NE1 Reviews: Peter Pan, Theatre Royal
It's Christmas time and we’re spreading festive cheer in NE1. We flew to Neverland and back for a glittering night at the Theatre Royal's much-loved panto. It’s not too late to join the journey - with tickets available until 21 January!
Nowhere does panto quite like Newcastle’s Theatre Royal. Whether it’s a family tradition, a highlight on your winter calendar or just something that gets you in the festive mood, it’s a must and it’s famed for its dazzling displays, sparkling costumes, giggle-worthy gags and most importantly, its local talent that has us bursting with pride year-in-year-out.
Peter Pan has flown in this year and alongside his fairy friend Tinker Bell, they’re sprinkling festive cheer and creating magical moments across the city from their temporary home on Grey Street. This Disney favourite is brought to life on stage with added sequins and silliness for good measure. Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Smee and Mrs Smee set off on an adventure with Wendy, John and Michael as they journey to a faraway place, a place of eternal childhood – Neverland. After learning to fly high above the North East, being confronted by pirates and walking planks with Captain Hook, will the gang make it to the Christmas ball?
Panto season is a family affair in all respects at the Theatre Royal. Each year, father-and-son duo Danny Adams and Clive Webb come together to inject the fun into the production. This year, Danny is Peter Pan and Clive plays his ditzy companion, Smee. It’s their thirteenth year on the Theatre Royal stage and once again, their cheeky chirps, silly stage presence and clever circus tricks keep up their reputation as Newcastle panto legends.
Danny and Clive are joined by Chris Hayward (Mrs Smee), who celebrates eleven years of performing as one of the leading dames in pantomime. Chris is renowned for his amazing costumes and wigs, all of which he designs by himself. Chris reminds us what panto season is all about – glam garments, warm wit and classic one-liners. His cry of “Hello me bonny bairns” is responded to with “Hiya hinny” by over 90,000 Theatre Royal pantomime-goers each year and he’s back for another glittering season.
The trio hold the show together and keep the crowd going with slapstick comedy sketches, circus tricks, panto traditions and marvellous musical numbers. Their enthusiasm and energy is infectious – little ones love the silliness, but grown-ups won’t leave disappointed either. The age-old jokes, cheeky one-liners and naughty panto innuendos will have you in stitches from start to finish.
The production itself is top notch this year. The stage, in all its glittering, pirate-themed wonderfulness, wouldn’t look out of place in a Broadway musical and the dance and stunt troupes were on top form. The grand finale brought a standing ovation – proof that the Theatre Royal and this local cast have delivered once again!
Are you popping to Peter Pan this year? Let us know how you get on. Tweet us at: @NewcastleNE1, tag us in your snaps on Instagram at: @NewcastleNE1 and get in touch on Facebook at: @GetIntoNewcastle. We can't wait to hear from you. Merry Christmas!
