Head over to Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury for a swashbuckling adventure as the panto this year is The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook. Now I am familiar with the first story of Peter Pan but not any further adventures, but I loved the story telling in this production. There is a strong opening number (Dancing On The Ceiling) setting up the Darling household for another adventure. Wendy is now 104 and this story is about her great granddaughter, Emily who only seems to care about selfies and likes on Instagram. Peter is in trouble. He doesn’t realise Hook is still alive and Tinkerbell is worried, so she goes off to find Wendy in the hope that she can talk some sense into him, but meets Emily instead and Emily is up for a big adventure.
Aylesbury panto wouldn’t be the same without Andy Collins who always makes me belly laugh. For those familiar with the panto at Waterside, you will know what to expect, but for those going for the first time, there are a couple of things you should know. Understand that the 12 days of Christmas song has grown into a good 10-minute slot where you are supposed to throw a lot of toilet rolls around to stop Andy (playing Smee this year) from getting them. The squeals of laughter from the audience, both young and older are a joy and I have to say its always a favourite part of the show for me. This will follow with a water gun fight. It’s really funny. It’s the only panto I know that does this so come prepared and make sure you bring your water guns with you. This year I felt a bit sorry for Andy as he was in a hot waterproof suit as he flew over the audience with his massive water gun. Love youuu Andy.
Bradley Riches plays Peter Pan and is fantastic in the role. He delivers an all-round brilliant performance of exactly what Peter Pan should be. It’s the first time I have seen a boy doing Peter Pan (normally there are lots of cross dressing in panto but there are none in this production), but it really did work well. Bradly is a talent and shines in this role.
Mark Moraghan plays the dastardly Captain Hook and we couldn’t ask for anyone better to boo at. Mark can sing as well as act and I really enjoyed his performance (and our Holby City chat after the show). His booming voice and scheming ways make it fun – and he encourages us to boo him. I love how interactive the show is. You really feel part of the production. Its such a special feeling. Everyone’s favourite fairy, Tinker Bell is played by Leanne Garretty. Leanne was the best Tink I have ever seen. I loved her accent, her sass and attitude which was just the right level and not only this – but Leanne roller skates on stage the whole show. It does make her feel like a fairy as it looks like she is never still (which I imagine is exactly what fairies are like).
Maeve Byrne playing Emily Darling who has an amazing strong singing voice as well as serious acting skills. I totally believed Maeve to be around 12 on stage as she has nailed all the mannerisms of the character. I can see Maeve working for CBeebies as she is so good with children. Emma Jay Thomas plays Ethel Mermaid and Emily’s mum. Two for the price of one. I loved her rendition of Girls Just Want To Have Fun. The whole cast were spectacular. They felt well-rehearsed and delivered a absolutely wonderful production. There are over 90 costumes, including 21 pirate hats, 2 magic wands, a spooky outfit and a total of 9 animal costumes for audiences to spot as well as making its Waterside debut is a TikTok Croc. I loved the choice of songs with some great numbers and the ensemble really were so tight with the dancing numbers (and some gymnastics too). I just loved this panto so much.
The Further Adventures of Peter Pan is a modern sequel to the much-loved Neverland tale and at Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury until 5 January 2025.
Waterside have been putting on a panto for 14 years and this is their best panto to date!
Huge thanks to Waterside Theatre for their fabulous hospitality.
Check out my gallery for photos of the cast at the after party: https://www.jasminestorm.com/jasminestormsgallery
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