Theatre / Reviews
Review: Peter Pan, Bristol Hippodrome – ‘High flying family fun’
“Ahoy there, Brizzle!” “Ahoy there, Smee!”
Whatever you think of the word Brizzle and whatever you think of the annual Hippodrome pantomime, it is advisable just to allow yourself to be sprinkled with fairy dust and enjoy this high-flying family fun.
This year’s production is Peter Pan, with the sprinkling of fairy dust accompanied by a sprinkling of celebrity courtesy of David Suchet and Faye Tozer.
is needed now More than ever
Faye Tozer plays Mimi the Montpelier mermaid – photo: Mark Dawson
Without giving away any spoilers, fans of Poirot get a special surprise in the second half; while fans of Steps are treated to a variety of their most well-known songs including a medley to bring the show to a close.
Suchet does not quite have the physical stature for playing Hook – even in stacked heels he is on eye level with Carly Joan Furlong as Tinker Bell – but the knight of the realm still commands the stage with Shakespearean gravitas.
Tozer, playing Mimi the Montpelier mermaid (with Montpelier pronounced the French way but I’ll forgive her), is an impressive dancer and singer, as well as being more than adept at the odd comedy turn.
This year is Andy Ford’s 11th in a Bristol Hippodrome panto – photo: Mark Dawson
This is the eleventh year that Andy Ford has appeared in panto at the Hippodrome, with Ford fans well accustomed to what they can expect from the comedian who is now as much a fixture in the Bristol Christmas calendar as moans about the disappearance of the Christmas tree on College Green.
If Ford steals the show, it is his double-act with Ceri Dupree as his mother, Wagatha, that provides some of the other most memorable moments.
Among a multitude of costume changes is Wagatha’s ‘Brexit dress’. “You want me out of it,” she says. “But when I’m out, you’re not quite sure.”
Ceri Dupree as Wagatha Smee – photo: Mark Dawson
From singalongs to birthday shout-outs, Barbie to Queen Camilla, there is barely a pause in the night’s frenetic and infectuous energy.
“Voulez vous Suchet avec moi ce soi?” Wagatha asks Hook in just one of the many seemingly throwaway lines that make up this incredibly slick production directed by Jonathan Kiley, where even the ‘mistakes’ are carefully choreographed.
If you can’t get swept along by the evening’s entertainment, it’s a tragedy.
Peter Pan is at Bristol Hippodrome until December 31. For tickets and more information, visit www.atgtickets.com/shows/peter-pan/bristol-hippodrome
Main photo: Mark Dawson
Read next:
- Is the word ‘Brizzle’ becoming more acceptable or should it be banned forever?
- From Archie to Cary: Hollywood star’s early life in Bristol
- Bristol Hippodrome announces hit musical Hamilton is coming to Bristol
Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
