ON A freezing cold winter’s night, there was no better way to warm up than with a great traditional fun and family-friendly panto and Hook’s Revenge delivered just that.
The story centres on the evil Captain Hook – after defeat last time – returning to Neverland in a bid to kill Peter Pan and the crocodile.
From the off with the opening chorus-filled extravaganza, this was a joy to watch and you could tell those on stage were having just as much fun.
The first night is always a daunting task but this talented cast rose to the occasion – everyone played their part.
Among the performances were Natasha Lane as Polly Darling and Daisy Green as Tiger Lilly who were both fantastic and excelled during their solo numbers.
Dave Healing and James Ralley reprised their evil henchmen roles – this time as Skull and Bones – and you could tell from the brilliant chemistry they had a finely-tuned double act.
It was a good first outing as dame for Tony Madden as Nurse Bedpan – he worked the crowd well and Archie Marks was an audience favourite as Ozzy (Crocodile) Fundee. The pair were involved in the most hilarious scene of the night with the digeridoo – packed full of double entendre and definitely one for the adults.
Likewise, Cerys Gillard did well in her first principal role as feisty fairy Tinkerbell.
Alex Johnson made a welcome return as the very self-assured Peter Pan.
Charlie Sample (Tootles), Poppy Ralley (Nibs), Millie Chamberlain (Slightly) and Benjamin Felthan (Cubby) worked well as the Lost Boys and, likewise Eva Derbyshire, Amelia Marson, Eleanor Vernalls, Rosa Marks, Molly Taylor and Daisy Yarnold were a solid band of mermaids.
But the performance of the night went to Dave Berrisford as Captain James T Hook. I went into this wondering how he could top last year’s performance (which was excellent) but he at least equalled it. He led this production in the title role and, as well as a stunning almost operatic solo in the second half, he owned the stage and – and his infectious Scooby Doo style laugh – had an unbelievable rapport with the crowd.
Such was his performance – as a supposed baddie – he won over quite a few younger members of the crowd (and some adults), epitomised when, during the fight scene when Peter Pan was on the back foot, a girl in front of me shouted out ‘kill him Hook’.
If you would have offered those watching an extra hour of ‘An Audience with Captain Hook’ afterwards I think they would’ve visited the bar for some liquid refreshment and then happily returned in their droves. Panto performances do not come much better than this.
The signature UV puppets which All and Sundry has become renowned for was once again a magical scene and a great way to take us into the break.
The choreography from Stage Door Dance Academy was also faultless and the group excelled themselves with the scene in the second half on board the Jolly Roger which incorporated gymnastics and cheerleading style pyramids.
This was an impressive opening night – some of the microphone issues need addressing and there were a couple of lines forgotten but the latter just added to the hilarity as this closely-knit cast clearly had each other’s back and covered with a few giggles.
Well done to director Alison Berrisford for another fantastic panto – she continues to ensure the people of Bromsgrove (and from further afield) have quality traditional theatre to watch in the run up to Christmas.
I’m returning with my family for the final night and am already looking forward to see how it grows and develops.
Make sure you get tickets for this – it runs at Bromsgrove School’s Cobham Theatre every night between now and Friday, December 27. Performances are at 7pm and there are matinees at 2pm on December 17, 18 and 23.
Visit bromsgrove-school.co.uk/whats-on.aspx for tickets and more information.
