What’s it all about?
A devious, dastardly pirate, a boy who can fly and a croc with a taste for buccaneer blood.
How do they tell the story?
In traditional panto fashion with a galleon-ful of bad jokes – and a couple that will fly, luckily, higher than Peter Pan over the heads of the younger audience members – a few pirate chests worth of shouting, cheering and general audience participation, and more gusto then the strongest wind on the seven seas.
What should I look out for?
The outstanding dance routines from Britain’s Got Talent stars Flawless, who pop up repeatedly to drop a sick move or two at any opportunity. Not a peg leg in sight.
Of the show’s other stars, Marcus Brigstocke is a suitably sinister, stunningly sneery and enjoyably evil Hook, and Jarred Christmas is a likeable, enthusiastic Smee.
What did the kids like best?
The beautifully choreographed sword fighting that utilised all of Flawless’ skills to create a stand out sequence of stunning action not normally found in panto.
The alternative pirate 12 Days Of Christmas that comes with a squeal-inducing surprise. You have been warned.
All that squealing, booing, hissing, he’s-behind-you-ing that comes with this great festive tradition.
In a nutshell?
Flying, fights, funnies and flips; this is a boisterous adventure to get youngsters Hooked on panto.
Will my little ones like it?
While Peter Pan might lack the magic of a Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty, it makes up for it in action. And if your kids love a bit of street dance, they’ll be in panto heaven. Oh no they won’t. Oh yes they will.
While there are a couple of references that swish past the littl’uns faster than an impatient fairy – Austin Powers gags and a smattering of smut – from the whoops of delights, I’d say yes, they will.
Peter Pan plays at the New Wimbledon Theatre until 10 January. You can book tickets through the theatre’s website.
Peter Pan is also taking part in our winter discount ticket promotion Get Into London Theatre. You can book cut price tickets for performances from 1 January here.