Peter Pan
Peter Pan in the West End has always been a beloved festive classic, but this year, it’s been given a spectacularly subversive Tuckshop twist with this incredible all-star drag cast. Bold, brash, and brimming with cheeky innuendo, this show throws caution, plenty of shade and any semblance of political correctness to the wind. From the moment the cast sashay on to the stage it’s clear this isn’t your typical family-friendly Pantomime. The audience is transported to Neverland but with a tongue-in-cheek risqué flair that floods the show with fresh and exciting energy. The story stays true to J.M. Barrie’s classic narrative but with a highly comedic and irreverent spin. Expect sharp one-liners and the nothing is off bounds script that lands squarely in the lap of adult audiences.
The casting is nothing short of extraordinary. In the title role playing Peter Pan himself is Drag King sensation Richard Energy, an absolute tour-de-force. With impeccable timing and the ability to work the crowd with ease, he creates a version of Peter capturing the essence of the boy who refuses to grow up. Crude, sex-crazed Peter is always trying to get his end away. He has great chemistry with the delightful Kitty Scott-Claus, who gives a delightfully funny performance as Wendy Darling, who is private schooled apparently, alongside her siblings Kate Butch as John and Cheryl as Michael. This fantastic trio brings us all the banter as they glide us effortlessly through the story adlibbing, giggling and creating chaos for everyone who crosses their path.
The ensemble is amazing, multi rolling lost boys, pirates, mermaids, and villagers, you can’t help but keep your eyes on them, particularly Zach Parkin stands out, as he hits every beat with urgency and is giving it his all. Ophelia Love (Tinkerbell and Villager No.4) is a scene-stealer in a short ra-ra skirt and boots. Not only playing the sassy mute Tink, she pops up in almost every scene showing her versatility but also gives a show stopping song and dance with her sexy dancers, showing she’s no one trick pony.
Every Pantomime needs their villains and RuPaul royalty Captain Hook (Ginger Johnson)and Smee cheeky (Yshe Black) are a joy to watch. Smee makes a funny sidekick who wins the audience over from her very first entrance, enticing mischief and mayhem but ultimately it’s Johnson who one hundred percent steals the show. Exaggerated villainy and moments of campy madness that's both fabulous and fierce, she commands the stage at every turn and has some witty one liners of which she delivers the punch line perfectly every time.
This show is everything you expect from Pantomime, a glorious mix of slapstick and drag-inspired choreography, laughs, gasps, and a few 'did they just say that' moments. The humour, while riotous, can be very much adult in nature, often toeing the line of good taste, but that’s why you book. It’s a celebration of drag, camp, and everything a traditional pantomime could never be. For audiences familiar with the Panto format, this version takes the usual jokes and turns them on their head, making them sharper, edgier, and much more daring.
If you’re looking for something unconventional, daring, and riotously fun, Tuckshops Peter Pan will not disappoint. It’s not a show for the prudish, but for those who appreciate the magic of drag, the joy of laughter and a fresh take on a timeless classic.
This show was reviewed on the 9th December 2024 at the Phoenix Theatre, London where it runs until the 6th January 2025. Tickets available here: Peter Pan | Official Box Office | Phoenix Theatre
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Photo credit: Mark Senior
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