THERE is no theatre experience quite like an evening at the pantomime – and a trip to see the Pavilion’s offering this festive season will leave no one disappointed.

It did not take long for the cast of Peter Pan ‘The Return of Captain Hook’ to have the audience, both young and old, beaming with a smile from ear to ear.

The production, suitable for all the family, was due to perform at the historic venue last year but the pandemic put a 12-month hold on the show.

Following on several years after the events of the classic novel, the story puts Peter Pan, played by David Ribi, on a course with his pirate nemesis, with support from comrade Tinker Bell and a new companion from the Darling family.

The star name in the cast, Shaun Williamson, of EastEnders fame, captured the spirit of Captain Hook as he trudged around the Pavilion stage spreading spite and misery in a classic pantomime villain performance.

Bournemouth Echo: The cast of Peter Pan – The Return of Captain Hook.The cast of Peter Pan – The Return of Captain Hook.

No pantomime at the Westover Road venue would be quite right without the bubbly enthusiasm and whit of Noel Brodie, who takes on the role of hapless pirate gone good Smee, guiding the audience on the journey through Neverland.

The Pavilion stalwart has been a resident comic at the theatre since 2014 and while his run of more than 300 consecutive shows was stunted by Covid last year, his joy to perform was infectious.

A special mention to Holly Atterton who not only gave the part of Tinkerbell the spark it needed, but did so while whizzing round on roller-skates for the whole performance.

Accompanied by a fantastic live band, this year’s Pavilion pantomime should go down as a classic for the ages.

Peter Pan ‘The Return of Captain Hook’ is performing at Pavilion until Sunday, January 2, 2022, with performances every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.