Strong local feeling to Peter Pan

For among the cast are Coleraine actor Hugh McLaughlin and Loreto College pupil Cillian Calvert.

Peter Pan - which stars the irrepressible William Caulfield as Captain Hook - runs at the Millennium Forum in Derry until January 5th.

Hugh is playing a number of roles in the colourful show including Muggins, Chief Indian and a members of Hook’s pirate crew. And Cillian Calvert plays Michael Darling - the older of Wendy’s two brothers.

This is the 13th annual Christmas panto in the Maiden City venue and each year they get better and better.

The technical aspect of Peter Pan is just fantastic - after all, most of your principal cast have to be able to fly... and fly they did!

Captain Hook’s nemesis the crocodile was just fantastic and the costumes and look of the whole show truly recreate the magical tale of JM Barrie’s much loved story.

With Mikey Jay Heath as Peter Pan and Gerard McCabe as Smee, there is also a very youthful feel to the whole troupe with some acrobatic pirates and the lively lost boys.

Outstanding in the vocal department was Fiona Carty as Wendy. Her beautiful voice, combining fragility and emotion in a gorgeous duet with Ellen Hasson as Mrs Darling, Fiona was also fantastic in her version of the Avicci hit “Wake Me Up” which had the audience bouncing.

The superb orchestra under the direction of Trevor Burnside was bang up to date with chart toppers which fitted into the plot perfectly.

With ticket prices to suit every pocket and a tightly paced show which will be manageable for even the youngest viewer, Peter Pan is a must see this Christmas.

Check out www.millenniumforum.co.uk for details.