Ian Waller and his family enjoy traditional fun and silliness with Bath’s best panto
The Theatre Royal Bath panto is back and we couldn’t be happier. For so many families across the region, this show marks the true start of Christmas, and even with my three now firmly in their teenage years, there was never any question that we’d miss The Further Adventures of Peter Pan.
This year’s production delivers everything you could want from a panto – a familiar story, big characters, silly jokes, catchy songs and all the traditions from ‘He’s behind you!’ to ‘Oh no he’s not!’ Right from the opening moments, the audience is fully on board.
At the heart of the show is Bath panto legend Jon Monie, celebrating an incredible 23rd Christmas season at the Theatre Royal. As ever, he is daft, warm, wonderfully funny and completely adored by the crowd. He’ll be the first to admit that singing and dancing are not his strong points, but none of that matters. His comic timing is spot on and he anchors the show with real joy.
Sharing the stage are Holly Atterton as a brilliantly energetic, roller-skating Tinker Bell, Tristan Gemmill relishing every moment as a suitably swaggering Captain Hook, Bobbie Chambers as a modern and engaging Emily Darling, and Sarah J Buckley as the gloriously flamboyant Ethel Mermaid. Marcus J Foreman brings charm and athletic energy to the role of Peter Pan, keeping younger audience members hooked throughout.
The ensemble is completed by the always-impressive Dorothy Colbourne School of Dance junior dancers, along with Mark Nixon, Jack Robbins and Sammi Roddi Morgan as the Nitwits. Together they bring colour, pace and fun to every scene.
Fans of the Theatre Royal Bath panto will enjoy plenty of favourite set-pieces, along with new gags and a gloriously groan-worthy collection of jokes – including a personal highlight: ‘I once went on a date with a dolphin. It went really well – we just clicked.’ The song choices range from a cleverly reworked Tick Tocky Croc to Pink Pony Club, with even a burst of Judas Priest’s Breaking the Law for the grown-ups.
This is a show that gets everyone involved. Children are up and dancing, parents are singing along and the teenagers are wonderfully embarrassed – which is exactly as it should be.
Overall, this is great, old-school festive fun for families from toddlers to grandparents. And with a teaser for next year’s Beauty and the Beast, it’s clear that the Theatre Royal Bath panto tradition remains in very safe hands.
A wonderful night out for the whole family.
The Further Adventures of Peter Pan runs at the Theatre Royal Bath until 11 January 2026. From more details and to book tickets, go to www.theatreroyal.org.uk/events/the-further-adventures-of-peter-pan/
