Bonnie Lythgoe Productions’ magical PantoLand of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell

'The Adventures of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell'. Photo by Robert Catto.

State Theatre, Sydney.
8 July 2017.

‘The Adventures of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell’. Photo by Robert Catto.

Landing in time for the Sydney school holiday season is Bonnie Lythgoe’s latest pantomime production, The Adventures of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell in Return to PantoLand. Staged in Sydney’s beautiful historic State Theatre, it’s a wonderful opportunity for kids to experience a theatrical live show, especially one where they don’t need to sit still and keep quiet. This family-friendly show is quite the opposite. The audience is encouraged to scream, shout, laugh, clap, get involved and be part of the exciting adventures unfolding on stage.

‘The Adventures of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell’. Photo by Robert Catto.

Lythgoe is known for casting celebrities in her pantomimes, and this one is no different. Tim Maddren, well known as a former member of Hi5, is in the leading role of Peter Pan. With a spring in his step and the exuberance of a young boy, he won the hearts of the audience. Seeking revenge on Peter Pan is archenemy Captain Hook played by Todd McKenney. Well known as the controversial judge on Channel 7 hit series Dancing with the Stars, his portrayal of the evil Captain Hook was very convincing and had the kids in the audience loudly booing and hissing whenever he took to the stage. Jaime Hadwen was perfectly magical as Tinker Bell on roller skates, and Ksenia Zofi was a standout performer as the young girl Wendy Darling. Providing slapstick comical relief was Kevin Orkian in the role of Smee, and his band of four pirates who delighted the audience and kept them laughing throughout the show.

‘The Adventures of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell’. Photo by Robert Catto.

Filled with audience participation, fairy-tale costumes, magical stage effects, energetic dancing and some familiar songs like Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” and Kylie Minogue’s “Better the Devil You Know”, this show will definitely keep both parents and kids alike entertained.

The Adventures of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell in Return to PantoLand is at the State Theatre Sydney until the 16^th July before heading to the Comedy Theatre Melbourne from the 21^st to 30^th July. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.au.

By Nicole Saleh of Dance Informa.