It may be one of the last pantomimes to finally lift the curtain up this year, but it is well worth the wait. Fresh from sailing into The Palladium in 2023 this Michael Harrison production throws many a “kitchen sink and more” at the Midlands biggest festive show. The Crossroads production still shouts “West End” loud and clear. The designs from Mark Walters and superb and very classy. It is in many ways a high-flyer.
Birmingham favourite Matt Slack welcomes us all aboard as Smee like an old friend, almost as though he had been waiting eleven months for us. We are in safe hands and with him being responsible for a big chunk of the writing the show quickly becomes a vessel for his broad talents.
The plot from JM Barrie is in there somewhere but gets a little lost in the cut and thrust of a family pantomime script. There are many high spot moments mostly involving Slack. He and Andrew Ryan as the Dame entertain with warm tribute to the 125-year history of the host theatre. Slack’s impressions and flags routines are a delight, the pop chart number falls a little flat.
Alison Hammond is in her element back in her home city, she is a little underused as the Magical Mermaid, but is a bright light whenever she pops up. Danny Mac is a somewhat cheeky and likeable Captain Hook; he maintains great presence and evens manages to deliver a strong Elvis number at one point. The supporting cast are all very watchable with Billie-Kay having fun as the mischievous Tink.
It is a quick moving production, with brilliant effects and a smattering of jolly and pacy song and dance numbers.
Happy Birthday to The Hippodrome, my advice is to join with Peter Pan at the party, you won’t be disappointed. And the fun and the festivities run all the way until the beginning of February.
David Robinson
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