Review: Peter Pan, The Hawth Theatre
Every year the Hawth and Evolution productions seem to promise their 'biggest and most spectacular pantomime ever'. And every year they manage to pull it off.
Following the huge success of Jack and the Beanstalk, the same creative team are back with a show packed with bags of audience participation and spectacular special effects.
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Hide AdHaving seen a few panto productions of Peter Pan, I was sceptical. It never seems like a panto - unlike Sleeping Beauty, Cinderalla and Jack and the Beanstalk.
But they won me over with a witty script, plenty of panto staples, great banter with the audience and a hugely likeable cast.
Emma Barton delivers a refreshing take on Tinkerbell. Instead of the usual sickly sweet voice we have a fiesty Eastender. Shaun Williamson is (maybe unintentionally) really likeable as Captain Hook, but the crowd still gave him plenty of obligatory boos.
Richard David-Caine and Joseph Elliott were great fun as Starkey and Skylights while Michael J Batchelor (and his wardrobe) steals every scene as Mrs Smee.
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Hide AdAnd the talent doesn't stop there. Hilary O'Neil plays three parts (Mrs Darling,Myrtle and Squatting Cow) and it's as Myrtle the Mermaid she gets to showcase her talent as an impressionist. I don't think I have ever seen a Tess Daly impression before, but she nailed it. And as Squatting Cow she gets to do a few Breaking Wind jokes, and that's always funny.
Elizabeth Carter and and Sam Lupton as Wendy and Peter Pan make a nice pairing and share a lovely song together at the end.
But's it's the whole ensemble and the spectacular production (despite the geographically questionable London scene) that make this a great show for everyone. There's plenty of fun for the kids and a lot of laughs for the adults (Brexit, Trump, Pokemon and Honey G all get the treatment).
Don’t miss out - with tickets flying out the window, be sure to get them quick, the croc is ticking!
Peter Pan is on until Monday 2 January 2017.
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Hide AdFor tickets telephone 01293 553636 (Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm)
Email: [email protected]
There is a Relaxed Performance on Friday 16 December, 10.30am - A specially designed performance that has been adapted to reduce anxiety and create a supportive atmosphere for people with autism spectrum conditions, learning disabilities and other sensory and communication disorders. If you would like to book tickets, please contact the Box Office on 01293 553636 or visit us.
Audio Described Performance - Saturday 17 December, 2pm & Wednesday 28 December, 5.30pm
British Sign Language Interpreted Performance (Signer: Sarah Granger) - Saturday 17 December, 2pm
Have you checked out our new Christmas section yet?
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Hide AdIt's packed with ideas and tips to ensure you make the most out of the festive season.
There's recipes, suggestions for presents and everything from choosing your tree to recycling your packaging and paper.