Big laughs, bold characters, and a finale that brings the whole audience aboard

The Further Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan – The Return of Captain Hook 

Billingham Forum once again proves itself a natural home for festive family entertainment with The Further Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan – The Return of Captain Hook, a delightfully spirited production that keeps young audiences giggling while giving older ones plenty to enjoy as well.

This brand-new chapter in the Peter Pan story is set years after the original tale, with Wendy and the Lost Boys all grown up—everyone, of course, except Peter. When Captain Hook reappears in Neverland, Tinkerbell (a sparkling Michelle Heaton) takes it upon herself to intervene.

Her quest to bring Wendy back leads instead to Wendy’s granddaughter Angela, (a typical young girl who seems more in tune with her Roblox and Minecraft followers than actually going on real adventures) but with some Tink magic and some great flying, Angela is persuaded to ignore her phone and hence the story unfolds in true panto style: cheerfully chaotic, irresistibly daft, and carried along with a whole lot of heart.

Jessie Williams, making her pantomime debut as Angela, is nothing short of a revelation. Her natural ease on stage, infectious enthusiasm and genuine connection with the audience make her the unexpected anchor of the show. She feels like a young performer having the time of her life—and the audience responds in kind.

She’s surrounded by a cast who know exactly how to pitch panto humour: big enough to delight the children, but never tipping into the sort of excess that leaves adults checking their watches. Ben-Ryan Davies brings buoyant, boyish charm to Peter Pan, while Michelle Heaton’s Tinkerbell manages to be both cheeky and commanding as she drives the story forward.

Connor McIntyre’s return as Captain Hook is a masterclass in classic panto villainy—just the right blend of menace and mischief, delivered with relish. His scenes crackle with energy, and the audience takes great delight in booing him at every opportunity. Meanwhile, Liam Mellor—who not only stars as Mr Smee but also wrote and directed the show—gives his usual madcap performance. His comic timing is as sharp as ever, and he keeps the children completely absorbed. Robert Squire’s gloriously larger-than-life Mrs Hook adds another layer of fun, with costumes so outrageous they deserve their own round of applause; his Baywatch-inspired ensemble is responsible for one of the biggest laughs of the night.

The production values are consistently strong, with special mention due to choreographer Jen Cassidy. The dance routines are exceptionally polished, arguably some of the best of this panto season, and they showcase an ensemble who are clearly well-rehearsed and enjoying themselves. Add in the impressive flying effects by Flying 1st Class and the vibrant sound and music crafted by John Hudson, and the result is a show that feels full and lively without ever losing its family-friendly touch. Produced by Derek Cooper for DCC Ltd., it’s a well-crafted package.

But perhaps the most memorable moment comes in the finale—a wild, joyous sequence that pulls the entire audience into the action. It’s a clever reminder that pantomime is at its best when it makes everyone feel part of the story.

Warm, silly, and wholeheartedly geared toward giving children a brilliant night out, this production cements Liam Mellor’s reputation as one of the region’s leading panto creators. If you’re looking for festive fun with genuine heart, Billingham Forum’s Peter Pan adventure is a must-see

The Further Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan runs until January 4^th – tickets from https://www.forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk/pantomime/