Panto at The Anvil Review
Christmas isn’t Christmas without panto – and I was kindly invited to go along to The Anvil in Basingstoke for this year’s panto: The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook.
It’s showing until Sunday 31st December 2023, and if you are yet to go book a Panto – I highly recommend this one!
Starring the Gavin and Stacey’s star Melanie Walters as Ethyl Mermaid (and Mrs Darling) Channel 5’s Milkshake! star David Ribi as Peter Pan, Holly Atterton from Nickelodeon as Tinker Bell and the fabulous Chris Fearn as a menacing Captain Hook. And the brilliant Chris Pizzey plays Smee – also known as Mr Stephen in Basil Brush (and the panto director).
Peter Pan – The Sequel
The show was thoroughly entertaining from beginning to end. With a roller skating Tinker Bell, somersaulting pirates (yes, you read that right!) amazing singing – and a hilarious immersive experience with the audience (which I won’t give away!) Plus of course, plenty of flying.
Peter Pan is brought into the modern day, as he meets with Wendy Darling’s Granddaughter, Emily (played by Ruth Betteridge). When they learn that Captain Hook is still alive, he returns with a vengeance. He intends to take revenge, kidnap Tinkerbell and her Baby Bells and have the ability to fly when the Blue Moon rises. Do they manage to find and rescue them in time? There are even some underwater adventures when Smee is made to walk the plank – and some fish-related jokes!
There are a lot of adventures along the way. Not to mention the classic Panto lines – ‘He’s behind you!’ ‘Oh no he isn’t!’ plenty of booing, and a roller skating scary ghost! There is comedy, action, music and dancing. There were plenty of laugh out loud moments – and even a crocodile on stage!
Visit The Anvil
The Anvil is a large, fabulous venue, situated in the heart of Basingstoke, close to Festival Place shopping centre. Anvil Arts are Hampshire’s largest performing arts organisation, and The Anvil give audiences access to the highest quality musicians and actors.
It is definitely one of our favourite venues – and it’s just perfect to go along to Festival Place and do some Christmas shopping and enjoy a meal out. You can make a full day of it.
The Anvil also has a bar, a kiosk with hot and cold drinks and snacks. And this year, Peter Pan’s Hangman’s Tree hideout in Never Land is in the cafe bar area! There is also wheelchair access and hearing enhancement facilities. Some performances are relaxed for those with SEND.
Children can also purchase light up swords to take into the show – or if you have a light up wand from last year, you can take that along too.
Head to The Anvil’s website for all the details, including tickets, dates and times.
Find The Anvil: Churchill Way, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 7QR
Read my interview with the panto cast! https://allsheloves.co.uk/the-further-adventures-of-peter-pan-the-return-of-captain-hook/
