The New Adventures of Peter Pan, Little Theatre Gateshead Review

Reviews

15 Dec

Written by Stacy for Theatre and Tonic

Panto has come to the Little Theatre Gateshead and this year it's The New Adventures of Peter Pan that is delighting local audiences to deliver a family-friendly show filled with heart and humour. Producer/ Director and Dame, Lee Brannigan, is overjoyed to be bringing his 6th panto to this venue and with tickets selling fast it is certain the local community are supporting the biggest little panto on their doorstep.

This is my first escape into the narrative of The New Adventures of Peter Pan, so I wasn't sure what to expect when it came to plot lines. If I'm honest I'm still none the wiser and wonder whether this show is just a great excuse to spend further time with the wonderful characters of Netherland, sadly minus the lost boys and OG Wendy, Peter and John. But expect Tink (or should that be The Little Tinker), Captain (Bella) Hook, Smee, a Crocodile and of course Peter Pan himself. There's also Wendy....however this Wendy of Windy Nook is Wendy Darling’s granddaughter, Starky and Ethel Mermaid (I do love a good play on words). The narrative is filled with adventure, magic, and the whimsical spirit of childhood, while also incorporating modern updates to keep the audiences engaged. The production maintains the pantomime tradition, blending slapstick comedy, musical numbers, dancing, interactive moments and surprisingly, the first rendition of the 12 Day of Christmas routine that I've seen this season - definitely something for everyone.

Brannigan's Bella Hook is a true highlight of the production. Although she self-proclaims she doesn't actually like being the baddie....the evil glint in her eye when staring down the barrel of a super soaker or chucking a bucket of water or three at the audience, says a very different story. I wasn't sure whether I had arrived at a panto or a water attraction at a theme park. Next time I'm bringing a poncho.

I must point out that the audience on Thursday night was an extremely tough crowd to navigate.....the boos were weak, Smee's call and answer were forgotten on several occasions when he came on stage and the claps were lack lustre without even a woop or a cheer. However, something must have been in the ice creams in the interval, because they certainly stepped their game up in the second half. Now I can't say they managed even a Monday Matinee vibe....but they were certainly somewhat better. I felt for the cast, having to drag the audience through the show and actively spoon feed their cues on when to participate. It makes it harder to build rapport and maintain energy levels. Brannigan, a seasoned performer, wasn't phased by this and pulled the audience into the plot whether they were willing or not....I'm thinking of Phil in the third row and the poor soul reading out the cooking instructions. However, this proved a bigger challenge for debut performer LJ Watt as Smee. Comedy panto shoes are big shoes to fill and whilst his approach was endearing and charming.....his energy needs a boost, his lines need a slower delivery for jokes to land and greater confidence with audience rapport - however, time and experience will aid these skills.

It's always a joy to see Melissa Cavanagh on stage. A true local star and Series 5 contestant on "The Voice UK". Her vocals are effortlessly gorgeous with a compelling stage presence to match, and the role of The Little Tinker suited her sassy attitude perfectly. Chris McCreery as Peter Pan was solid in this principal role with equally solid vocals - bringing a charming and refined approach to Peter. I missed the cheeky and mischievous side to Pan, but maybe in these New Adventures, he is less prankish and more brooding. Ellison Roberts was very demure and delightful as Wendy of Windy Nook, with a stage presence that instantly won over even this tough audience. Megan Laing as Ethel Mermaid was endless energy from start to finish....this fish meant business and it’s no wonder she is a regular feature of this panto. For me, Laura Fulgenzi, as Starky, stepped into the shoes of the knockabout role, picking up the energy in every scene, and not afraid to pull the silly faces and slapstick humour needed to bring the comic relief.

It's always a true joy to see kids on stage and this young ensemble of dancers - led by principal dancers Kass Barker and Scott Brannigan-Howe, were beaming from ear to ear and giving it their all. Spacing on stage at times seemed tight and slightly off-centre and with it being early in the run I could still see the thought process of what step is next, flitting across faces. But nothing is better than seeing bairns enjoying themselves on stage and this young troupe living their best lives.

The New Adventures of Peter Pan at the Little Theatre Gateshead offers a vibrant, humorous twist on this classic known tale, with laughter-filled fun, local favourites and dazzling vocals.....just be sure to wear your waterproofs. A real treat for the family this festive season.