The plot of this new take on the classic Peter Pan story takes the boy who never grew up from Neverland and transports him to the neighbouring Foreverland where his nemesis is the villainous son of Captain James Hook - Arthur Hook.
Hook is obsessed with finding and then destroying the essence of pantomime, while Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, Poppy Sunshine and the Lost Boys attempt to find it first and keep it safe for future generations..
And that is pretty much the plot.
But in pantomime, you don’t need a plot. What you need is a combination of terrible dad jokes, slapstick physical comedy, sight gags, audience interaction, raucous singalongs, a man dressed as a woman and a whole load of silliness.
That’s what the audience wants - and that is what the audience gets in The All New Adventures of Peter Pan.
Audience participation? Yep.
A familiar story with a twist? Certainly.
Slapstick comedy and physical gags? Of course.
Gender role reversal? Obviously!
Music and song? Plenty.
The cast and crew deliver all of this with aplomb.
Actor, writer and comedian John Thomson is excellent as Hook. He is ably assisted by seasoned pantomime performer and co-director Gordon Cooper as the pantomime dame Mrs Sweet.
Oliver Scott plays Charlie with perfect comic timing and Northampton local David Breeds is great as Peter Pan.
Rounding off the principals are the vocally talented Simone Robinson as Myrtle and Miss Doodle, Millie Davie as Poppy Sunshine and the ever popular CBeebies presenter George Webster.
The ensemble adds vigour and verve to two-and-a-half hours of delightful chaos and escapist fun.
So if you want a fast show featuring men behaving badly, don’t get cold feet and book your tickets now. Nice!
The All New Adventures of Peter Pan is performed daily until Wednesday, December 31, except on Christmas Day. Times vary, with tickets available from £13.
For more information and to book tickets, go to www.royalandderngate.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01604 624811. A range of access enhanced performances are available, including Relaxed, BSL Interpreted, Captioned and Audio-Described performances.
2. Contributed
Millie Davie as Poppy Sunshine and David Breeds as Peter Pan Photo: Submitted
