FIVE STARS! Peter Pan flies into the Birmingham Hippodrome and WOWs audiences!
An annual fix of panto legend Matt Slack is all Birmingham Hippodrome audiences need to make every wintertime extra special, and this year he is Mr Smee in “Peter Pan”, which has landed in the city until February 2.
Considered as one of the biggest and best in the county, every year families flock to see the Hippodrome panto whatever the title, to enjoy not only a spectacular show, but also the hilarious antics of this unique comedian who has been a stalwart of Birmingham Hippodrome for 11 years now.
Seeing the show on December 23, so close to the big day, meant the atmosphere was simply magical and that “Christmassy” feeling was tangible. The auditorium was oozing with excited children (and adults for that matter!) and on a cold, wet winter’s evening, the warm glow of the theatre felt like coming home.
“Peter Pan” has just about everything; scenery direct from the London Palladium which ensure the show is colourful, vibrant and visually stunning, what must surely be the best set of panto costumes in the country, special effects which will leave you open-mouthed, fun, laughter, silliness, children on stage, a community song and just about every traditional element of the crazy British institution of pantomime!
The special effects go on and on. “Peter Pan” would not be complete without a crocodile of course and believe me, this is the biggest croc you will ever see! Were Peter and his pals really flying? And there is a special treat at the end of act one, but I am not going to tell you too much because you need to go and see for yourselves!
Finding the perfect balance between adult and children’s comedy can be tricky and to be honest, there were a couple of moments where I shuddered a little at the thought of small ears hearing some of the jokes, but then panto is about pleasing the whole family. Woosh! Over the children’s heads, hopefully. Never offensive, but perhaps a little close to the mark is how I would describe it, but extremely funny all the same.
Matt Slack as Smee is of course the ultimate panto funny man, never failing to leave audience members doubled up in side-splitting laughter. The man simply has funny bones, and is an extremely skilled impressionist and a quick-witted deliverer of comedy lines, who has a natural rapport with the audience and had them in the palm of his hand from his very first entrance.
Not content with being the star of the show, but Matt co-wrote the panto script as well. What a talent and how wonderful it must be to go to work knowing that you are able to make so many people so happy.
TV star, the “Queen of Birmingham” and our favourite Brummie, Alison Hammond, got a huge welcome from her home crowd when she made her entrance as The Magical Mermaid, resplendent in sequined scales. The chemistry between Alison and Matt is perfect as they bounce off each other with ease and who knew? The gal can sing and dance too!
The incomparable Dame Andrew Ryan also returns to the Hippodrome this season, this time as Mrs Sylvia Smee. One of the few dames left in pantoland, Andrew is certainly in my top three, making this extreme art form look so easy and natural as he shimmied across the stage dressed in a variety of spectacular get-ups, including a HUGE feathered headdress and full show girl ensemble to perform the iconic “I Am What I Am” which he danced and sang at full pelt! Amazing as always.
The boos and hisses were deafening when soap and Strictly star Danny Mac sailed in as Captain Hook and although the obvious villain of the piece, he strikes just the right cord as he is appealing and amusing but ultimately pure evil!
The funky fairy is called “Tink” (drop the bell!) played by Billie-Kay who gave the vocal performance of the night, while Noah Harrison is the perfect Peter Pan with all the energy and enthusiasm of youth. Similarly, Rhiannon Chesterman, Cian Hughes and little Stanley-Joe Catley are also ideally cast as the Darling children.
Completing this uber-talented cast is an outstanding ensemble who really are the backbone of the show and should be commended for their individual talents.
It’s another wow of a panto from the Birmingham Hippodrome, and the perfect way to celebrate the theatre’s 125th anniversary. So, if you are up for an evening, or afternoon of pure entertainment and a huge lift this festive season, then “Peter Pan” will certainly not disappoint.
To book tickets visit birminghamhippodrome.com, call 0121 689 3000 or simply fly towards the second star on the left and straight on till morning.
Runs until February 2.
