Basingstoke's magical Peter Pan panto proves a hit at The Anvil

I was delighted to be invited to along to watch the panto at The Anvil again this year, something that has become part of my festive traditions.

This year's panto The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook had everything you expect to see in a panto - boisterous characters, vibrant costumes belly laughing comedy and lots and lots of sparkle.

READ MORE: Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust staff take part in panto

The show told the fairytale of Peter Pan but with a very modern twist. After Peter Pan defeats the evil Captain Hook, life has been pretty perfect for Peter Pan, and indeed Captain Smee and his pirate crew. But then a stranger arrives in Neverland, and there are rumours that a certain someone survived the stormy seas and is seeking revenge. 

Throughout the production there is plenty of audience participation including water guns, leaving all the little ones smiling and laughing along in this jam-packed show full of laughter and colourful sets. 

Tinkerbell (Image: The Anvil)

An extra special mention must go to Holly Atterton who played a roller-skating Tinkerbell and Milkshake! presenter David Ribi who stared as the loveable Peter we all know and love. They did an excellent job bringing the characters to life and it was hard not to love them.

Melanie Walters, best known for her role as Gwen in the BBC sitcom Gavin and Stacey, took the joint role of Mrs Darling/Ethyl Mermaid. The audience were able to have a good old giggle at the many references to the much-loved show including the line we all love 'what's occurring?'.

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The panto told a heartwarming tale which highlighted the importance and power of friendship, as Peter rushed to save Tinkerbell who gets taken taken captive by the evil Hook played by Chris Fearn.

The show filled me with happiness right from the start and there were also some great performances from children from the Basingstoke Academy of Dancing and the North Hampshire Academy of Dance. 

Melanie Walters (Image: The Anvil)

They fabulous cast were all joined by the ever-comical Chris Pizzey, best known as Mr Stephen in the CBBC series Basil Brush, who kept the momentum throughout to play the part of Smee and direct the production.

Ruth Betteridge who played Emily Darling shone bright with her outstanding vocals as she joined Peter Pan in defeating the evil Hook.

Many childhood memories were brought back to life as I sat and watched the magical production, which spread plenty of Christmas magic.