaze and entertain in equal measure. 

When not a flitting laser-created fairy, Tinkerbell is played by Isobel Hathaway, whose palpable jealousy of Wendy (Kimberly Powell) gets her wings clipped.

As Tiger Lilly, Natalie Kennedy leads some excellently choreographed dance routines, while Alyson McInnes comes ashore to work some spells as a mermaid.