Peter Pan Pantomime at New Victoria Theatre, Woking – a review

by Jan

Last night we were invited* to the press night of Peter Pan at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking.

We have been going to the pantomime in Woking since the boys were little and always look forward to it as one of the highlights of the festive season.  This year brings the return of Peter Pan, J M Barrie’s magical story of the boy who never grew up.

*I received some of our tickets for Peter Pan at New Victoria Theatre, Woking in return for this review. All opinions are my own.

Woking’s pantomime, Peter Pan, is showing at the New Victoria Theatre from Friday 8th December – Sunday 7th January 2023

Click here to buy tickets.

The performance starts at 7.00pm and the running time is 1h 50 including the interval.

 

There is also a relaxed performance of the show, with less noise and lights, on 2nd January 2024.

Peter Pan in pantomime in Woking

The show kicks off in the Darling’s nursery, where we meet Wendy Darling, played by Chloe Riley, her two young brothers and gorgeous dog, Nana.

Shortly afterwards, they are joined by Peter Pan and his best friend, Tinkerbell.  Archie Durrant puts on an energetic performance as Peter Pan, as he embarks on his adventures in Neverland.  Georgia Brierley-Smith plays Tinkerbell, the much-loved fairy, who seamlessly skates her way through the show.  Georgia has an incredible voice, which carries across the auditorium.

Paul Chuckle dressed in red suit in Peter Pan Pantomime, New Victoria Theatre Woking. Credit: Ian Olsson

Next, we meet Paul Chuckle who brings a whole lot of silliness to the show.  He plays Mr Starkey, one of Captain Hook’s pirate crew.  Mr Starkey is a witless character, who charms the audience with his foolishness.

Tinkerbell on skates and pirate holding hands in Peter Pan pantomime

Strictly fans will love the big star of the show,  Anton du Beke, the light-footed judge from the famous BBC talent competition.  Anton plays Mr Smee, another of Hook’s crewmen aboard the Jolly Rodger.  Du Beke gleefully dances his way throughout the panto, even donning top hat and tails in one scene.

Of course, no pantomime is complete without a villain, which is where Captain Hook comes in.  Played by Bob Harms, Hook is warmly welcomed by boos and hisses every time he enters the stage.

Man dressed in a yellow sparkly dressed with head gear, for panto in Woking

One of the most favourite characters was Nigel Ellacott, as the panto dame, Mrs Smee.  Mrs Smee dazzles the audience with her collection of bright and wacky costumes.  Little kids were in fits of giggles as she appeared wearing a picnic basket, a bouncy ball, and even a deckchair.

The finale of Peter Pan Pantomime at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking, Surrey

Finally, we saw a few familiar routines and games which we enjoy every year at the panto.  The Twelve Days of Christmas always gets a few laughs as the toilet roll flies into the crowd and who can resist a pie in the face?

Overall, the panto had an enthusiastic, professional cast, who delivered the story well.  There was adult humour and innuendo which flew over the heads of the little ones, who were laughing anyway.  The panto succeeded in providing an evening of light entertainment with a festive feel.

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