Miss seeing Peter Pan at your peril

Jeanette Minns reviews PETER PAN at HULL NEW THEATRE

It's been 20 years since I last went to see Keith Harris and Orville in panto at Hull New Theatre. And, I actually think I enjoyed it more this time, as an adult.

The ventriloquist, who has starred in every major theatre in the UK with and his green feathered friend, is currently appearing alongside Paul Nicholas and Ben James-Ellis in Jon Conway's production of Peter Pan.

The audience was a sea of youngsters, some with toy swords, others with flashing Tinker Bell wands, and there was a buzz of excitement as the lights went down for the performance.

The set was vibrant and colourful and the cast energetic. It took the audience a few minutes to get warmed up but they were soon shouting and booing on cue.

Ben played the part of Peter well and Paul Nicholas provided the perfect mix of nasty and comical as evil baddie, Captain Hook.

Keith Harris was on form too, doing what he does best – entertaining the kids with his popular puppets and well-known song I Wish I Could Fly.

I was disappointed that, by almost the end of the show, there had been no appearance from Cuddles the monkey – my particular favourite – but, thankfully, he was brought on eventually and had us all in stitches. The character's naughtiness and "I hate that duck" catchphrase captivated the youngsters, while Keith's innuendo kept us older ones amused.

Audience participation was excellent – we all got to throw foam rocks at the stage to help defeat Hook, which went down a storm. And, prepare to get wet if you're in the first few rows as the water pistols do come out briefly.

Playing the pirates and putting on a an excellent show were The Acromaniacs – a group of international gymnasts and tumblers which added a touch of the wow factor to the performance.

And, I must mention the members of the Northern Theatre School who gave excellent performances as The Lost Boys.

In short, kids will love it and the parents will have fun too. The panto is a great festive tradition and this one shouldn't be missed.

Peter Pan is at Hull New Theatre, Kingston Square, Hull, until Sunday, January 10. Times vary. Tickets cost £13.50-£21. To book, call (01482) 226655