Pan! is a lively pantomime production, filled with upbeat songs, dance numbers, and moments of audience interaction. The overall tone is cheerful and aimed at children and families, with bright colours in the set and costumes, and a script that delivers plenty of juvenile humour. The plot is simple, with the classic hero vs. villain dynamic, which provides a fun but not particularly deep experience.
The strongest element of the production is its choreography. A particularly exciting sequence, the extended dance introducing ‘Neverland,’ stands out for its fluidity and professional execution. The production’s choreography is certainly its biggest asset, although it doesn’t always receive the focus it deserves. Some of the other musical numbers feel less integrated with the physicality of the performers, and certain cast members, such as Tyler Ephraim as ‘Double P,’ are overshadowed by their more capable co-stars. However, the majority of the cast gives energetic performances, establishing their characters well and bringing a lot of life to the stage.
The interactive moments, which are a key part of any pantomime, are unfortunately limited. There are only a few opportunities for the audience to engage with the action, such as calling out warnings or mimicking the villain. This could have been developed further to enhance the comedy and inclusiveness of the production. The humour is a mixed bag, ranging from basic fart jokes to more clever, modern references. While some of the character gimmicks, like Tinkerbell speaking gibberish or an Outlaw constantly sneezing, miss the mark, there are still moments of physical and contextual humour that are effective.
The set design is relatively simple, but the most memorable scene is Pan’s den, which captures the whimsical spirit of Neverland. The use of the upper stage for effects, such as simulating a videogame or flight, is a nice touch. However, the rest of the set design, featuring basic elements like rocks and doors, feels a little bland and doesn’t fully capture the magical atmosphere that pantomime often aims to create.
Overall, Pan! is an enjoyable show with plenty of energy and charm. While it doesn’t leave a lasting impact or fully realise its potential, it offers a fun, colourful experience that’s well-suited to families. There are areas for improvement, but the vibrant performances and lively choreography make it worth a watch.
‘Pan!’
By Geoffrey Aymer
Directed by Suzann Mclean
Set and Costume Designer: Bob Sterret
Cast includes Tyler Ephraim, Adryne Caulder-James, Billy Lynch, Krishana Parker, Ezekiel Ashiety, Fantay Remy, Flo Swann, Iris Playfoot, Isaac La Rosa Mullings, Jude Ugbehe, Kaiya Ashitey, Luka Kenis, Miah Russell, Mya Nicholas, Nasya Nembhard-Coke, Raffaele Atigah, Rowan Forde, Tara-Binta Collins, Viola Atigah
Until 23rd December
Running Time: 2 hours including an interval