Hook and Peter Pan fly into King’s Theatre, Portsmouth for the 2023 Christmas season in Hook The Further Adventures of Peter Pan. Featuring Portsmouth stalwart Pantomime Dame of nine years Jack Edwards in the role of Mrs. Smee. Edwards jointly wrote this year’s pantomime with Paul Woolf.

Shaun Williamson (Eastenders fame) plays the villainous Captain Hook and James ‘Arg’ Argent (From The Only Way is Essex) takes on the role of Peter Pan the boy who never grew up. In today’s current austerity climate, who could blame him? The pair star in this year’s pantomime. Alongside Georgia Deloise as Wendy Darling and the dazzling Tinkerbell (Elizabeth Rose).

Choreographer Rebecca Herszenhorn created some brilliant dance sequences which the ensemble delivers perfectly in sync. Jacob Bailey stood out to me with extremely strong performances throughout the production.

For anyone who hasn’t seen a Portsmouth panto before the notorious “12 Days of Christmas” routine is in for an absolute treat. Just don’t forget to return the flying toilet rolls and if you’re a good shot you might also manage to “hit” one of the cast! As the routine goes into double speed the chaos and comedy pursue.

One thing that was clear from the evening’s performance was the enjoyment of all the younger members in the auditorium. The shouts and boos were loud and engaging. Along with plenty of “he’s behind you” and “oh no it wasn’t…” thrown into the festive mix.

Director Will Kenning delivers plenty of festive charm and entertainment this year. The entire cast appears to be enjoying themselves throughout the Pantomime and have an abundance of energy.

For more information and tickets about Hook The Further Adventures of Peter Pan and further productions at King’s Theatre in Portsmouth please use the link below.

Photo credit Alan Bound for The Kings Theatre.

Four Stars.

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