As one would expect from such a prestigious venue, the Opera House’s annual Christmas pantomime was on a truly epic scale. As soon as the curtain lifted to a magical, fluttering Tink (Samara Casteallo), floating high above the enormous stage, the audience sensed it was in for an exceptional evening of festive entertainment with breath-taking special effects and screen graphics.
A brief, child-friendly synopsis of the storyline was given by Tink to familiarise the audience with the upcoming plot before a colourful array of high-energy ensemble dancers dressed in jungle costumes stepped up the gears to mark the beginning of a vibrant, action-packed visual extravaganza. The vivid, gaudy artwork of the multi-dimensional stage set was a sight to behold and matched the ostentatiousness of the stunningly flamboyant, beautifully designed costumes adorned by the ensemble.
The hilariously funny, ‘bumbling idiot’ Smee (Britain’s Got Talent finalist, Ben Nickless) quite literally entered with a bang and continued to have the audience in hysterics all evening. Double entendre by the bucket load ensured his clever wit transcended children’s interpretations and provided adults with plenty of belly laughs throughout the show. Evidently a favourite with the kids, he engaged the audience through lively interaction from the start.
The audience was gradually introduced to the kind, beautiful Wendy (Jessica Croll), whose vocal clarity and purity took things to another level. Peter Pan (Ross Carpenter) was presented to us as an amiable, likeable character in complete juxtaposition to the larger-than-life baddie, Captain Hook (Jason Manford), who worked the audience into a frenzy of boos and laughs.
As predicted, Jason Manford stole the show with his inimitable comedy, unrivalled stage presence and effortless vocal prowess. What can’t this man do? Despite this being Jason’s pantomime debut, his suite of performing skills perfectly befitted this role and his collaboration with Ben Nickless created a seemingly effortless double act on stage.
The production team certainly did not disappoint in terms of delivering what a panto audience expects and loves. From scream-inducing water squirters to topical satire and everything in between, the audience was treated to an array of comedic, artistic and interactive interludes – some more predictable than others – including the ever-popular ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ farce, some impressive acrobatic demonstrations from the Lost Boys (The Acromaniacs) and a side-splitting medley of impressions from the multi-talented Ben Nickless.
In keeping with the well-worn, but ever-popular Christmas panto format, pop hits and film soundtracks were combined with a perpetual supply of corny jokes, audience mockery and the obligatory moral message of good overcoming evil in the end. All in all, there was something for everyone and this year’s Opera House Christmas panto delivered on all fronts.
Sound, lighting and set design were flawless. Dialogue and lyrics were crisp and clear with only one momentarily discernible, muffled mic. The lighting team made excellent use of the Opera House’s imposing auditorium to position front lighting, follow-spots and mood lighting in unobtrusive locations on the balconies and boxes – creating maximum effect without impeding the view of the audience. Puffs of ‘fairy dust’, graphics screens, pyrotechnics and, of course, some breath-taking wire-flying added extra, visually impactful dimensions and a touch of pure magic. Without giving too much away, beware the smile of a crocodile!
Credit to the highly talented wardrobe team for their creation of such elaborate and varied costumes, from the showy, tribal-style of the ensemble’s animal outfits to the intricate detail of the pirates’ Georgian-style apparel, with Captain Hook looking particularly resplendent in his finely embroidered attire.
Bold, eclectic choreography from the ensemble, reminiscent of some of the sassy dance numbers of ‘Hamilton The Musical’, provided the perfect backdrop for numerous scenes and enabled a relatively small cast to deliver big on impact and energy from start to finish.
Across the board, this panto-cum-variety show did exactly what is said on the tin and more. Amid a flurry of snow from the auditorium roof at the end, the multi-generational audience left with a warm Christmassy feeling and plenty of good cheer. Once again, Crossroads Pantomimes and Manchester’s Opera House did not fail to live up to their illustrious reputations.
Running until Saturday 31st December 2022 at the Opera House, Manchester, with both matinee and evening performances, tickets to The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan can be purchased at www.atgtickets.com/manchester for a feelgood, family-friendly experience this festive period.
Reviewer: Grace Annabel
Reviewed: 13th December 2022
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★