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Forget stocking up on fairy dust this year – the shelves are bare, for it’s smothered over just about every nook and cranny of Glasgow’s King’s Theatre in this year’s swashbuckling panto spectacle – Peter Pan.
Celebrating the 60th pantomime at The King’s, there is no expense spared in this dazzling Crossroads Pantomimes production. If you can see it, it sparkles.
This year’s panto is a visual spectacle; it’s a high-flying, croc-snapping, fairy-filled adventure with something for all the family.
But be wary if the wee ones hope to spend an evening with the titular Pan. Alan McHugh’s script – with additional material by Smith and Mac – does its best to avoid plot in a frustrating stray from recent years, where narrative had been at the heart of the King’s festive offering.
Mrs Smee (Elaine C Smith) and her wee laddie Smee (Johnny Mac) bring laughter in bucket loads as the unashamedly good crew on the Jolly Roger. Glasgow is front and centre of this panto tale, with plenty of jokes on the assembled locale.
The pair bounce off the fabulous fairy Tink (Darren Brownlie) in hilarious routines, rib-tickling songs and general comedy capers.
While Wendy (Blythe Jandoo) and Peter (Matt Kennedy) are left in the wings for much of this panto, it’s evil Hook (Hannah Jarrett-Scott) who steals this show. If pantomime is a delicate balance of light and shade, this devilishly delightful baddie was Born This Way – and she’s not apologising for her evil ways!
The Kings also reminds us how much value a razor-sharp ensemble adds. As swashbuckling pirates or mischievous Lost Children, these are the cherry on the cake at this Christmas feast.
60 years of panto proves the King’s knows what it’s doing. This year’s panto offering is no exception.
Peter Pan at King’s Theatre, Glasgow until Sunday 5th January 2025
Photo Credit: Danny Kaan
