I had the pleasure of taking my family to see Peter Pan at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow this week, and I can honestly say it was a fantastic evening out. Going to see a pantomime has always been a tradition for us, and this year’s production lived up to expectations. From start to finish, it was packed with laughs, magic, and a wonderful festive atmosphere.
As soon as the show started, the audience was completely immersed in the world of Neverland. The sets were fabulous, bringing the magic of the story to life. From the streets of Edwardian London to the enchanted forests and pirate ships of Neverland it looked spectacular. The special effects were also brilliant, particularly the flying scenes. Seeing Peter Pan soar across the stage brought gasps and cheers from both kids and adults alike.
The cast were all superb. Elaine C Smith as Mrs Smee was hilarious and had the audience in stitches from the moment she walked on stage. Her timing and quick-witted interaction with the crowd were spot on. You could tell she was enjoying every minute. Johnny Mac as Smee was just as funny—his energy was infectious, and the two of them made the perfect double act.
Hannah Jarrett-Scott was a fabulous Captain Hook. She managed to bring just the right mix of humour and villainy to the role, making her a pantomime baddie that the audience loved to boo. Darren Brownlie as Tink was another highlight—his take on Tinkerbell was quirky, cheeky, and downright hilarious. My kids couldn’t stop laughing at his antics, and neither could I.
Peter Pan and Wendy, played by Matt Kennedy and Blythe Jandoo, were fantastic too. They brought so much heart to their roles, and their scenes together were both touching and fun. Our children thought they were great, and their flying sequences were magical to watch.
What made this pantomime stand out for me was how well it captured the spirit of Glasgow. The script was full of local humour and references, which went down brilliantly with the audience. Elaine C Smith and Johnny Mac had the crowd laughing throughout. It was impossible not to get caught up in the fun.
The musical numbers were also great. There were plenty of catchy songs, the choreography was lively and the cast was full of energy. It seemed like all of the cast had a fantastic time on stage, which made it even more enjoyable to watch. The costumes were everything you’d want in a panto- ie, bright, bold, and sparkling with glitter.
I was particularly impressed by the attention to detail in the whole production. The special effects, from the flying scenes to the giant crocodile, were cleverly done and kept the audience on the edge of their seats. The battles between the Lost Boys and Hook’s pirates were full of energy, and even the younger children in the audience were completely engaged.
The King’s Theatre is the perfect venue for a show like this. The beautiful, historic setting added to the magic of the evening, and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. The whole theatre was buzzing with excitement, and it was lovely to see so many families and children enjoying themselves.
If you’re looking for something special to do this Christmas, I’d highly recommend Peter Pan at the King’s Theatre. It’s running until 5th January 2025, so there’s plenty of time to catch it. Whether you’re bringing the kids for a family day out or just fancy a laugh with friends, this show has something for everyone. It’s packed with comedy, magic, and plenty of Glasgow charm – a perfect festive treat for all ages!
Jane B. Audience member
Join Peter Pan and the characters you know and love this Christmas in this swashbuckling pantomime adventure, based on the original by J M Barrie.
Starring the return of pantomime legends Elaine C Smith as Mrs Smee and Johnny Mac as Smee, this family treat also sees the return of panto favourites Darren Brownlie as Tink and Blythe Jandoo as Wendy, joined by Hannah Jarrett-Scott as Captain Hook and Matt Kennedy as Peter Pan.
Celebrate 60 years of panto at The King’s with amazing special effects, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and barrel-loads of laughter, Peter Pan will take your whole family on a magical trip to Neverland like never before!
Peter Pan at King’s Theatre, Glasgow from Saturday 30th November to Sunday 5th January 2025.
King’s Theatre, Glasgow
297 Bath St, Glasgow G2 4JN, UK
Sat 23 Nov 2024 – Sun 5 Jan 2025
This show has an interval
