Peter Pan – King’s Theatre, Glasgow

Writer: J.M. Barrie

Adaptation: Alan McHugh

Additional Material: Elaine C. Smith & Johnny Mac

Director: Kathryn Rooney

Choreographer: Jane McMurtrie

In it’s 60th panto anniversary year or should that be pantoversary, The King’s Theatre in Glasgow delivers a return to form with their take on the perennial favourite Peter Pan.

Taking J.M. Barrie’s classic as its inspiration, familiar elements of the original story are still here but the usual panto liberties have been taken with the text. There are Peter and the Darling children, Tinkerbell (a camp as Christmas and always entertaining Darren Brownlie) and of course, Captain Hook (an underused Hannah Jarrett Scott). Added to the mix are Mrs. Smee, played by doyenne of Scottish entertainment Elaine C. Smith and her hapless son played by King’s stalwart Johnny Mac.

This year sees the return of better production values with larger scale sets, aerial work, a troupe of acrobats, a chorus of dancers, sparkling lighting and an absolutely enormous crocodile to terrify the tiniest audience members (it would have been wonderful to see more of it though).

For panto purists there’s plenty to like. It’s pretty low on slapstick but there are many traditional elements to transport you back to your childhood. There are silly skits a-plenty and a bit of a sing-a-long. It’s a tried and tested, familiar formula, if a little in need of a refresh. What the King’s has on its side is the Glasgow audience who are always primed and ready to take part, which they do with relish throughout.

As ever at The King’s, a fun night of familiar pantomime fare for the whole family.

Runs until 5 January 2024 | Image: Danny Kann