Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the VIP press night of Peter Pan at Milton Keynes theatre starring the fab-u-lous Craig Revel Horwood as Captain Hook. It was an enjoyable and entertaining experience for all the family! To be honest, I didn’t think I was going to laugh as much as I did! With its perfect mix of slapstick humour, witty one-liners, and playful audience interaction, it was fun, creative and energetic from start to finish. I loved it!

 

The story follows Peter (played by Ross Carpenter), the adventurous boy who never grows up, as he leads Wendy Darling (played by Evelyn Hoskins) and her brothers, John (played by Adam Pinnock) and Michael (played by Oli Manning), on a magical journey to Neverland! The whole cast were fantastic.

 

The story is brought to life with dynamic characters such as Tinkerbell (played by Zara MacIntosh), who sparkles with mischief. Her sassy attitude and quick comebacks add playful energy to the production.

 

A highlight for me was the lovable, bumbling Smee and his sidekick (played by Max Fulham), whose comedic antics add heart to the show. He is known for his skills as a comedian and ventriloquist and his performance is a delightful mix of humour, clever wordplay and interaction with the audience. He is a standout character! His rapport with Craig Revel Horwood is also worth mentioning, they are a comedy duo, and the chemistry between them will make you laugh out loud! It is hard to put into words how funny these two are, but the spontaneous moments between them engage both the children and adults.

 

Let’s not forget the star of the show, Captain Hook, played by the dramatic, loveable and fab-u-lous Craig Revel Horwood. Known for his role as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing, Horwood brings his theatrical flair to the pantomime stage, adding some impressive dance moves, sharp wit and comedic charm. The audience is quick to boo and cheer in response, showcasing Horwood’s skill in engaging with the crowd.

 

The atmosphere during the performance is electric, with the audience embracing the interactive traditions of pantomime. From cheering for Peter Pan and his friends to booing the wicked Captain hook. The audience plays a vital role in bringing the magical story to life! The children in the audience are captivated by the magical elements, the impressive lighting, fun and energetic dancing, music and special effects. Meanwhile, the adults enjoy the clever humour!

 

Overall, the production is visually stunning, with beautiful sets, sparkling costumes, and impressive special effects, making it an enchanting spectacle for all ages and perfect for families looking for a fun-filled adventure​ this festive season!