Aberdeen Panto 2022 – Peter Pan at HMT
Aberdeen Panto 2022 – Peter Pan at HMT – After last year’s panto was abruptly curtailed due to Omicron (Booooo! Hiss!) 2022 Panto is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever. Here’s what you need to know.
First Impressions
Firstly, the venue of His Majesty’s Theatre is beautiful. Before the show my kids are gawping around at the statues, design and sparkles. A Panto here is always an event.
Curtain’s Up – Aberdeen Panto 2022 Peter Pan
The show starts with the biggest crash of thunder, or something similar. We got such a fright I can’t remember what exact noise it was 🙂 but it certainly made the little ones shut up and pay attention. We were swiftly transported to Neverland and a riot of song and dance ensued with the ensemble cast. When you see the costumes the dancers had to wear your heart goes out to them – brilliant onstage together, not really to be worn anywhere alone i.e. shopping in Union Square. Furry pants and leg warmers is quite a look, but such colour and energy is a tonic on these cold, dark winter days.
The Stars! – Aberdeen Panto 2022
This year’s cast is led by the multi-talented ‘Derek Waterman style’ (write the theme tune/sing the theme tune) Alan McHugh who writes, directs and acts in Peter Pan as Pantomime Dame Maggie Celeste. Ably accompanied by his annual side kick Smee, who’s comfortably brought to life by Paul Corrigan from River City. McHugh and Corrigan are so in tune with each other, the rapport is a joy to watch. The headline guest star of the show is Anton du Beke from Strictly, or is it Brendan Cole? Who cares. Mixing them up is part of the fun. He takes the dastardly role as Hook, and narrowly avoids being snogged by Maggie Celeste on several occasions.
If you have a celebrity like Anton (or Brendan) you may as well use him, and this show made the most of his talent’s with a comedy Dance Off that combined quite steamy dancing prowess with a lot of laughs. The script also tapped into his New Zealand heritage, and complete failure to understand the feisty Doric of Tinkerbell (played by Danielle Jam of CBeebies). The section where Anton/Brendon keeps asking ‘who is Ken’ still makes me laugh. ‘You ken fit I mean, ken?’ ‘Who’s Ken?’ ‘A dinna ken fa Ken is, ken.’ ‘Who’s Ken?’
Make Em Laugh
Comedy’s a huge part of the Aberdeen Panto, from the annual slagging off of Dundee (has to be done) to singalongs, tongue twisters, how’s yer father style banter, and adorable kids from the audience stealing the show. Junior was laughing his wee socks off, he roared at the Dame’s huge fake breasts (which we even saw upside down) and he was clapping with joy when Smee got shrunk. My husband found the mermaids boobs highly amusing (go figure), and the show veers between the silly and the nonsensical in a glorious whirl. The kids regularly cracked me up by asking, ‘Is this actually in the story of Peter Pan?’
A lot of the show celebrates Doric, showcases local towns and villages, and puts Aberdeen and shire on the map. You feel you belong. If you’re a visitor to the Granite City then it’s a lively insight into local dialect and geography!
Showstopper
Act 1 always ends with a real showstopper. Previous years have featured the sweetest magical flying carriage as Cinderella flew over the stalls, but this year’s climax is slightly more sinister, but WOW what a way to make an impression. The boys’ eyes were on stalks. I won’t give any more away, but it was v cool.
Production Values
As well as the stars and the elegant venue, the audience pays for excellent production values. Multiple glorious costumes (especially for the Dame who looked particularly divine in a little Irn Bru number), live musicians, indulgent sets, lighting and props. It’s all there, and it’s larger than life.
Prices and Times – Aberdeen Panto 2022
In terms of flexibility, matinees and evening performances are available most days. Evening shows are at 7.00pm (or 5.30pm on Sundays, Christmas Eve and Hogmanay). The cheapest ticket is for a ‘Relaxed Performance’ at £14.50 – this show is quieter, with less vibrant lighting, and aimed at those who benefit from reduced sensory stimulation. BSL shows are also available.
The starting prices for tickets varies between £14.50-£39.00. The HMT pantomime isn’t cheap, but you get what you pay for. This is an event, a family outing, a real treat. If you, or loving grandparents, wish to gift your kids experiences rather than toys this year, then the panto runs till the 8 January 2022. Find out more and book here.
Practicalities
The theatre is at Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen, AB25 1GL. Parking is relatively straightforward at the Denburn car park. Any queues to depart dissipate in a few minutes.
Toys, sweets, ice cream and drinks (soft and alcoholic) can be bought at various stands in the theatre and there are several bars too. You can preorder drinks for the interval when you arrive. During the interval a bell will sound, summoning you back to your seat, so you don’t need to watch the clock.
For other Christmas shows in Aberdeen click here.
Other posts that might interest you include:-
Top Things to do in Aberdeen with Kids
Family Walks in Aberdeen and Shire
For accommodation take a wee browse below.
Merry Christmas!
p.s. He’s Behind Yooooouuuu…
If you found this guide helped you plan a break then please consider subscribing here or buy us a cuppa to support our work. Please join the conversation on Facebook, or check out the bonny photos on Instagram. Scots2Travel received gifted press tickets for review purposes. For any queries or opportunities please email scots2travel@hotmail.com. Content copyright of Scots2Travel. Check out our Privacy Policy here.
