REVIEW
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
THE TOWNGATE THEATRE
& SIMON FIELDING LTD PROUDLY PRESENT
THE PANTO ADVENTURES
OF PETER PAN!
WEDNESDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2022 – MONDAY 2 JANUARY 2023
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
THE TOWNGATE THEATRE
& SIMON FIELDING LTD PROUDLY PRESENT
THE PANTO ADVENTURES
OF PETER PAN!
WEDNESDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2022 – MONDAY 2 JANUARY 2023
Unbelievably, this is the first time Southend Theatre Scene has ventured to Basildon's Towngate Theatre to see one of their renowned pantomimes.
The Basildon theatre's pantomimes have always been hugely popular, and word of mouth about how good they are has always travelled ferociously down the C2C line to Southend and throughout social media stratosphere from previous audiences, and so this year Southend Theatre Scene thought we'd better go and check it out for ourselves.
A stalwart performer in the Basildon panto has always been Simon Fielding but this year, for the first time in 16 years, he isn't treading the boards but instead has taken on the role of director, so that he can spend more Christmassy time with his two small daughters.
However, fellow stalwart and panto pro, Sophie Ladds has seamlessly taken over the star billing in the genius casting decision of giving her the role of super baddie, Captain Hook, in this year's spectacular production of Peter Pan.
Peter Pan has always been a firm favourite and the first thing you notice about this panto is just how good the production values are. The sets are lavish with some fabulous scenery and some great musical arrangements alongside fabulous costumes and characters. Everything is big, colourful and larger than life. There's even the hugest crocodile I've ever seen on stage.
This panto may not have a big name heading the cast but that doesn't mean that it doesn't have star quality. The Panto Adentures of Peter Pan has a truly talented line up with some totally knock out performances. Hannah Taylor playing Wendy is an absolute joy, as is Antonia Luisa-Clarke who is perhaps the most sassiest and cheeky Tinkerbelle I've ever encountered. Both of these performers are amazing singers too. Their voices will blow you away.
The Basildon theatre's pantomimes have always been hugely popular, and word of mouth about how good they are has always travelled ferociously down the C2C line to Southend and throughout social media stratosphere from previous audiences, and so this year Southend Theatre Scene thought we'd better go and check it out for ourselves.
A stalwart performer in the Basildon panto has always been Simon Fielding but this year, for the first time in 16 years, he isn't treading the boards but instead has taken on the role of director, so that he can spend more Christmassy time with his two small daughters.
However, fellow stalwart and panto pro, Sophie Ladds has seamlessly taken over the star billing in the genius casting decision of giving her the role of super baddie, Captain Hook, in this year's spectacular production of Peter Pan.
Peter Pan has always been a firm favourite and the first thing you notice about this panto is just how good the production values are. The sets are lavish with some fabulous scenery and some great musical arrangements alongside fabulous costumes and characters. Everything is big, colourful and larger than life. There's even the hugest crocodile I've ever seen on stage.
This panto may not have a big name heading the cast but that doesn't mean that it doesn't have star quality. The Panto Adentures of Peter Pan has a truly talented line up with some totally knock out performances. Hannah Taylor playing Wendy is an absolute joy, as is Antonia Luisa-Clarke who is perhaps the most sassiest and cheeky Tinkerbelle I've ever encountered. Both of these performers are amazing singers too. Their voices will blow you away.
Every Panto needs a great Dame and Ian Hallard as Mrs Smee is just fabulous, injecting more than a touch of modern humour into the more traditional role we are used to seeing. As with most pantos these days there are plenty of double entendres and cheeky play on word scenarios to keep the adults more than amused - some nearer to the knuckle than perhaps one would expect, but thankfully subtle enough for them to (just like Peter Pan himself) fly over most children's heads.
And, speaking of flying, there's lots of it in this show! Be prepared for lots of gasp out loud as well as laugh out loud moments. Harvey Zaffino as Peter Pan will wow the kids with his flying skills and Michael Loftus as Wibbles will have you giggling at his silly antics.
Star of the show though has to be Sophie Ladds, who completely commands the stage on her every appearance as the revengeful and dastardly Captain Hook. Ladds looks stunning and really knows how to work the comedy into her panto villain, with scathing retorts, sideways glances and knowing winks aplenty. She's the kind of evil baddie you can't help but love.
And, speaking of flying, there's lots of it in this show! Be prepared for lots of gasp out loud as well as laugh out loud moments. Harvey Zaffino as Peter Pan will wow the kids with his flying skills and Michael Loftus as Wibbles will have you giggling at his silly antics.
Star of the show though has to be Sophie Ladds, who completely commands the stage on her every appearance as the revengeful and dastardly Captain Hook. Ladds looks stunning and really knows how to work the comedy into her panto villain, with scathing retorts, sideways glances and knowing winks aplenty. She's the kind of evil baddie you can't help but love.
It's a big ensemble cast who we get to see perform some fabulous routines and the choreography is second to none. The big number at the end of Act 1 would have you believing that you were watching a top West End musical and there are lots of nods towards the creatives of this production being big ol' musicals fans.
Act 2 delivers double the fun and even more fun filled action. The pace is riotous and never stops until we reach the end, with everyone, on stage and off, getting involved in Captain Hook's eventual downfall, much to the excitement of the children in the audience and perhaps a few of the grown ups too.
The Towngate Theatre pantomime proves that you don't need a major celebrity to pull a crowd..for a top class panto experience for kids and adults alike, The Panto Adventures of Peter Pan ticks all the boxes for a fabulous festive treat to remember.
Review: Kim Tobin
The Towngate Theatre pantomime proves that you don't need a major celebrity to pull a crowd..for a top class panto experience for kids and adults alike, The Panto Adventures of Peter Pan ticks all the boxes for a fabulous festive treat to remember.
Review: Kim Tobin
Ask the Audience
Lailaa, 8, from Tilbury
I thought it was really good, I really wanted to fly like Peter Pan and Mrs Smee really made me laugh. I was a bit scared of the crocodile but I really liked throwing rocks at Captain Hook. Can I come again tomorrow?
The Towngate Theatre is back this festive season with their high-flying panto for 2022-23, The Panto Adventures of Peter Pan! This swashbuckling spectacular promises to be even more breath-taking and magical than ever before – a Pan-tastic Adventure for all the family to enjoy!
Basildon favourite, Simon Fielding, returns this year as their Co-Producer and Director, and the baddie everyone loves-to-hate - Sophie Ladds – will be back on stage, playing the legendary role of the dastardly Captain Hook.
When asked about his role in this year’s panto production, Simon Fielding said:
“We have been working on The Adventures of Peter Pan since January 2021 and it promises to be another award-winning show - our musical numbers are shaping up to be more spectacular than ever! The comedy routines even funnier! And we are taking our Towngate panto magic far beyond the reach of anywhere we’ve been before!
Whilst I will not be performing this year, I will continue to be the production’s Co-Producer and Director and alongside the same incredible team of talented creative geniuses, we will be creating the same unique Towngate experience, which our audiences have come to know and love.
What better pantomime than the magical Panto Adventures of Peter Pan for me to hang up my tap shoes and watch the fabulously frightening Sophie Ladds as she dazzles us as Captain Hook?!”
Basildon favourite, Simon Fielding, returns this year as their Co-Producer and Director, and the baddie everyone loves-to-hate - Sophie Ladds – will be back on stage, playing the legendary role of the dastardly Captain Hook.
When asked about his role in this year’s panto production, Simon Fielding said:
“We have been working on The Adventures of Peter Pan since January 2021 and it promises to be another award-winning show - our musical numbers are shaping up to be more spectacular than ever! The comedy routines even funnier! And we are taking our Towngate panto magic far beyond the reach of anywhere we’ve been before!
Whilst I will not be performing this year, I will continue to be the production’s Co-Producer and Director and alongside the same incredible team of talented creative geniuses, we will be creating the same unique Towngate experience, which our audiences have come to know and love.
What better pantomime than the magical Panto Adventures of Peter Pan for me to hang up my tap shoes and watch the fabulously frightening Sophie Ladds as she dazzles us as Captain Hook?!”
Essex-based Sophie is a much-loved performer in the Towngate’s pantomimes, winning rave reviews from both audiences and critics alike, and earning two Best Villain nominations at the Great British Pantomime Awards for her multi-talented performances.
Commenting on playing the pivotal character of Captain Hook, Sophie Ladds said: “I started performing in panto at the Towngate 14 years ago - if you had told me then I would be playing the role of Captain Hook, I wouldn’t have believed you! This is what I love about the Towngate - although they keep tradition at the heart of the panto, they are not afraid to look beyond what’s expected.
Everyone needs to come watch The Panto Adventures of Peter Pan, to see just how naughty my Hook will be! I can tell you that I’m going to put everything into giving our audiences the best performance I possibly can.”
Commenting on playing the pivotal character of Captain Hook, Sophie Ladds said: “I started performing in panto at the Towngate 14 years ago - if you had told me then I would be playing the role of Captain Hook, I wouldn’t have believed you! This is what I love about the Towngate - although they keep tradition at the heart of the panto, they are not afraid to look beyond what’s expected.
Everyone needs to come watch The Panto Adventures of Peter Pan, to see just how naughty my Hook will be! I can tell you that I’m going to put everything into giving our audiences the best performance I possibly can.”
After winning the hearts of the audiences as Dame Dolly Dumpling in Beauty and the Beast, Ian Hallard will be popping on his fabulous frocks once again to play the role of Mrs Smee this year. Joining Sophie and Ian will be Harvey Zaffino as cheeky Peter Pan, Hannah Taylor as lovable Wendy, Antonia Luisa-Clarke as mischievous Tinkerbelle and Michael Loftus as silly Wibbles.
The Towngate’s award-winning, critically-acclaimed pantomimes are the jewel in the crown of Essex – they’re renowned for their stunning scenery, colourful costumes, dazzling dancers and a fantastic live band at every performance. Each show is a non-stop, musical extravaganza that is not to be missed!
Towngate Theatre Manager, Simon Scott-Pearce said:
“The Panto Adventures of Peter Pan is the most magical of all pantomimes, and the whole Towngate team are so excited to bring this incredible production to Basildon this festive season. This year’s panto is currently breaking all Box Office records with over 23,000 people already booked! We would strongly recommend that audiences secure their seats without delay, as this is on-track to be our most successful panto ever!”
The Towngate’s award-winning, critically-acclaimed pantomimes are the jewel in the crown of Essex – they’re renowned for their stunning scenery, colourful costumes, dazzling dancers and a fantastic live band at every performance. Each show is a non-stop, musical extravaganza that is not to be missed!
Towngate Theatre Manager, Simon Scott-Pearce said:
“The Panto Adventures of Peter Pan is the most magical of all pantomimes, and the whole Towngate team are so excited to bring this incredible production to Basildon this festive season. This year’s panto is currently breaking all Box Office records with over 23,000 people already booked! We would strongly recommend that audiences secure their seats without delay, as this is on-track to be our most successful panto ever!”
The Panto Adventures of Peter Pan runs from Wednesday 23 November 2022 – Monday 2 January 2023 with Family Packages and Group Rates of 10+ available. Book tickets online at
www.towngatetheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01268 205 300.
LISTING INFORMATION
PRODUCTION: THE PANTO ADVENTURES OF PETER PAN
DATE: WEDNESDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2022 – MONDAY 2 JANUARY 2023
VENUE: TOWNGATE THEATRE, ST MARTIN’S SQUARE, BASILDON, ESSEX, SS14 1DL TICKETS FROM: £13 - £27. FAMILY TICKETS AND GROUP RATES AVAILABLE
BOX OFFICE: 01268 205 300
WEBSITE: www.towngatetheatre.co.uk
TWITTER: @towngatetheatre FACEBOOK: /towngate INSTAGRAM: @towngatetheatre
www.towngatetheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01268 205 300.
LISTING INFORMATION
PRODUCTION: THE PANTO ADVENTURES OF PETER PAN
DATE: WEDNESDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2022 – MONDAY 2 JANUARY 2023
VENUE: TOWNGATE THEATRE, ST MARTIN’S SQUARE, BASILDON, ESSEX, SS14 1DL TICKETS FROM: £13 - £27. FAMILY TICKETS AND GROUP RATES AVAILABLE
BOX OFFICE: 01268 205 300
WEBSITE: www.towngatetheatre.co.uk
TWITTER: @towngatetheatre FACEBOOK: /towngate INSTAGRAM: @towngatetheatre