December is here, the countdown to Christmas is on and we all know what that means… it’s panto season! 

Myself and the family were invited along to Forum Theatre Billingham again this year for their panto The Further Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook. We loved Cinderella last year so couldn’t wait for this one. 

The enchanted island is in chaos as the dastardly Captain Hook has returned from his watery grave and is looking for revenge… With Peter Pan in danger, Tinker Bell heads to London to get help. When she gets there, she realises that many years have passed, and she must now convince Wendy’s granddaughter to travel back to the Island and help Peter defeat Hook! 

North East’s own Liberty X star Michelle Heaton takes on the roll of Tinker Bell, whilst The Dumping Ground’s Jessie Williams stars as Angela Darling. They’re both absolutely amazing! Michelle brings so much magic to the stage as Tink, and her voice carries beautifully across the room. Jessie brings so much energy and attitude to the role of Angela too. 

Ben-Ryan Davies returns to Billingham this year as Peter Pan. He brings such a lively, loveable energy to the role and his personality beams through every scene – you can’t help but root for him! 

Now the man that me and the family were dying to see: Connor McIntyre. Yep, Pat Phelan himself, one of the greatest soap villains of all time, is back from the cobbles and causing chaos in Neverland! McIntyre commands the room the second he steps out as Captain Hook, and the crowd lap it up. Amazing. 

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Forum panto without the chaos and belly laughs from Liam Mellor and Robert Squire. Once again, Liam has put on a CRACKING show. His comic timing as Mr Smee is excellent! The chemistry between him and Robert Squire (who plays the fabulous Mrs Hook) is spot-on, and their Baywatch scene… well, that has to be one of the highlights of the entire night! The whole theatre was howling- I’ve never seen anything quite like it, my stomach hurt from laughing! 

Visually, the production is stunning. It’s clear no expense has been spared on the set design and costumes. Everything looks polished, vibrant and it’s so magical. The flying sequences are class and the whole show feels like a proper big-budget Christmas treat. All I’m saying, is watch out for the crocodiles!

All in all, The Further Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan is everything you want from a panto. It’s got laughs, music, silliness, stars, and so much heart. It’s a cracking night out for all the family and a perfect treat this Christmas. 

The pantomime runs at Forum Theatre until Sunday 4th January 2026, and you can buy tickets at: https://www.forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk/pantomime/

Prices start from £23, and the showtime is 2 hours & 20 minutes including interval. 

Huge thank you to Forum Theatre for having us down!