Review: Peter Pan – Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow

Pantomime is as much a part of the festive season in Glasgow as tinsel, carols and that last minute panicked dash round the Buchanan Galleries on Christmas Eve. The Magical Adventures of Peter Pan is the Glasgow Pavilion’s pantomime this season. Everyone knows the story of Peter Pan, Hook, Michael, Wendy and the dreaded crocodile but the great thing about panto season is that you get all these great ingredients with a brilliant, uniquely Glaswegian twist.

Last night the Pavilion was packed with families, scouts, the girls’ brigade and Christmas nights’ out with an age range from babes in arms to grandparents. One of the best things about going to pantomime is seeing a theatre full of ecstatic children waiting for the curtain to go up. There’s more flashing merchandise for sale in this theatre than I think I have ever seen anywhere or even knew existed, flashing mohawk anyone?! Perhaps that gives me away as a panto newbie but I have to say watching all the kids waving their glowing swords, light sabers, snowmen, light-up wigs and glow sticks to cast spells with Tinkercat (Cat Harvey) there was no denying that there was magic in the auditorium and every child believing in fairies.

Jim Davidson is perfectly cast as the villain Captain Hook and he laps up the booing from the excited audience. In his other role as Mr Darling I don’t think anyone can look at the pinstripe kilt without thinking of Jack McConnell’s ill-fated wearing of the same attire but the fluffy red sporran is hilarious and who doesn’t like to laugh at an Englishman being forced to wear a kilt? Nanny Clyde (Dean Park) is the classic panto dame ably assisted by her faithful, farting friend Nana the dog (Chris de Rosa). Johnny Mac captures the lovable essence of Peter Pan and coped admirably with a mis-function in one of the flying scenes.

Panto is an ensemble piece that relies on the collectively energy of the cast and whole audience working together to create a unique magical night out and Peter Pan certainly provides that. With a ticket swap guarantee in case of the dreaded snow returning, cost-effective family tickets, senior concessions and special party booking discounts it’s certainly an affordable fun night out in these tough times – OH YES IT IS! If all that isn’t enough to tempt you the fact that the rarely spotted Mint Feast ice cream is on sale in the interval should be enough to seal the deal.

Make sure you get down to the Pavilion this Christmas to join Tinkercat, Peter Pan, Michael and Wendy as they fend off Hook, Smee, Smelly and watch out for that croc!

PERFORMANCES
Until 21st January 2012
Performance times vary by day: 11:00am, 1:30pm, 2:00pm, 6:30pm and 7:30pm
Check the panto's website for more details & tickets: www.pavilionpanto.com