Peter Pan

Review by Ryan

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

There are Stranger Things to see in London but nothing is like Tuckshop’s Panto.

This utterly preposterous version of the charming children’s tale is filled with laughs and hilarious lines... And also lines! No lubrication is provided as you are thrust tip first into this erotic fable that is NOT a Christmas Special For All The Family.

Peter Pansexual glides through scenes including bumming his shadow, coaxing the darling children to Neverland and hoping to one day ask Wendy (Kitty Scott-Claus) for her consent. Even if a few jokes seem off-kilter, the cast hold space for this.

Joining Wendy are John (Kate Butch) and Michael (Cheryl) who have professionalism rammed inside them as they’re tossed off to Neverland in the middle of the night. Ophelia Love’s dry comedy and impeccable sass steals many scenes, as she constantly struts on stage as literally any character possible, mostly playing Tink.

Leading the show is Drag King Richard Energy. It’s about time Drag Kings took the limelight and it’s great to see queer cultures being celebrated. Richard may not be let onto a certain racing show but they win every phallus shaped trophy available for Peter Pan.

No Peter Pan would be complete without mermaids and pirates of which this show has a couple... Literally. Ethel Merman plays the only mermaid, the lost boys got lost, and aboard the Jolly Rodger is Captain Hook (Ginger Johnson) and Mrs Smee (Yshee Black). The energy of Ginger and Yshee make up for the odd choice to not utilise the ensemble of incredible dancers with stunning choreography. Ginger is a fantastic villain with Yshee as her sidekick, and both make a great team having the audience spreading their smiles wide.

Unfortunately, the microphones were the biggest let down (often going flaccid), meaning a good line or two was missed. This was disappointing but didn’t detract from the talent on stage.

Peter Pan is great fun as a silly adult panto. Could it do more to champion queer people rather than enforce stereotypes - absolutely. But is it a raucous, chaotic and fun night out - also absolutely. Trust me, I’m in queer media.