Peter Pan – Empire Theatre, Liverpool

Based on the novel by J.M Barrie

Adaptor: Eric Potts

Director: John Bishop

Reviewer: John Roberts

Peter Pan - Liverpool The Liverpool Empire for many years has partnered up with First Family Entertainment in producing a lavish stage spectacular for their Christmas offering and this year is no difference, flying in from Neverland is this star studded production, which has more heart and entertainment than any other Pantomime I have seen so far this year!

This adaption by Panto stalwart Eric Potts stays relatively close to the original story, but adding a special sprinkling of Panto fun into the mix including the part of Nora the Nursemaid played here by Les Dennis. Pott’s script is laden with gags and wonderfully chosen lines from J.M Barries novel, how can one not relish in the delights of some of the following lines ‘Think of the children back at home in their bed’s their lips laden with midnight chocolate.’ Especially when uttered as a menacing thought by the evil Captain Hook.

Playing the famous villain is none other than the ‘Fonz’ himself – Henry Winkler, who although isn’t as menacing as one could hope for, still gives a stirling portrayal, which not only has edges of evilness but at times has us laughing in the aisles with his camp skips and body language. Peter Pan is here played by Natasha Hamilton from girl band Atomic Kitten, although not being the best actor on stage, she oozes charm and charisma as the adolescent hero of the show. Hamilton really comes into her own though when showing the packed out audience that she really can sing and belt out a number and is a splendidly light and joyful flyer to boot.

Les Dennis makes a welcome return to the Empire stage this time donning the dresses and strutting his stuff and Nora the Nursemaid, it is clear that Dennis is clearly enjoying every minute of Dame duty and many splendid gaffes and mistakes give him ample opportunity to show just how good a showman he really is, the scary part is how strikingly he resembles Jo Brand in one scene where he dons a blonde wig and a tutu (not that I have ever seen or want to see Jo Brand in a tutu.)

Nikki Davis-Jones provides a warm, and overly bubbly and infectious Wendy and despite a sound problem at the top of act two, she coped admirably and has a great voice to match. Daniel Taylor makes a welcome return to his home town after appearing several times in the role of Sammy in Blood Brother’s this time, the hard shooter has turned into a silly billy as he dons the bandana and joins the Pirating Troop as comical sidekick Smee – with a great rapport with the audience and a well timed ‘Blood Brother’s’ Joke that was missed by the vast majority of the audience, one really warmed to his character and feels with a few more performances he will be right at home.

One brave decision has to be the amount of Children used in the production, this can sometimes have disasterous results, but this admirable bunch (on the night I reviewed was the Apples Team) coped well with the demands of performing in front of 2000 people, and really shone especially during the fight scenes and songs, out of the children special mentions must be given to Josh Simpson and Charlie Ross as the two younger Darling Children, John and Michael. They both gave everything they got, with clear and strong performances I think we may have two little future headliners on our hands!

Another star of the show was the shows designs – with stunning illustration style sets and eye catching costumes designed by Terry Parsons really gave an added wow factor – the flying sequence to Neverland using a 3D animated London backdrop being a particular highlight. Peter Pan - Liverpool1

But as with all things that go up, some things do have to come down and one notable point is the poorly executed Sword Fights between Captain Hook and Peter Pan, they lack any panache and energy, if we are too believe in the danger and suspense of the fight, we have to believe the Characters don’t know what is coming next, and with both actors almost second guessing the moves, these sequences seem to fall rather flat and cold, but that is one minor niggle in a show that is bursting with creativity, charm and heart.

This production has everything you could want in a Christmas Pantomime, Energetic Choreography, upbeat songs, a cast that give their all, a fantastic script and a wonderful story, you can’t really not feel the magic when taken on this wonderous ride to Neverland.