Starstruck was the word of the night! Watching comedy legends Cannon and Ball as Pirate Tommy and Pirate Bobby at The Crewe Lyceum Theatre in this year’s pantomime Peter Pan was just brilliant! With a full house and atmosphere buzzing, the crowd was restless and waiting in anticipation for the show to start. Peter Pan, an original by JM Barrie has since been adapted by Alan McHugh and Jonathan Kiley. Directed by David Fleeshman, the play follows the classic storyline with the added over the top costumes, beautiful stage setting, fantastic music, laughter and tons of audience participation.
The scene opened up at the Darlings’ Nursery with Peter Pan and Tinker Bell making an entrance. Peter Pan is played by Joshua Wyatt who charmed us and took us on a journey as he whizzed about in the air. Wendy played by Maisie Melia-Redgrave was ever so bubbly and sweet while Tinker Bell played by Danielle Lockwood just stole our hearts with her portrayal of the mischevious fairy. Danielle had one of the stronger singing voices of the night and her roller-skating skills are impeccable as well.
The main stars of the show on the night were the legendary comedy duo who you probably best remember from The Cannon & Ball Show, which ran for more than nine years on ITV1 featuring their classic comedy routines. Tommy and Bobby were so brilliantly funny playing Captain Hook’s henchmen and you could tell that the audience loved them (especially the group of ladies on the front row). Fans of Chico would be pleased to know that Chico not only sings his iconic song ‘Its Chico Time’ but dances and portrays the character of the Big Chief Cheeky Chico fantastically. For those who are not aware, Chico rose to stardom after getting to the quarter-finals in the X-Factor series in 2005.
Returning to the stage again this year is none other than Malcolm Lord, who was fabulous as the Dame, Mrs Smee. He not only captivated us with his singing and dance moves but also his eye-catching wardrobe. Andy Eastwood who takes on the character of Starkey mesmerised the audience with one-man performance singing and playing various instruments from the ukelele, banjo, violin to electric guitar. For me personally, the star of the night and one which needs a huge mention has to be Stefan Pejic who carried the character of Captain Hook to utter perfection. His demure, voice control and costume was so realistic that the kids hid in horror every time he came out. He also reminded me of Johnny Depp from Pirates of the Carribean throughout his performance which was commendable.
The transformation from one scene to another ie from the Darlings’ Nursery to The Neverlanders’ Camp and the Deck of the Jolly Roger was cleverly and flawlessly done. As audiences we were invited to embark on a journey with Peter Pan and set sail for Neverland and what a journey it was! We, adults, loved it and both my kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves as well, I only wished the actor’s microphones were set slightly louder, as at times we could not hear them, otherwise the sound system on a whole was just right. The show was phenomenal with great showmanship, lush costumes and non-stop laughter. If you have never seen Cannon and Ball perform, then don’t wait, book your tickets to watch Peter Pan this year as the whole team was superb.
Cast
Cannon & Ball – As Pirates Tommy and Bobby
Chico – Big Chief Cheeky Chico
Malcolm Lord – Mrs Smee
Andy Eastwood – Starkey
Stefan Pejic – Captain Hook
Joshua Wyatt – Peter Pan
Danielle Lockwood – Tinker Bell
Maisie Melia-Redgrave – Wendy
Aldie Blanchard/Edward Danby – John Darling
Max Bainbridge/Ewan Blud – Michael Darling
Ensemble – Ruth Cass, Dominic Gore, Kate Kenrick, Adam Martin, Eleanor Rees, Michele Verdicchio
Babes – YSD Theatre School
How much do the tickets cost?
Tickets are priced from £17 to £26.50 (concessions and group discount available).
How do I book tickets to watch Peter Pan at Crewe Lyceum Theatre?
Tickets can be booked by calling the box office on 01270 368 242 or by visiting Crewe Lyceum’s website here.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
The show started on Friday, 13 December 2019 and will run until Sunday, 5 January 2020. There will be evening shows at 7.30pm while the morning shows are at 10.30am and matinee shows at 2.15pm. Please check the Crewe Lyceum’s website for full details on exact timings.
Where is Crewe Lyceum Theatre?
About Cannon, Ball and Chico
Tommy Cannon and Bobby Ball are one of Britain’s funniest and most successful double acts. Best known for their legendary comedy variety show The Cannon & Ball Show, which ran for over nine years on ITV1 featuring their classic comedy routines and trademark catchphrases, Tommy and Bobby have established their reputation as one of the nation’s best-loved comedy double acts. With subsequent success in sitcom, gameshows, comedy shows, summer seasons, plays and pantomimes, the boys have excelled in every aspect of entertainment with their hilarious comedy routines, sketches and songs.
Chico became a household name as a finalist on the hit ITV show The X Factor. Not content with knocking Madonna off the top of the UK chart with his hit Chico Time he swapped singing for skating and captivated the nation with his spectacular routines and reached the final of ITV1’s Dancing on Ice.
About Crewe Lyceum Theatre
The Crewe Lyceum Theatre was established in 1911 and is the only Edwardian theatre in Cheshire East. At over 100 years old, it’s an institution in Crewe and Cheshire. In 2012, HQ Theatres and Hospitality took on operation of the theatre on behalf of Cheshire East Council. The theatre was given an interior facelift culminating with a gala debut of a new restaurant and Circle Suite in May 2012. Today the Lyceum Theatre is the place to be in Cheshire for great evenings of entertainment in luxurious surroundings, enjoyable afternoons of dining or taking the stage for weddings and functions. The Lyceum Theatre also offers opportunities for corporate hire and filming opportunities for television or movies. It is operated by HQ Theatres & Hospitality on behalf of Cheshire East Council. The Lyceum has an exciting year-round line up of top comedians, live music, drama, interactive evenings and much more. The Lyceum Studio is a new 110-seat venue within the Lyceum Theatre showcasing new writing, performance and comedy, as well as community events.
About Qdos Entertainment
Qdos Entertainment is wholly owned by husband and wife entrepreneurs, Nick & Sandra Thomas. Nick created Qdos in 1999, and remains Chairman of the company, which is now one of the largest, broad-based entertainment Groups in Europe. A family-owned business, Qdos is rooted in traditional entertainment values. The business has grown both organically and through a steady ‘buy & build’ strategy, by acquiring businesses that complement the original model, managed by a highly experienced management team. Qdos Entertainment and its operating subsidiaries employ 1,500 full-time staff across 18 business locations. The company has operated from offices in London’s Covent Garden for 27 years, but has maintained its Head Office for 33 years in Scarborough, North Yorkshire.
You may want to read this:
Review: Magical Christmas Woodland Adventure at Blakemere Village
Review: The Prince and the Pauper at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme
Review: Nigel Slater’s Toast at Crewe Lyceum Theatre in Cheshire
Win a family ticket worth £52 to Sleeping Beauty at The Regent Theatre
Photo credit: Crewe Lyceum Theatre / Wes Webster Photography
27 comments
Peter Pan was one of my favourite Christmas stories as a child. This production sounds beautiful and perfect for all the family.
It was funny, and all of us had such a fantastic time watching the panto
Peter Pan is my favorite story and in fact I see everything coming out: film, cartoon, TV series, theater … I won’t lose this transposition too.
I can’t remember the last time I saw Peter Pan at Christmas, and this performance looks like a lot of fun. Panto is such a fun tradition, and it really makes me feel Christmassy too!
Absolutely! It did bring back a lot of memories for us adults as well and kids totally love the pirate, ship. lost boys in the story as well
That looks like an AH-mazing show! I love all the costumes and colors. I’d love to take the family to see it.
It was just fabulous! The jokes, the cast, the costumes and set – a family show indeed
That looks like fun show to take the kids. I love theater and musicals and this Peter Pan looks like something I would enjoy watching
It absolutely was Monica, we all loved it
This show sounds so good and we love a good panto at this time of the year! The costumes and set design looks amazing!
Yes it certainly was Bella, we totally enjoyed it
This looks so great. I love the mermaids. What wonderful costumes.
I can’t tell you how wonderful the costumes are, especially since we saw it live. So stunning and life like
Looks like one spectacular show! Great shots of the production too! Peter pan is such a great story to see live.
It sure is, especially with the Pirate, the lost boys, the ship and it is a great story too
That looks like a great show I would love to go to! The costumes, colors, venue looks incredible! My family would love it.
Absolutely, it is a panto not to be missed if your kids love Peter Pan as well as Cannon and Ball
I will never forget going to see Peter Pan when I was a kid. It was the most magical experience.
Absolutely! The cast, costume, story line is just too fun!
Too bad this isn’t stateside. I’d go for watching Peter Pan on stage again, I was 4 the last time I saw it live.
Hope you do catch it Jasmine, as looks like it has been such a long time since you watched it live
oh i would love to see peter pan live. looks amazing! my family would love to see this as well.
Hope you do catch it Katrina, it is a fab panto to watch
Peter Pan is one of the best stories of our lifetime. Seeing it has been made into a panto is amazing. It looks like a joy to see.
Yes Terri, it certainly was a joy to watch it with my family
This looks like a wonderful event. My daughters love live action and theater shows, I’m sure they would enjoy this experience.
Yes we are certain she would enjoy Peter Pan, lots of great music, songs and dancing on the show