Peter Pan the Musical at the Epstein Theatre Liverpool Review
Peter Pan the Musical
Epstein Theatre, Liverpool
29-30 October 2015
Reviewed by Susan Trish
We arrived at the theatre not really knowing what to expect. We had walked past the place so many times yet never been inside!
The staff on the door were helpful and friendly, directing us up the large spiralling staircase to the ticket desk at the top. We picked up our tickets with no problems and were told to wait in the foyer or the bar area as the doors to the theatre would be opening shortly.
We bought some refreshments, which were more than reasonably priced, and waited for the announcement. The doors opened and we found our seats easily. The place itself was beautifully old fashioned as one would expect from a traditional theatre house. It is a small and cosy theatre with many original and beautiful fixtures and fittings.
The theatre was packed with excited children and the atmosphere was brilliant! The show started with my daughter’s favourite character Wendy and her family – including the lovely dog nanna – giving us a brilliant introduction to the storyline followed by some pitch perfect singing from the Darling family! Wendy’s voice was outstanding throughout and her character was played perfectly!
Even though the cast was small and the stage set and backdrops were limited, the story was really well portrayed and easy enough for my 5 year old to follow (which isn’t always the case at the theatre so well done!!).
Peter Pan gave an outstanding performance – portraying the well loved character with such energy and enthusiasm. Trying to attach his shadow back on was a funny scene which my little ones are still talking about! Not forgetting to mention Pan being vocally brilliant too!
Then we get to meet the story baddy Hook! Greeted with friendly booing and hissing Hook captured the character just right!! He was funny, entertaining and had an excellent singing voice!! Not forgetting Smee, Hook’s right hand man! Who, according to my children was the funniest Smee ever! He had the audience laughing out loud with his quirky ways and funny comments, interacting with the audience brilliantly!
Wendy’s mum, also playing a funny Hook sidekick and Tiger Lilly, was outstanding. Her voice was just brilliant and she played all roles with ease and conviction.
The singing was absolutely fantastic all the way through, with lots of encouragement from the cast for audience participation! We liked the idea of a sparkly green light as a Tinkerbell but I think she is a character that we would all have like to have seen in the flesh as she is a firm favourite!
There was a fancy dress competition at the end which was won by a worthy Peter Pan outfit. We were encouraged to stand up and have a sing along which was great fun and the cast even did a meet and greet in the foyer at the end for photo and autograph opportunities which was a lovely touch.
All in all a simple yet brilliant show – one that was loved by all the family.
Tickets cost from £9 to £34 (booking fees may apply).
Peter Pan the Musical is at the Epstein Theatre in Liverpool until 30 October 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 888 4411.
The Epstein Theatre, Hanover House, 85 Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1 3DZ | 0844 888 4411