Birmingham Hippodrome’s Peter Pan is jam-packed with mermaids, fairies, drunken pirates and the biggest crocodile I have ever seen. This show is based on J.M.Barrie’s classic children’s book but with so much life and heart poured into it that audiences old and young will instantly fall in love with this tale all over again.

With a cast of pantomime veterans and newbies, the whole company instantly puts you in a good mood; you cannot help but smile even from the opening number. Birmingham based panto debutant Meera Syal clearly enjoys herself playing the magical and forgetful mermaid and I hope this will not be the last time we see her in a pantomime.

For the sixth year in a row, the hilarious Matt Slack returns to the Hippodrome, this time playing the foolish Mr Smee. Matt is truly the heart of this show and seems to get funnier every year.

The whole cast is exceptional and the singing has never been better. Union J’s Jaymi Hensley is sublime and, as you would expect, there are some classic songs from Jimmy Osmond. Their performances were faultless and it was a pity there were not a few more songs to show off their amazing vocal talents.

To compliment the singing there were some wonderful variety acts, namely the exciting Timbuktu Tumblers and the gravity-defying Sascha Williams. Both acts had the whole audience on the edge of their seats.

Birmingham Hippodrome’s Peter Pan is definitely a must see this Christmas, packed with all the adventure, magic and hilarity you could ever want from a pantomime, it will fill the whole family with joy and wonder. 100% a must see this festive period.

★★★★★    Georgina Randall   21^st December 2018