Peter Pan at The Forum Theatre, Billingham Review
Written by Stacy for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Stepping into the Forum Theatre in Billingham last night, I was ready for a bit of festive fun, and boy, did I walk out feeling like I had genuinely been to Neverland. The Further Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan is a whirlwind of colour, noise, and imagination that never once slows down, and it was a pure joy to watch.
The story moves along with real confidence, mixing those much loved Peter Pan moments with enough fresh ideas to keep everything feeling playful and new. From the moment Tinker Bell bursts onto the stage, the sense of adventure is impossible to resist. This is a show where the magic is delivered right in front of your eyes. The flying sequences are genuinely thrilling and beautifully timed, earning gasps from the audience, while the singing keeps the energy soaring from start to finish.
Ben-Ryan Davies, from Waterloo Road and Hollyoaks, was Peter Pan with unrelenting energy, capturing that perfect mix of charm and petulance that defines the character. He barely seemed to touch the ground, even when he wasn’t literally flying. Jessie Williams was wonderfully natural as Angela Darling, bringing warmth and heart that grounded the story amidst all the chaos and sparkle.
Michelle Heaton, best known as a member of the pop group Liberty X, as Tinker Bell was a real joy, fizzing with personality and presence. Connor Mcintyre, instantly recognisable from his iconic turn as the villainous Pat Phelan in Coronation Street, played Captain Hook with an evil delight and was clearly at home embracing every wicked moment, revelling in each and every boo and hiss from the crowd.
Resident Dame, Robert Squire, as Mrs Hook absolutely stole moments with ease. The laughs came thick and fast and I will simply drop the word bikini right here and leave it at that. Writer and Director, Liam Mellor, also appears as the resident comic and his endearing style of comedy had the young audience instantly on side. They became part of his 'cracking' gang immediately and stayed there, fully invested and shouting advice with absolute commitment.
The interactivity in this show is next level. We were treated not only to a take off scene but also a props song that grew more ridiculous by the second, sending the audience wild. It was exhausting to watch in the best possible way. The resolution scene was another standout, with good defeating evil and a sea of determined young theatregoers ready to launch an attack at the stage with everything they had.
The dancers were a real highlight for me. Technically strong, packed with tumbling tricks and beautifully executed choreography by Jen Cassidy, they lifted the entire performance. They were featured heavily throughout and every time they appeared, the energy in the room rose another notch.
Musically, it was a treat to have a live band, led by musical director John Hudson. That back and forth rapport between actors and musicians added an extra sparkle and a sense of joyful unpredictability that suits panto perfectly.
This is a big hearted, high energy production that knows its audience and delivers with confidence, warmth and a huge dose of panto magic. I laughed, I shouted, I applauded and I left grinning. It's a dazzling, laugh out loud adventure that flies high from start to finish and proves that The Forum Theatre is the place to be this festive season.
Plays until 4 January 2026
★ ★ ★ ★
