Review: Peter Pan at the Stockport Plaza is ‘a timeless panto with modern flair’

Directed by David Vickers and Richard Chandler, Extravaganza Production’s Peter Pan soars into The Stockport Plaza, with a modern take on the classic pantomime show to delight children of all ages in this family friendly show.

Peter Pan at The Stockport Plaza

The plot follows Peter Pan (Lucas Bradley Benson) who after flying in and meeting Wendy Darling (Harriet Caddick) in her London family home takes her on an adventure to Neverland along with her two brothers John (Lewys Ringham) and Michael (Caleb Griggs) where they join up with Peter’s band of Lost Boys and clash with the menacing Captain Hook (Brian Capron) who wants revenge on Peter Pan for the loss of his hand.

Also in the cast is Tinker Bell, (Rafaela Zerva) Mr.Smee (Scott Gallagher) Captain Hooks’s lovable bosun, Mrs Gertie Smee (Nigel Garton) Mr. Smee’s eccentric mother.

The production unfolds in seventeen segments, alternating between comedy routines featuring the pirate crew’s escapades, including an escaped gorilla, Mr. Smee’s antics with his pet parrot Percy, and Mrs. Smee’s fitness class.

These comedic intervals are interspersed with musical and dance numbers that narrate Wendy, Peter, and their friends’ adventures in Neverland.

Highlights of Peter Pan

Highlights include a musical at the Indian Encampment with Tiger Lilly (Mackenzie Sarkies), an encounter with Mermaids led by Miranda, Queen of the Mermaids (Nicola Avino), and a modern twist on “Follow the Leader” by the Soca Boys, complete with electric glow-in-the-dark lights, creating a rave-like atmosphere distinct from the Disney film’s version.

The panto is split into two Acts, with Act one focusing more on comedy skits while the second act focuses more on Peter Pan and Captain Hooks’ story that builds to an eventual conclusion aboard Hook’s ship the Jolly Roger.

Mr Smee Shines

All the cast get their chances to shine but the character of Mr.Smee really shines on stage with his great comedic timing and array of skits, jokes and a great rapport with the audience to keep both the children and the adults laughing, and get them dancing and singing along throughout the show.

Brian Capron also delivers a distinctly nefarious performance as Captain Hook, who spends the play plotting against Peter Pan and his friends and never fails to draw the ire from the panto audience.

The Extravaganza Dancers

Another strength of the show is the dance numbers that help bring the stage to life with the ten-strong team of Extravaganza dancers (Harry Biddle, Casey Burgess, Francesca Griffin, Mason Hancock, Nathan Joseph, Cam Joy, Meg Porter, Kian Posnett, Nellie Reason, Grace Riley) who all play various roles throughout the production and impress with their choreography. (choreographed by James and Susan Robinson)

With singing and dancing, comedy and a talented cast that knows how to play to the crowd, Peter Pan is a modern pantomime that is fun for all the family.

In Stockport Plaza from the 8^th of December to the 7^th of January at The Stockport Plaza.

You can get tickets by clicking here