IT'S PANTO season once again, so it was with a sense of excitement that I took the family to Venue Cymru which has a the well-deserved reputation of putting on some of the best shows in the region.
So, does Peter Pan live up to expectations?
Peter Pan at Venue Cymru. Photo: Wes Webster
Oh, yes it does!
Steering the ship, are Jason Marc-Williams, John Evans, and James Lusted, who have formed a tight comedy team over years of bringing panto to Llandudno.
Peter Pan at Venue Cymru. Photo: Wes Webster
Marc-Williams brings us a Captain Hook who is Jack Sparrow by way of Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.
Although suitably villainous, he is never overly scary, presenting a character with aspirations that are forever thwarted by his circumstances and lackeys that will be familiar to fans of British comedy.
Oh, and he chews up every piece of available scenery. Delicious!
Peter Pan at Venue Cymru. Photo: Wes Webster
However, it is the moment Venue Cymru panto veteran, dare I say legend, John Evans takes the stage that the tone of the panto is set.
Addressing the audience like a fun uncle who is headlining his own sell-out comedy show, John's Smee let's us know that we're in safe hands and fun and laughter are guaranteed.
Completing the comedy triumvirate is local actor James Lusted as Starkey, who in many ways is the lynchpin between the competing factions of pirates, Lost Boys, and Neverlanders in the show.
Peter Pan at Venue Cymru. Photo: Wes Webster
Bringing some magical star quality to the production is Carley Stenson, best known for playing Steph Cunningham in the Channel 4 series Hollyoaks as well as Dancing on Ice.
Peter Pan at Venue Cymru. Photo: Wes Webster
Her Tinker Bell is a feisty fairy, who demands to be respected rather than just being the provider of fairy dust for the other characters.
The little girls in the audience loved her!
Completing the line-up are Jon Clayton as Peter Pan, Georgia Conwy as Wendy, and Ramatoulie John as Tilly.
Peter Pan at Venue Cymru. Photo: Wes Webster
For Georgia, this is both her first major role and a return to her home town.
The former Ysgol Eirias pupil is a delight as Wendy at the beginning of what I'm sure will be a glittering career.
Clayton's Peter has just the right blend of mischief, bull-headed bravado and likeability to hold his own against the flamboyant Hook.
Wes Webster
The sets are dazzling, the laughs plentiful, and the songs twists of familiar favourites that will have your singing along in your seat.
Highlights include a hilarious and messy scene inside the ship's galley involving cream pies, rats and a word that must not be spoken. Although it comes with a warning that it might leave you feeling a little seasick.
Special mention to the five supporting actors who are barely off-stage for a moment, serving us pirates, Neverlanders, servants, and even mermaids, as the need arises.
By the end of the show, no dad joke has been left untold, no swash has been left unbuckled, and your belief in fairies and the magic of live theatre right here in North Wales is assured.
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