Written by Mark Johnson
Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review.
Returning for a sixth consecutive season, The Castle Theatre in Wellingborough produces its annual pantomime, serving up some festive magic for audiences.
This year's offering is The New Adventures of Peter Pan, titled as such because it makes adjustments to the traditional story by JM Barrie and brings it up to date. You lose certain elements that might not stand up to a modern-day audience but you certainly keep the story's heart. Certain scenes or characters are underpowered with characters like Tinkerbell largely sidelined.
Peter Pan is my least favourite pantomime title and this production does take a little while to get going and hit full flow. The first half stutters a little with scenes lingering a little longer than needed but the slicker and pacier second half is a complete treat once those shackles are released.
The traditional story is told with Wendy, John, and Michael Darling in bed one night as Peter Pan arrives in search of his lost shadow. Pan arrives and sweeps the Darlings off for an adventure back to Neverland where Pan faces off with his nemesis the evil Pirate Captain Hook.
Jack Trinder returns to the Castle having played Buttons in Cinderella last year and takes the titular role of Peter Pan. He has a lovely warmth to his performance and makes for a great likeable hero. Daniel Taylor has a fun time hamming it up as Captain Hook, he is a cracking villain to watch and relishes the boos and interaction with the audience.
Holly Topping is a charming Wendy, her vocals are stunning (a voice that should be leading shows in the West End) and she interacts well with all making some wonderful bonds with the children.
Gary L Johnson is wonderful as Mrs. Smee. The production's best moments often feature his presence. He knows how to deliver humour or ad-lib to add extra laughter. The array of larger-than-life assists in his performance. Johnson has fun with an audience member who becomes his stooge. This leads to a hilarious moment in the traditional songsheet scene where on the gala night no children had been selected so instead up came his stooge and a local mayor. A scene that is normally performed with children becomes an extra moment for hilarity.
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Elizabeth Bright is a lovely performer to watch and here plays multiple roles, the sweet-natured Mrs Darling, the colourful Mia The Mermaid, and Scout Leader Henri. Aidan Dunlop plays Stinky The Pirate, Brian, and Myrtle while Laura-Janye Woods plays Starkey The Pirate, Jonsey, and Mercedes, both are rightfully silly in the right places. Dunlop and Woods become real friends to the audience, you feel enjoyment in all of their scenes.
The six dancers, Lottie Snowden (who also plays Tiger), Tyler Brazao, Esme Dench, Alex Février, Eleanor Moon and Brad Wright are excellent movers and help elevate scenes and musical numbers. Lorna Thomas' choreography is expressive and lively.
Music choices throughout blend the modern with the classic. Musical director Michael Lovelock provides a solid score for the cast. A stand-out musical moment comes between Trinder and Topping who perform 'For Good' from Wicked.
The finest moment in the production comes in the completely unhinged Twelve Days of Christmas in the second act. It's complete chaos so much so that I lost track of what items were for which day. With the clever use of the stage, the audience and the auditorium play together for a scene of riotous laughter.
The production is elevated by Ollie Titterington's lighting which helps add texture and tension to scenes, the set design by UK Productions help move from scene to scene while there's great use of stage haze. Solid flying is provided by Flying By Foy.
Sure it is a little rough around the edges but once you are through the shaky moments you are left with a production that will entertain everyone who watches it. It's full of heart, humour, and lots of festive frivolity. This could be the production to convert me back to Peter Pan as a pantomime and I can't think of a higher compliment.
The New Adventures of Peter Pan plays at The Castle Theatre in Wellingborough until Tuesday 31st December 2024. Tickets are available from https://www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/castle-theatre
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