7.98°C Paul T. Davies reviews The New Adventures Of Peter Pan at The Mercury Theatre.
Ahoy, me hearties! Docking at the Mercury comes this year’s panto, a sort-of sequel to Peter Pan, in which Captain Hook survives after being vomited up by the crocodile. Now set on his revenge, this traditional panto has all the ingredients for a cracking family night out. For Colchester audiences, the key to its success lies in the partnership of Anthony Stuart-Hicks (in my opinion, the best Dame in the business) and Dale Superville. It’s a joy to have them back for their ninth pantomime here, playing Sherry Smee and her son, Smee, respectively.
Watching Stuart-Hicks’s Dame heckle her own audience is a masterclass in panto comedy – I’m always relieved I’m not sitting in the first couple of rows! Meanwhile, Superville’s physical comedy shines, especially when he plays the little mermaid Persil. The entire house collapses in laughter at his inability to get on a rock, one of many highlights in a show that delivers pure joy.
The ensemble doesn’t let Stuart-Hicks and Superville steal all the glory. Jazz Evans is a wonderfully camp Captain Hook, channelling Hugh Grant vibes, while Sasha Latoya brings a feisty Tinkerbell with excellent vocals. Alexandra Barredo is a perfect Wendy, and David Breeds, entering with no fanfare, delivers a high-energy Peter Pan, perfectly capturing his condescending attitude towards women. The chorus and dancers are well-drilled and clearly having enormous fun.
Special mention must go to the creative team. The workshop has crafted wonderful sets, which, combined with the excellent lighting, give the stage impressive depth. The costume team has once again outdone themselves, making the show great value for money on that front alone.
If I’m being very picky, the first half runs a little long, and the score doesn’t feature many “bangers” that appeal to a wide range of ages. However, the maritime-themed Twelve Days of Christmas is pure genius and hilarity (script by Davis Phipps-Davis), and the singalong – featuring the word “poo” – delights the young audience.
The show is also directed by Anthony Stuart-Hicks, whose wealth of experience shines throughout. But it’s more than just a panto – looking at the faces of the children in the audience, it’s clear this is theatrical magic.
Photo credit: Pamela Raith
