The Stage

Peter Pan

Published Friday 11 December 2009 at 18:05 by Robin Duke

Whilst Barney Harwood is probably an unknown quantity to anyone aged in double digits, the CBBC show host is a hero to legions of youngsters. So he’s a wise choice to play the eternally young JM Barrie character - and plays him wisely as more of a lost soul than a lost boy, impressing his fans with his high flying skills above and around the stage.

But it’s fellow CBBC presenter Gemma Hunt who is the scene stealer - and not just because of her irresistible looks. She’s in turns feisty, funny, flirty and simpering, and above all, eminently believable, despite having to concentrate on her roller-skating skills.

Likewise, Emmerdale’s Gary Turner is a winner, milking every moment as a dastardly Captain Hook and grumpy Mr Darling, who is far more Tim Curry than he is Dustin Hoffman.

As Smee, Grand Theatre panto stalwart Steve Royle isn’t given quite as much leeway as usual, but still earns the majority of available laughs - even adding acrobatics to his usual juggling skills, alongside the popular Nitwits trio.

Hannah Malekzad is a striking Tiger Lily leaving Jennifer’s Done’s Wendy as a little too prissy.

It’s all a little wordy at times and as ever there’s lot of morality to mix with the sometimes odd choice of pop songs.