Peter Pan at Milton Keynes Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Janine Rumble
The festive production of Peter Pan at Milton Keynes Theatre brings the timeless classic story of Peter Pan to life with an enchanting mix of side splittingly funny comedic performances, imaginative staging, and dazzling costumes and an amazing cast, including Strictly Come Dancing judge, Craig Revel Horwood as the villainous Captain Hook. Directed with flair, this pantomime delivers a joyful, family-friendly experience that leaves audiences both young and old thoroughly entertained.
The show follows the traditional story of J.M. Barrie’s, Peter Pan, but with a brilliant, comedic and theatrical twist that only a pantomime can offer.
The cast is undeniably one of the strongest aspects of this production, and the presence of Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood adds a significant level of star power. Known for his sharp wit and strong stage presence, Horwood brings a perfect balance of menace and comedy to the role. His interpretation of Hook is a deliciously theatrical performance, mixing traditional villainy with sharp humour and flamboyant charm darling. His delivery of panto-style one-liners and playful interactions with the audience is a masterclass in timing, and his larger-than-life portrayal of Hook is both captivating and thoroughly entertaining and who knew he could sing!!! (His debut album was released in October 2024). His interaction with the rest of the cast, particularly during his hilarious exchanges with the bumbling Smee, played by the hilarious comedian and ventriloquist, Max Fulham, elevates the comedic elements of the production to another level. They provided much of the production’s humour. The strong chemistry between the two actors brings out the physical comedy, with slapstick moments and witty exchanges that delight the audience. I have to say, it was this that was favourite part of the pantomime. They were just hysterical together and watching them make each other laugh, made me laugh. In fact, there was so much of this interaction, that the show could have been called Hook and Smee, but it was this that made the show for me. Watching Craig and Max try to deal with silly tongue twisters and a very silly, but very silly slapstick dance was extremely hysterical and very entertaining.
Max Fulham’s Smee had a brilliant side kick in Gordon the monkey, which showed Max’s comedy and ventriloquism skills to perfection. Gordon and Max really stole the show. I could have watched their interaction with each other and the poor audience member they picked on all night. They were so funny. He made a puppet appear real and had the audience mesmerised by their very real exchanges. Gordon was very funny.
The role of Peter Pan, played Ross Carpenter, captured the essence of Peter—brimming with mischief yet carrying a sense of compassion and leadership. Wendy, Evelyn Hoskins, played with warmth and grace, brings a comforting presence to the stage as she joins Peter in the adventure.
The performances of the supporting characters truly elevate the show. Tinker Bell, played by Zara MacIntosh, provides narration to move the story along and Adam Pinnock as John Darling and Oli Manning as Michael Darling, were also very good.
The actual storyline was a bit weak in my opinion, but the cast and their antics, more than made up for it.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this production is its stunning costumes. The vibrant designs create a fantastical world, from the colourful pirates led by the menacing Captain Hook, to the whimsical, otherworldly attire of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell. The dazzling green of Peter’s costume contrasts beautifully with the glimmering white and silver of Tinker Bell’s attire, reinforcing the magical quality of the story. The costumes not only serve as eye-catching visuals but also enhance the characterization. For instance, Captain Hook’s elaborate outfit, complete with a grand, feathered hat and a glinting hook, reinforces his villainous persona with a dash of theatrical grandeur.
The stage design is equally impressive, utilizing a dynamic combination of vivid projections and physical sets to transport the audience to Neverland. The large, moving sets give the production a sense of scale and depth, with flying sequences adding a sense of thrill. The set of the pirate ship and the soaring flight of Peter and Wendy through the stars are visually spectacular moments that make the most of the stage’s capabilities. The set changes between scenes are smooth and seamlessly integrated into the performance, allowing the action to flow without interruption.
The music is another standout feature, bringing energy and emotion to the production. The show’s musical score features a blend of familiar songs and original numbers, all designed to keep the audience engaged and entertained. The live band’s energetic rendition of well-known Christmas tunes and panto staples adds to the festive atmosphere. The music is expertly timed to complement the action, enhancing moments of tension, comedy, and joy. Particularly notable is the song and dance routine that accompanies the arrival of Peter Pan, which immediately sets the tone for the adventure that follows.
In conclusion, Peter Pan at Milton Keynes Theatre is a festive delight, offering a rich blend of spectacular costumes, stunning stagecraft, lively music, and stellar performances. Craig Revel Horwood’s commanding performance as Captain Hook adds a special touch to the show, making it a must-see for anyone seeking a magical holiday experience. Whether you’re attending with family, friends, or on your own, this production promises a magical journey into the world of Neverland that will leave you laughing, clapping, and dreaming of flying. A must-see for the holiday season! I highly recommend seeing this panto and give it 5/5 for the stellar performances, but 3/5 for the actual storyline.
Peter Pan is on at Milton Keynes Theatre until Sunday 5 January 2025.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets are available from www.atgtickets.com and start at £13.00.