If you are looking for a pantomime that ticks every box this festive season, Theatre Royal Bath will have you hooked.
Theatre Royal Bath is once again sprinkling Christmas magic across the city, with its pantomime ‘The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook’ delivering laughter, spectacle and festive fun.
This year’s production is the perfect blend of traditional panto charm and contemporary sparkle that works brilliantly for audiences of all ages. From classic sketches to TikTok inspired dance offs there’s something for everyone.
Leading the adventure is Tristan Gemmill, who proves a magnificent choice as the fearsome Captain Hook. Best known for his television roles in Coronation Street, Casualty and The Bodyguard, Gemmill is lots of fun as the iconic villain while still fully embracing the playful absurdity pantomime demands. His Hook is deliciously theatrical, relishing every hiss, glare and scheming moment, while never taking himself too seriously.
Stealing scene after scene alongside him is Bath panto legend Jon Monie as the side-splitting Smee. Now in his 23rd Christmas season at the Theatre Royal, Monie’s experience is evident in every perfectly timed gag, knowing glance and expertly delivered punchline.
As both writer and performer, his influence runs throughout the production, with jokes that land brilliantly for children while offering plenty of knowing humour for the adults too.
As Peter Pan, Marcus J Foreman is charismatic, playful and endlessly likeable.
He captures Peter’s mischievous spirit perfectly, keeping the pace lively and ensures the sense of adventure never dips. Bobbie Chambers brings sincerity and charm as Emily Darling, adding emotional warmth and a lovely vocal performance that balances the comedy beautifully, and adding sparkle and sparkle in abundance is Holly Atterton as Tinker Bell. A familiar face to younger audiences thanks to Nick Jr, Atterton brings boundless energy, strong vocals and real star presence to her roller-skating fairy.
Returning to the Theatre Royal stage, Sarah Jane Buckley is a delight in the dual roles of Ethel Mermaid and Mrs Darling. Her effortless stage presence make her a joy to watch, and she brings heart and polish to every scene she appears in. Buckley’s connection with the audience is immediate, and she plays a vital role in grounding the story amid all the high-flying fun.
Visually, this pantomime is a feast. Gravity-defying flying scenes, brilliant sets, vibrant costumes, classic panto sketches and eye-catching special effects bring Neverland vividly to life.
The inclusion of comedy acrobats The Nitwits as the bumbling pirate crew adds another layer of physical comedy, while dancers from The Dorothy Coleborn School of Dance inject the production with infectious energy.
The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook is funny and full of heart. It’s a triumphant return to Neverland for a Christmas treat the whole family will adore.
The pantomime is on until the 11th of January and you can get your tickets at the Theatre Royal Bath website here.
