Reviewed by Emma Booth
Me and my family went to The Capitol theatre in Horsham, West Sussex last night to see this year’s pantomime of Peter Pan, which is running now up until the 5 January 2020.
I think everyone knows the story of J.M. Barrie’s famous story Peter Pan, this production is true to the original story with Wendy, John and Michael meeting Peter Pan, the boy who never grows up, and joins him on an adventure to Neverland where they meet The Lost Boys, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook plus many more. The story has lots of music, dancing, flying and laughs, making this adaption into the perfect pantomime.
Anthony Sahota plays Peter Pan and brought great enthusiasm to the show with lots of faultless singing and nimble, energetic dancing. Nicholas Collier made a great Captain Hook with great interaction with the audience and everyone booing him. My favourite was Hywel Dowsell, who played the pantomime dame Mrs Smee, and that’s when it really felt like a panto, he had a great one-liners and perfect timing for great laughs, he made the show for me. All the actors and actresses were so good you really couldn’t fault anyone. The younger kids were amazing with their energetic dance routines and singing and some people had several parts to play, like Nicola Hume who played Mrs Darling, Big-chief Chill Axing Cow and Ethel, wow! how great was she to multitask so well.
As with all pantos there are lots of chances to boo, cheer, clap and interact and this is what my daughter really enjoyed, but her best bit was the 12 days of Christmas, such a chaotic hilarious song with things falling apart and going wrong on several occasions. The whole audience were in stitches with loo rolls flying, doorknobs falling and even Peter Pan calling Mrs Smee by his real name – now that’s what you come to a panto to see. We also loved the mermaid on the hoverboard and breakdancing Nana, very funny.
All in all, we all thoroughly enjoyed the show. We shouted lots, laughed loads, enjoyed an interval ice cream and ate lots of sweets. The Capitol has a nice range of snacks and sweets and popcorn at very reasonable prices, so I didn’t mind spending out on snacks.
There was also ample free parking a few minutes walk away with several local carparks to choose from most I believe are free after a certain time.
This is the first panto I’ve seen at The Capitol and while I’ve seen bigger and more spectacular pantos, this intimate production doesn’t disappoint by any means. This is a great family Christmas treat and I thought the ticket prices were very reasonable compared with some theatres. Going to see a panto should be every families Christmas tradition it really is great fun for all young and old
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost £24.50 (booking fees may apply).
Peter Pan is at The Capitol in Horsham from 13 December 2019 to 5 January 2020, for more information or to book tickets visit www.thecapitolhorsham.com or call the box office on 01403 750220.
The Capitol Horsham, North Street, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1RG | 01403 750220
