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Peter Pan

Published Wednesday 17 December 2008 at 16:25 by James Green

The heart sinks when Peter Pan comes around. It maybe 104 years old, but it is not a natural pantomime and despite the comedy contribution by Smee and the pirates, it tends to lack the magic of Aladdin, Cinderella and Snow White.

Yet Dartford has compensated for any in-built deficiencies with a lavish production presenting some excellent sets, fine dancing from the adult and young teams, magical and regular flying by Peter Pan, and a first-class speciality. That is a long and eye-popping gymnastic set by the four Acromaniacs, who when not somersaulting, double up as pirates. These bonuses help to cover any script/storyline weaknesses.

Ex-King of the Jungle Joe Pasquale heads the cast as goofy pirate Smee and sprays jokes around the stage. It may have been where I was sitting, but there was too much muttering, hence many of the pay-off lines were lost.

More sound please from everyone except the Captain Hook of Alex Giannini, whose loud delivery and singing penetrated the farthest corners. More of a hero than a villain!

This is the first time that Pasquale has directed a pantomime and he can be reasonably happy with the result. Most of the action relies on him centre stage and he obviously knows his lines. - as do Kerry Egan (Tinkerbell), Andre Bernard (Mrs Darling and the Mermaid) and Charlie Bruce (Wendy), leaving Daniella Gibb as Peter Pan, who can fly with the best.

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