We are very blessed here in the fair city of Nottingham because we have many wonderful options for festive theatrical fun – the Playhouse, Arts Theatre, and Theatre Royal each proffering a Pantomime for our delectation with many other options just slightly further afield in the county – Mansfield and Newark to name but a few. Each production offers something unique and in all honesty, I could happily see them all and never tire of the genre. Having said that, there is a special place in my affections for the annual Pantomime at the Theatre Royal because it is where I saw my very first production as a youngster. Over the past few years, I’ve tried to catch the latest offering and I’m always transported back to that first occasion. I’m particularly excited by this year’s show because it stars one of my childhood heroes. The story is a variation on the theme of the JM Barrie classic Peter Pan and all the literature promises that it will be a high flying swash-buckling adventure.

As we arrive at the theatre, which is absolutely packed to the rafters for this Press Night performance, it’s a treat to see all of the youngsters excitedly arriving – many of them perhaps here for a first visit to see a live show. The excitement in the air is palpable. On entering the auditorium, we are bowled over by the beauty of the scene that we behold. The projection design by Duncan McLean is breathtaking and the lighting by Chris Winn really enhances every feature of this beautiful Victorian theatre. This is, as ever with Crossroads Pantomimes, a highly professional affair. The opening number, which includes a large and talented ensemble and concludes with the arrival of Peter Pan flying down from the rafters in some very special theatrical aerobatics is nothing short of magical. It’s rare to see stagecraft like this today because it’s expensive and requires real skill. These guys have it in bucket loads – kudos to the whole production team – The Twins FX for the special effects and the band under the splendid direction of ‘uncle’ Charlie Ingles. We know from the off that we are in for such a treat!

Photos credit. Whitefoot Photography

Headlining the glittering cast this year is none other than TV fashionista Gok Wan, who plays a magical merman, a character akin to a fairy Godmother, who provides all of the links between the various elements of the story in so much as there is one. Unfortunately, Wan is ill this evening and his place taken last minute by the show’s director and choreographer Alan Burkitt. Burkitt is absolutely magnificent as the self-styled ‘twin brother of the Merman!’ He has oodles of stage presence and a voice that knocks your socks off. As you might expect, there’s some cheeky innuendo for the adults but it’s all in the best possible taste! It is absolutely incredible that he could step in to the role at such late notice and the sense of camaraderie amongst the rest of the cast who pulled together to see the show through was a joy to behold. Bravo Mr Burkitt!

Paul Chuckle brings real old school variety and a music hall charm to his performance of Starkey. Kids and adults alike love him, and every time he arrives on stage with his trademark ‘hellooooo!’ we all go wild. The iconic ‘to me, to you’ routine, and all of the slapstick we have come to expect are here.  As a kid, I absolutely adored his work alongside his brother Barry (fond memories of seeing them both in pantomime here) and it’s still a thrill to see him perform with energy and verve in his 58^th Pantomime. Chuckle maintains that the Theatre Royal is his favourite theatre and judging by the response he gets from the audience tonight it seems that the feeling is more than mutual. His magic trick with the cucumber brings down the house. I’ll say no more than that – you’ll have to see it for yourself!

Ventriloquist Steve Hewlett of BGT fame (ably assisted by his various puppet friends) plays Smee and what a talent he is. There is a magnificent piece of business involving unsuspecting member of the audience Matt from Beeston. You don’t get the chance to see Vent acts all that often these days so it’s a thrill to have the opportunity to enjoy his skills tonight.

Of course, no pantomime would be complete without a baddie, and Richard Winsor gives us the very best in Captain Hook. He’s devilishly good, perfectly inhabiting the malevolent mardy chops and of course is appropriately boo’d and hissed at throughout. A certain giant reptile sees him on his way in no time at all. Tick, tock.

Peter is brilliantly served up to us by Aiden Carson who has all the necessary boyish charm and thigh slapping off to a tee. He’s obviously got a good head for heights because he spends a fair amount of time acrobatically flying around in the rafters. I do hope he isn’t chafing. I really enjoy the love rivalry between Tinkerbell (Kate Stewart) and Wendy (Molly Farmer) who have some delightful comedy interactions played to perfection. There are great vocals all round too. Shout out to local youngster Harley Butler who makes his professional debut as Michael Darling – he’s clearly having the time of his life and gives such a warm and enthusiastic performance.

As I said at the beginning, we are spoilt for choice with festive fun here on the Nottingham theatre circuit. This production is fabulously funny, it is recognisably pantomime but with a modern twist, full of fun original songs and set pieces that takes us on an enchanting journey to Neverland. If you’re looking for a star studded affair that is performed with gusto, with design that’ll leave you open mouthed and a clever script suitable for audiences of all ages, then this is the one for you. It’s the pantomime you need to see to get your Christmas off to a start.

I’d highly recommend you hook your tickets before someone else snaps them up! Peter Pan plays at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham until Sunday 12^th January 2025. Access performances are available – see website www.trch.co.uk for further information.