Peter Pan at Theatre Royal Nottingham Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Katy Nettleton
Looking for a festive show with a sprinkle of magic, a dash of humour, and plenty of wow moments? Then Peter Pan – The High-Flying Panto Adventure at the Theatre Royal Nottingham is the one to see. Combining stunning staging, brilliant performances, dancing, musical excellence and all the energy you’d expect from a top-tier pantomime, this show is a perfect family treat.
From the opening scene, we were in for something special. The staging and lighting worked beautifully together to create the magical world of Neverland, complete with glowing fairy lights, swirling effects, and those iconic flying sequences that had the audience gasping. It wasn’t just the grand spectacle, though—the clever use of puppets, particularly the scene-stealing crocodile, added an extra layer of fun and creativity that delighted audiences of all ages.
The cast truly brought the story to life, each one delivering standout performances. Alan Burkitt, stepping in last minute as the Magical Merman due to Gok Wan’s illness, was a revelation. You’d never guess he hadn’t been in the role from the start. His ability to ad-lib seamlessly and inject his own flair into the character lifted the whole production.
Paul Chuckle as Starkey brought his trademark “to me, to you” comedy, which landed perfectly with the audience and had us all in stitches. Richard Windsor, as Captain Hook, was every inch the villain we love to hate, commanding the stage with a mix of menace and charm.
Steve Hewlett as Smee provided non-stop laughs, with his ventriloquism and puppetry a real highlight. My daughter was completely mesmerised by his scenes, and I couldn’t help but laugh along too. Kate Stewart’s Tinker Bell was absolutely enchanting—her stage presence was magnetic, and her singing voice was powerful and emotive, leaving the audience spellbound.
Molly Farmer gave a beautifully heartfelt performance as Wendy Darling, her pure and innocent vocals delivering real goosebump moments. The Darling brothers, played by Matthew Allen and Harley Butler, added plenty of humour and warmth, their playful antics bringing lots of laughter to the show.
What really set this production apart was how it blended the magic of Peter Pan with the fun and silliness of pantomime. While it may not be a traditional slapstick panto, it’s still packed with everything you’d hope for—audience shout-outs, hilarious jokes for all ages, and some delightful surprises. The story had some fresh twists, keeping it exciting for those familiar with the original tale, and the music was pitch-perfect throughout.
It’s hard to pick a favourite moment because there were so many memorable highlights, but the crocodile and the puppets were definitely a big hit with the kids. There was something for everyone in this show—plenty of laughs, magical moments, and just the right amount of festive cheer.
Ready to take flight to Neverland? Tickets for Peter Pan are available at trch.co.uk or by calling the box office on 0115 989 5555. Ticket prices start at £19.50.
This is a 4.5-star review for a panto that’s a little different from the norm but absolutely worth seeing. With plenty of giggles, unforgettable performances, and a sprinkling of magic, it’s the perfect way to create festive memories. Don’t miss out!
Rating: 4.5/5