The King’s panto is even more special this year as it celebrates its 60 years! Produced by Crossroads Pantomimes, Peter Pan will take you on an incredible trip to Neverland with its beautiful costumes, stunning sets and absolutely out-of-this world special effects. The cast and production have pulled out all the stops to ensure this is one to remember – full of pantomime magic and Glaswegian humour.
Elaine C Smith as Mrs Smee and Jonny Mac as Smee are the beating heart of the story and you won’t be disappointed – they’re on their best form. They are true audience favourites – Mac especially amongst the youngest of panto-goers. Despite his playing pretty much the same character every year, there is something special in seeing him on that stage. You can just tell how much fun is being had by all.
Darren Brownlie and Blythe Jandoo return following performances in last year’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and 2022’s Beauty and the Beast. This year Darren plays Tink and Blythe plays Wendy, joined by Hannah Jarrett-Scott as Captain Hook.
Visually this panto truly stuns, the special effects are incredible and had the audience gasping in awe. The production offers plenty of traditional elements that will transport you in time to your own childhood but with lots of sing-alongs and stunning scenery there are plenty of surprises awaiting. The production values of this pantomime can be seen at every turn, with no expenses and creativity spared to bring Scottish author J M Barrie’s magical story to life.
The formula of the King’s panto stays basically the same every year, but Elaine, Jonny and Darren alongside the rest of the ensemble manage to keep it fresh, entertaining, delightfully ridiculous and deliciously funny. The trio especially have such an incredible, natural, familiar and warm on stage chemistry with each other, that you find yourself wanting more of them. It seems that every year Brownlie gets a bit more on-stage time which is a true treat, and his camp Tink in Peter Pan, brings the jokes, feels and vocals.
This year marks another panto success at this favourite Glasgow venue, and what makes this show such a lovely experience is the incredible atmosphere – the audience truly delights in what happens on stage, and collectively goes wild when the special effects are unveiled, youngsters and oldies alike, leaving them with a Christmassy and happy feeling.
With thanks to Joanna Zuchowska for this review. All images: Danny Kaan (Danny with a Camera)
