Theatre

Peter Pan at the Liverpool Empire Review


Peter Pan
Liverpool Empire

13 December 2013 – 5 January 2014

www.liverpooltheatres.com

Reviewed by Laura Parle

It's starting to look a lot like Christmas well it was at the Liverpool Empire last night. It's that time of the year again when all the children cheer and all the parents despair at the thought of the panto season and yes folks it is finally upon us.

As I walked into one of the most beautiful theatres, The Liverpool Empire, I found the despair waning and the excitement building – it was hard not to become a bit giddy when all the children were playing dress up and giggling excitedly.

The curtains go up and you are greeted by the most dazzling and colourful set, I was literally in awe and then the show begins …

Ray Quinn of X-Factor Fame (or if your scouse, Brookside fame) plays the title role of Peter Pan, and boy does he play it well. It's hard to believe Pan is not a 15 year old but actually a 25 year old who happens to be married with children. His real life wife Emma Stephens plays alongside him as a fantastic Wendy Darling.

As for the pirates they are headed up by a fearsome Captain Hook played by another ex-Brookside cast member Louis Emerick. His band of merry pirates consists of; my hero of the night, Mr Smee (Shaun Mason) and the camper than camp Roger the Cabin Boy (Scouse radio legend Pete Price) Smee manages to enchant and engage with the younger audience members whilst keeping the adults chortling with the many risqué one liners that thankfully go over the heads of the children.

The music than runs alongside the traditional Peter Pan story is modern and varied with everything from One Direction to Katy Perry and for the adults there is music from Guns 'n' Roses and Bon Jovi all in all it has an amazing soundtrack. Some of the vocal performances were a bit hit and miss with a few bum notes but who cares when you are on your feet dancing and having a good time.

I found myself joining in with all the "He's behind you" and the booing and hissing. I never thought I would regress and be childlike but I did and I loved every single, camp, cheesy minute of it as did the other adults around me. If you don't have children don't worry just go with your friends as you will have an amazing night.

Rating: A tongue in cheek 4.5/5 :)

Tickets cost from £10 to £32.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).

For more information ot to book tickets click here.

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