Peter Pan delivers high-flying family fun!

Corn Exchange show is a winner

If there’s one thing that can make my middle-aged bones still feel a little of the magic of Christmas, it’s the look on my children’s young faces during a Christmas panto. And the looks this year as they enjoyed Peter Pan at Exeter’s Corn Exchange were, once again, priceless. The huge success of last year’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’ set the bar high. This year’s performance however, did not disappoint - with many familiar faces in the ensemble cast, or should I say “crew”?

The ever-energetic Will Trafford returns for more shenanigans as Hook’s right-hand man, Smee! A performance with more running and jumping than you’d expect to see at Crufts. The charming Keeley Cooper is back to play Wendy this year, effortlessly hitting notes as high as her co-star can fly. Archie Benham also returns in his first leading role, as the boy who never grows up, Peter Pan. Singing, dancing, and flying around the stage, Benham is certain a rising star! James Trafford also provides more comic relief as Nanny - the talking dog, as well as a few other fishy roles! As he quips, it seems the theatre forbids him from playing a human! And no performance is complete without Matt Finegan, back by popular demand as the camp-tastic Captain Hook. Sardonic, witty, and always fabulously dressed, Finegan dazzles as the classic villain.

They’re joined by newcomers to the Exeter panto - Millie Gubby as the feisty Tinker Bell, and Fred Broom as Lady Slack-Bottom. Gubby delivers a polished vocal performance worthy of the West End, while Broom delivers a delightful turn as the pantomime dame; if you’re looking for a good double entendre, he’ll happily give you one!

Featuring toe-tapping hits from Sia, Shania Twain, Yazz, Peter Andre, Lulu, Shawn Mendes, Meghan Trainor, and Take That, you’ll soon be singing and dancing along. Any fans of SpongeBob SquarePants will also not be disappointed! With superb sets, colourful costumes, and incredible cast, Peter Pan delivers a magical experience that, just like his lost boys and girls, never grows old. Five stars.

Peter Pan runs at the Exeter Corn Exchange until Wednesday, January 1st, 2025.