There's nothing quite like panto to lift the spirits and that's exactly what Bridport Pantomime Players achieved with their production of family favourite 'Peter Pan', held at the Electric Palace last week. 

Adapted for Bridport Pantomime Players by Teresa Grinter and with direction by Amy Carlile, J.M. Barrie's classic tale saw the cast fly off to Neverland for a story of fairies, mermaids, pirates and never growing up, punctuated with upbeat, modern songs, colourful costumes and cheesy jokes that we have come to love in pantomime. It was the perfect tonic for a cold, dark February night. 

The relatively young cast put in confident performances, in particular lead Peter Pan played by Amy Day and Laura Gray as a perfect mother figure in the role of Wendy. 

Sarah Williams shone as jealous fairy Tinker Bell, with her solo of 'A Million Dreams' from 'The Greatest Showman' being a highlight of the show. 

Other stand-out performances came from Greg Horton as panto dame Nana (not a dog!), James Oldfield as villain Captain Hook and Jess Goldstone as his hapless sidekick Smee.

A performance of 'If I Were Not Upon This Stage', sung in the round with a clever dance routine, had the audience in stitches and won the biggest applause of the night.

Rousing appreciation was also shown for young members of The Lyric School of Dancing, adding the 'ahh factor' with their sweet ballet routines. 

Clever staging added to the production, in particular the lighting to depict flying through the stars, and the mermaid's underwater scene.

Congratulations to all involved for another hit performance by The Bridport Pantomime Players. You can find out more about the group and future productions, including Cinderella in 2024, at www.facebook.com/bridportpantomimeplayers

Cast: Peter Pan - Amy Day; Tinker Bell - Sarah Williams; Wendy Darling - Laura Gray; John Darling - Rupert Oldfield; Michael Darling - Emily Halsey; Mrs Darling - Amy Carlile; Nana - Greg Horton; Tootles - Ziggy Gray; Nibs - Alice Tuck; Slightly - Hatti Amos; Mr Darling/Hook - James Oldfield; Mr Smee - Jess Goldstone; Tiger Lily - Justine Gawen; Big Chief Brown Cow - Teresa Grinter; Policeman - Sarah Light; Mermaid 1 - Gill Nunn; Mermaid 2 - Sue Crocker. 

Ensemble: Sue Brown, Andrew Callaway, Mary Callaway, Holly Gibbs, Olivia Grinter, Debbie Kensit, Dolly Suffling, Sharon Thomas, The Lyric School of Dancing. 

Director - Amy Carlile; Percussionist - Ray Gray; Sound & Lighting - Seventh Wave Audio & Trevor Rutland. Creative Team: Hatti Amos, Amy Carlile, Pat Creed, Amy Day, Ziggy Gray, Teresa Grinter, Jo Hawker, Ben Holland, Greg Horton, Ross Hughes, Alice Tuck, Eira Tuck. 

Backstage & Front of House: Holly Barwick, Jane Boulay, Janine Brook, Shirley Deveraux, Brenda Dunn, Gem England, Sue Farrant, Emily Fearne, Alex Foote, Jon Fowler, Mark Haughton, Jo Hawker, Lucy Hughes, Ben Holland, Olli Holland, Abba Lister, Keith Kensit, Hanna Leins, Harry Lockett, Claire Loud, Will Meech, Richard Northover, Mike Nunn, Louise Perry, Caroline Rendall, Tim Russ, Ade Scadding, Alan Smart, Stephen Smart, Joshua Staple, Louise Symonds, Julie Wheatley.