Flying tonight - Peter Pan at The Lowry (From Messenger Newspapers)

Flying tonight - Peter Pan at The Lowry

11:11am Monday 13th December 2010 in Theatre Reviews By Rick Bowen

WHEN you go to the theatre at Christmas time, you expect to see a show with a special seasonal sparkle.

Unfortunately, this is absent from Peter Pan, this year’s festive production at The Lowry.

You know the sort of feeling - you leave to go to your car or to catch your bus or tram on a high and you’re there before you know it.

I also wonder if there’s enough to interest young children in this musical version of JM Barrie’s classic fairytale.

That said, there’s still plenty to enjoy, particularly Brian Capron as a larger than life Captain Hook. Capron, who’ll always be remembered as Coronation Street bad boy Richard Hillman, knows just what to do to earn the hisses of even the big kids in the audience. Contrast that with the fresh faced Thomas Law as Peter Pan and I also enjoyed John Henshaw as Hook’s right hand man and study in daftness, Smee. Although I did think this gifted comedy actor and panto debutant didn’t look entiirely at home on press night. However, I’m sure he’ll loosen up as the run progresses.

Julia Makarova performs some remarkable feats of agillity as Tiger Lily and she’s sure to be a hit with the dads in the audience. There is also some excellent singing and vibrant dance routines to enjoy.

* Until January 1. The box office is on 0843 208 6000. Star rating - ***