Peter Pan at The Alban Arena**** (From Watford Observer)

Peter Pan at The Alban Arena****

4:25pm Monday 13th December 2010 in Reviews By Melanie Dakin

Every classic show has its hero and heroine but at the Alban Arena pantomime on Sunday night the leading lady turned out to be a lost boy and the her male counterpart a bit of a bad ‘un. Naturally, that’s par for the course with Peter Pan where in true panto tradition, a perky young woman plays Peter and a notorious type takes on the role of his arch nemesis, Captain Hook.

The scene opens on the Darling household at bedtime where the butler, Mr Smeeterton, is telling the children tales of the exploits of Peter Pan. Mr and Mrs Darling come to say goodnight and all is quiet until Wendy is woken by the sound of Peter Pan wrestling with his shadow. Soon she and her two brothers are off to Neverland and the adventure begins.

Larry Lamb may have stopped terrorising the good folk of Eastenders but he looked sprightly as the villainous Hook and doubling up as Mr Darling, he certainly proved he could hold a stage with his commanding tone. Larry’s mellow and sonorous voice was somewhat reminiscent of Rex Harrison and he proved equally nifty during the song and dance routines.

Katy Ashworth’s Pan was a boisterous chap, full of vigour and mischief. Katy’s voice was surprisingly mature and she even managed to belt out the numbers while flitting nimbly over the stage.

Ben Roddy certainly made the magic happen with this fresh and exciting Peter Pan. He also provided plenty of gags as lovable pirate/butler Mr Smee/Smeeterton. Local actress Sarah Whittuck brought energy, fine song and a great helping of humour to the proceedings in her three guises: Mrs Darling, Mia the Mermaid and Big Chief Squatting Cow.

The Alban Arena panto has it all - the stars, the night sky and a liberal sprinkling of enchanting fairydust.

Melanie Dakin