Review: Enchanted Entertainment presents Peter Pan at Tyne Theatre

Enchanted Entertainment have brought a Christmas cracker of a Panto to the Tyne Theatre this year with Peter Pan. 

We were lucky enough to attend on opening night and what a show it was. 

Following the story of Peter Pan, we see Peter travel back to London to find the ending of a fairytale book to tell the lost children upon his return to Neverland. However upon his search he is caught looking and an inquisitive Wendy where she finds out about Peter, a very jealous Tinkerbell and Neverland where she is invited back to whilst bringing John & Michael along with her. Here Wendy becomes a ‘mum’ to the lost children entertaining them with stories at bedtime. At the same time an angry Captain Hook seeks revenge for the loss of his hand and hatches a plan to lure Pan to kill him, assisted by his fellow pirate Smee our Dame Mrs Smee.

It starts with a very well adjusted version of The song The Greatest Show and that’s exactly what you are about to see! From start to finish we see brilliant performances and vocals from the cast, whether as an ensemble or individually. 

Staging was wonderful and I particularly enjoyed the use of the screens and projections. They really brought a great depth to the scenes and brought them to life. The live band also deserve a lot of credit for their contribution. The show also includes acrobatics and flying scenes which are well executed.

Every panto has jokes and they were abundant throughout. Aimed at both children and adults, as an elder now I almost appreciate that adults will get some while children will naively not have a clue. The interaction with the audience is fabulous, encouraging clapping, cheers and boos and even a moment for someone to get up on stage (so watch out ladies!). 

Matt Lapinskas (Peter Pan), Known for his role as Anthony Moon in EastEnders gave a good performance as the strong leader. Cleo Demetriou (Wendy Darling): Star of CBBC’s “So Awkward”, accompanied Peter wonderfully. 

Sam Lavery (Tiger Lily): A former X Factor finalist and Capital Radio sensation,  gave a great vocal showing.

Phoebe Garr (Tinker Bell): The cheeky Geordie fairy and most children’s favourite character, made me laugh with her jealous demeanour. I wish we had have seen a more of her in this though as I thought she was fabulous. 

Micky Cochrane (Captain Hook/Mr. Darling): Now use to being one of the best panto ‘baddies’ in the business, gives the children every reason to boo. A perfect Hook and a had a strong showing tonight. 

There are Geordie comic duos like Ant ‘n’ Dec, but when it comes to Panto I don’t think there’s any better than Charlie Richmond (Mr Smee) and Lewis Denny (Mrs Smee/Dame). These two have brilliant chemistry and it shines on stage. It’s easy to see why audiences also love them so much as they were hilariously funny.

Of course there’s an ensemble of cast supporting and I don’t want to miss a mention of them either as they contribute hugely to this production. 

The show has many pop chart songs included and cleverly re worked lyrics that intertwine into the show and have you singing along.

If you haven’t already grab a ticket to Neverland and you’ll never want to leave! This is a fantastic production, great casting and a wonderful feel good Christmas panto that everyone will love.

Tickets are already selling fast, and start from just £16.50, so don’t miss the chance to be part of this adventure in Neverland. To book your tickets, call the Tyne Theatre & Opera House box office at 0844 249 1000 or visit www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk