REVIEW: Does it Fly? Peter Pan at the Gaiety Theatre

Colm Quinn (Peter Pan) in the Gaiety Panto's Peter Pan.

It's no ordinary panto, it's the Gaeity Panto (or so they say), but does Peter Pan live up to the expectations? Richard looks back on this years panto in this weeks article! Date of Performance: 18th of January 2025 (Evening Show).

Venue: Gaeity Theatre, Dublin.

(Tickets were purchased by the Reviewer) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Few experiences are as quintessential as donning your woolen jumper and scarf and venturing into Dublin City for an annual Christmas tradition: attending the Gaiety Pantomime. With a history spanning over 150 years, this pantomime has become a cherished part of many Irish families' Christmas celebrations.

Peter Pan is a classic pantomime, offering thrilling aerial feats and swashbuckling adventures that captivate audiences. However, it presents certain challenges; without strong technical and visual elements, the storyline alone lacks sufficient impact.

The Opening Number from Peter Pan

This year, the production is directed, choreographed, and scripted by Daryn Crosbie, who particularly excels in the first two areas. Technically, the show is a sensory delight, featuring flying performers, impressive set designs by Ciara Cramer, and innovative lighting by Kevin Smith. A standout moment occurs when Peter and Wendy soar over Dublin City and through a portal to iconic landmarks worldwide. The direction is precise and clear, with notable comedic moments involving the pirate crew. Crosbie's choreography is polished and precise, particularly showcased by the talented ensemble of dancers who bring energy to the performance. However, the script for Peter Pan falters slightly, especially in the second act, which tends to drag during the fight sequences between Hook and Peter. Minor adjustments could have enhanced the overall flow.

The Gaiety consistently attracts top-tier talent. Colm Quinn (Peter) and Clodagh Kane (Wendy) deliver performances that are both well-rehearsed and relatable for young audiences, earning immediate support for their characters.

Nicolas Grennell as Hook

Nicolas Grennell, as the villain, successfully incites audience boos with his strong performance and impressive singing, making for an excellent Hook. Donncha O'Dea shines as Smee, enhancing the comedic timing, while Joe Conlan, as the dame Nana, exhibits remarkable stage presence, timing, and costumes designed by Jen Dwyer.

The exceptional Billy Barry kids deserve recognition for their outstanding performances, which significantly contributed to an enjoyable evening.

Joe Conlon (Nana) and Donnacha O'Dea (Smee)

The highlight of this production is Ciara Lyons as Tinkerbell, whose sassy, unpredictable, and humorous portrayal, coupled with her outstanding vocals, stands out.

With a strong cast and impressive visual effects, Peter Pan delivers a remarkable performance. However, with slight adjustments to the runtime and script, the Gaiety is poised to maintain its esteemed reputation for years to come.