DARLINGTON Hippodrome has brought in the high-flying panto of Peter Pan. I have to admit, I was incredibly excited at the prospect of this production. How can you not be excited to see one of the greatest Dames in panto land with Christopher Biggins. He first started life as a Dame forty-six years ago in Darlington and it’s taken a long time for him to return. It was well worth the wait. He showed such stage presence, I certainly felt I was meeting Royalty. Just the slight movement, or glance was sheer perfection from him. His connection with the young children on stage during The Music Man was so endearing. His costumes in ‘If I We’re Not Upon The Stage’ are incredibly over-the-top, so perfect for panto. I hope to see him performing as the Dame again.
Alongside Christopher Biggins, Darlington Hippodrome have pulled in one of the greatest panto villains with Steve Arnott playing Captain Hook. He perfectly draws the audience into his hate him, love him character. Great movement, decent singing and his facial expressions are incredibly evil.
The double act of Pater Pan, James Hameed, and Wendy, Sheri Lineham, proving a good double act. Tinkerbell, Tegan Bannister, was delightful. Smee, Rikki Jay, and Starkey, Peter Perverly, gave us some comedic elements.
Peter Pan is a very familiar story, but this isn’t Peter Pan as you know it. Set instantly in Neverland, Peter has lost the ability to fly and Wendy is returning to help restore the pixie dust waterfall. Elements of the story are completed so quickly; you just can’t see where everything is going. For me as an over 50-year-old, the story really doesn’t work. It was difficult to follow at times, with a weak and confusing story. But this isn’t really aimed at me, I believe panto is all about the children, though I love panto season. The children were loving it. Panto is about the sound, visuals and the entertainment. Peter Pan clearly wasn’t written for the story. But it was full of entertainment.
The young companions with me were incredibly excited as they took their seats. They were engrossed throughout and each glance towards them showed they were thoroughly enjoying the experience. They loved The Acromaniacs with their incredibly funny vault routines. There were plenty of audience interactions for them to get involved with, but one of their highlights was the sudden appearance of The Kraken launching itself above the audience. They can’t wait to be back next year.
It’s well worth buying a ticket just to see Christopher Biggins and Steve Arnott, as well as the variety of entertainment.
Peter Pan runs until Saturday 31st December at Darlington Hippodrome.
