Peter Pan Review - Devonshire Park Eastbourne

Ryan went along last night (Tuesday 9th December) to this year's Pantomime in Eastbourne

How can anyone turn Peter Pan from the classic J M Barrie story into a successful pantomime? It takes a creativity in the writing!

Thankfully, the Devonshire Park Theatre Pantomime is over-seen by the extremely talented Chris Jordan who certainly knows how to captivate a pantomime audience.

Angus Benstead, as Peter Pan, is the first character to fly across the stage but he soon has Wendy (Ella Bracci) up there with him as they leave London far behind and, through a beautiful starry night sky, they fly off for adventure in Neverland.

Tinkerbell, played, on roller skates, by Gabriella Gilliat has an intense personality and is loyal, kind and jealous all rolled into one!

The pirates of Neverland are lead by Captain Hook, played superbly by Lewes Roberts, who has previously taken to the Eastbourne stage in Beauty & The Beast, Rapunzel, Robin Hood and The Little Mermaid.

Pirates Swash and Pirate Buckle and the show’s dancers make up his crew. Lewes makes a good Hook, but could do with ramping up the “nasty” as, even at his worst, the audience are not very forthcoming with the booing.

The dynamic duo of award winning comedian, Tucker, and one of the countries leading pantomime dames, Martyn Knight, take on the roles of Mister Smee, and his Mother, Mrs Smee and, as usual, they simply own the stage.

Their style and apparent disregard for the script always help to make the Eastbourne pantomime the tremendous success that it is and, although cast this year as “baddies”, they still get the loudest cheers and applause.

The production challenges the capabilities and constraints of the Devonshire Park Theatre and pushes them to their very limits including, this year, using the orchestra pit to house dancing water fountains and a Mermaid Lagoon.

As always, a superb pantomime that won't fail to get you into the festive spirit. 

Peter Pan runs until 11th January 2026. Tickets are available by calling 01323 412000 or here:- Eastbourne Theatres | Live Shows & Events