Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
The Further Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan – the Return of Captain Hook
The team had an absolute blast at The Further Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan – The Return of Captain Hook at the Forum Theatre, Billingham – it really was “Cracking!” from start to finish.
From the moment the curtain went up, they were swept off to Neverland in a whirl of colour, music and laughter. The show combines all the magic you’d expect from Peter Pan with the cheeky, family-friendly humour that Forum Theatre pantos are known for – and it kept both children and adults glued to the stage all night.
The cast were a huge part of what made the evening so special. Michelle Heaton lit up the stage as a sparkling Tinker Bell, bringing real star quality and warmth to every scene. Connor McIntyre was delightfully menacing as Captain Hook, relishing every boo and hiss from the audience. Ben-Ryan Davies’ energetic Peter Pan was the perfect hero, bounding across the stage with endless enthusiasm, while Jessie Williams gave a charming and relatable performance as Angela Darling, brilliantly linking London life to the magic of Neverland. Liam Mellor as Smee – famously #Cracking – had everyone in stitches with his quick one-liners and silly antics, and Robert Squire as Mrs Hook delivered classic panto glamour and comedy in equal measure. Forum Theatre
The production itself was a real treat: flying sequences that made the children gasp, catchy musical numbers, dazzling costumes and plenty of audience participation. The team loved watching families shout, sing along and dodge the odd water pistol moment – all the ingredients of a proper Christmas panto night out.
What shone through most was the atmosphere in the theatre. It felt cosy, friendly and full of community spirit, with families, school groups and excited children all sharing the experience together. By the time the finale came around, everyone was on their feet, clapping and cheering Peter Pan and his friends on.
They enjoyed it so much they captured some of the fun in a short video – you can watch a reel of the night over on their Facebook page to get a taste of the magic and mayhem.
In short, their verdict on The Further Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan at the Forum Theatre Billingham? They had the best time… it was truly Cracking!
