Review – Peter Pan – The Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

This year’s pantomime production of Peter Pan at the Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne is a sparkling, feel-good festive treat, full of colour, humour and enchantment from beginning to end. Neverland comes to life with cleverly designed sets, energetic musical numbers and a wonderfully enthusiastic cast who throw themselves into the adventure with genuine charm. 

The show opens in London with Wendy, played by Ella Bracci, whose warmth and sweetness immediately draws the audience into her dreams of adventure. When Peter Pan appears – the dynamically athletic Angus Benstead – the energy of the show lifts instantly. Benstead manages to balance the cheeky, confident swagger of the boy who never grew up with just enough vulnerability to make his journey truly engaging. His flying sequences genuinely wow the audience, especially younger viewers who audibly gasp during his airborne entrances. 

The always-popular double act of Mr and Mrs Smee becomes one of the highlights of the production thanks to Tucker as Mr Smee and Martyn Knight as the formidable and hilariously over-the-top Mrs Smee. Their comic timing is wonderful; every entrance is greeted with delighted anticipation, and the pair constantly encourage audience participation, creating that classic pantomime connection between stage and auditorium. They make the show feel warm, familiar and wonderfully silly in all the right places. 

A great pantomime needs a great villain, and Lewes Roberts’s Captain Hook ticks every box. Roberts gives the role swagger and theatrical humour while still being deliciously despicable. He storms the stage with charisma, relishing every boo from the audience and interacting wickedly with them. His rapport with both children and adults is one of the show’s biggest strengths, never crossing into anything too frightening but giving youngsters the thrill of hissing at a true pantomime baddie. 

Neverland sparkles thanks to the magical performance of Gabriella Gilliat as Tink, who balances sarcastic undertones with genuine tenderness. Her scenes glow with fairy-dust charm and her interaction with Peter adds heartfelt warmth. Another memorable highlight comes in the lagoon scenes, featuring Jessica Aubrey as Myrtle the Mermaid. Aubrey brings glamour, humour and musical confidence, offering a fun burst of “underwater” fantasy. Audiences, especially younger children, seemed absolutely spellbound. 

The scenic design truly helps create the illusion of flight and adventure. London rooftops transform into pirate ships, jungles and lagoons with speed and theatrical flourish, supported by colourful lighting and a live band that keeps spirits high in every scene. The musical numbers have real bounce, and the choreography fills the stage with movement and excitement. Younger audience members stayed engaged throughout, and adults enjoyed the comic asides cleverly sprinkled into dialogue. 

One of the loveliest aspects of the production is the balance of spectacle and heart. Amid all the jokes, slapstick and glitter, there are gentle, sincere moments that land beautifully, reminding us why the story endures. The message of friendship, imagination and staying young at heart resonates strongly, especially at Christmas, and the entire cast commit wholeheartedly to bringing that message to life. 

Devonshire Park Theatre is a perfect venue for this production, offering a warm, traditional pantomime atmosphere and excellent sightlines even for families with little ones. The show feels both intimate and gloriously theatrical, and you leave the building touched by that special pantomime magic. 

In short, this Peter Pan is bright, funny, heartfelt and packed with talent. With every member of the sizeable cast delighting the audience, it’s a festive celebration that truly soars. If you’re looking for a Christmas outing that will bring laughter, excitement and just a sprinkle of fairy dust, this pantomime absolutely delivers. 

****     Four Stars