While we waited for the fun to start, Cockney characters talked to members of the audience and had us laughing and shouting. Small people everywhere were waving their flashing toys (hooks, swords, whirly gigs) and staring at the twinkling clouds and the luminous moon on the stage. We were ready for Peter Pan – we were ready to join in - we were ready for Christmas.
And the show didn’t disappoint. There were Red Indians, Pirates (including girls), Lost Boys (fantastic performance – some of them were really little), Mermaids (with a fabulous Motown-flavoured rendition of the Shoop Shoop song from Donna Hines and Witney White while suspended mid-air) and the Darlings as you would expect. Nana the dog and the crocodile had the kids squealing in delight.
There was singing, dancing, flying, sword fighting, jokes, pyrotechnics and cheering. Kiruna Stamell captured the essence of naughty Tinkerbell perfectly and the kids loved her blowing raspberries. They were frantic with their clapping to show “we do believe in fairies” to save her.
The pantomime dame was skilfully replaced with the camp antics of Philip Scutt as Roger the Cabin Boy. Dermot Canavan as Smee provided quick-fire corny jokes. He did an incredible job keeping calm during the riotous section where kids go on stage to dance and be interviewed.
The music (shame we didn’t see the hidden musicians) offered something for everyone – from “The Lambeth Walk” to of-the-moment Katie Perry, “Sweet Child of Mine” from Guns N Roses, “Living on a prayer” from Bon Jovi , “Our House” from Madness , a Spencer Davies Group classic, Tina Turner, the James Bond theme, Disney’s “Yo Ho Yo Ho a pirate’s life for (Sm)ee”. “Rule Britannia” and even a One Direction number. And, of course, “Happy Days”.
Now I was not convinced that one of the world’s nicest guys was going to make a credible villain as Captain Hook. But Henry Winkler achieved this with great class, humility and humour. He got enthusiastic boos from the audience on demand. And despite being such a big name he made sure that all of the stars on the stage had their chance to shine. He totally won our hearts. And his final words almost bought a tear to the eye and must have inspired every single child in the audience.
I defy you not to smile in this show. And join in. The scenery is sumptuous, the choreography is slick, the singing is super and every single member of the cast makes a fantastic contribution. It’s joyous.
http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/peter-pan-richmond/richmond-theatre/
Tickets range from £11.90 to £40.40 and it Pan runs until 12th January with matinee (130pm) and evening performances (7pm-930pm)
