Peter Pan
Christmas isn’t Christmas for me until I’ve been to see the Birmingham Hippodrome Pantomime. Trying to remember how many Pantomimes I’ve seen at my second home is quite a hard task, but as the years pass, the quality just gets better and better, with plenty of laughs, impressive sets and of course Mr Birmingham Panto himself Matt Slack, who has been at the helm for the past 11 years!
As the curtain rises, we are thrown straight into a world of wonder, with Peter Pan (Noah Harrison) taking flight with Wendy Darling (Rhiannon Chesterman) as they make their magical journey to Neverland. The impressive staging and effects are as captivating as they are technical, with the Twins FX once again providing incredible Special FX, including Captain Hooks biggest fear, the crocodile, who engulfs the stage, much to the delight of the audience.
Back at the Hippodrome this year is resident Dame Andrew Ryan. Heading up some of the biggest musical numbers, it’s clear why Ryan is a firm favourite. With impressive vocals, and some of the most outrageous and stunning costumes you’ll ever see on a stage, you feel in safe hands every time they are on stage, I think you call it being a pro!. Teaming up with Matt Slack, who is like a warm mug of hot chocolate (with cream and marshmallows!) every Christmas, the rapport between the two is first class. Of course, any regular visitor to the Hippodrome will be aware of how Slack commands the stage with his unwavering humour, clever one liners, and overall genius when it comes to impressions. It’s no surprise then that playing to his strengths is a complete winner again this year, none more so than an impressive section containing the flags of the world. Already announced to return for his 12th Pantomime at the Hippodrome next year, it’s safe to say the people of Birmingham love Matt Slack!
Returning for their second years, we have Billie-Kay as Tink, who opens the show with some outstanding vocals, and of course our very own Birmingham Queen Alison Hammond as ‘The Magical Mermaid’. Hammond is very much at ease on stage and the audience love her, a great combination for the wonderful and wacky world of Pantomime. Bringing us the mean and moody Captain Hook we have Danny Mac, again no stranger to the Birmingham Hippodrome stage. As much as we are ingrained to hate the baddie, I couldn’t help but fall in love with Hook, who offered the right amount of evilness, but also humour, as the inevitable slipping out of character happens often, mainly where Smee (Matt Slack) is concerned.
With Pantomime, we expect the usual offerings of the call and response, “oh no it isn’t”, “oh yes it is”, which was not over used, but offered that familiarity we all expect. The side-splitting chaotic routine, similar to the 12 Days of Christmas with the main four characters running around the stage, and of course it wouldn’t be Panto without the first few rows getting a little wet! Tradition is certainly what sets Pantomime apart from any other art form, and its great to see this is still included, where family fun is at the forefront.
The hard-working ensemble with choreography by Karen Bruce ensure that the action flows well and keeps pace with the script, blending from scene to scene with ease. Of course any set (Mark Walters) that has graced the stage at the London Palladium is bound to be impressive, but seeing it ‘at home’ in Brum really does elevate the whole show, as do the stunning costumes courtesy of Mike Coltman.
Every year I don’t think I can see a better Panto at the Hippodrome and every year I’m proved wrong. Everything about this show has star quality, from the cast, to the costumes, the scenery and musical numbers. If you see one Panto this festive season, make it this one……it’s Bostin’ Bab!
This show was reviewed on the 23rd December 2024 at the Birmingham Hippodrome where it runs until the 2nd February 2025. Tickets available here: Peter Pan – Birmingham Hippodrome
Review written by Emma Rowley
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Photo credit: Paul Coltas
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