Peter Panto and the Incredible Stinkerbell | Tron Christmas Pantomime 2024
Written and Directed by Johnny McKnight
Tron Theatre, Glasgow | 26 November 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sublime!
Glasgow Tron Theatre won the UK Pantomime Award this year for Best Pantomime (under 500 seats) for Aganeza Scrooge. Following in Aganeza's stilettoed footsteps, the much anticipated Tron panto for Christmas 2024/25 is a refresh of one of Johnny McKnight’s earlier works: Peter Panto and the Incredible Stinkerbell.
McKnight writes, directs and stars as Stinkerbell in a production that knocks the socks off any other pantomime I've seen - ever. The staging, the book, the lighting, the cast - all incredible. It's full of jokes, jibes and remarkable original songs. It's perfectly edited, skillfully directed and performed with infectious, joyous energy. It's sublime.
All children grow up – except one.
Peter.
With a blast of magic from the mighty Stinkerbell (Johnny McKnight), Peter Panto (Star Penders) whisks West End Wendy (Emma Mullen) away from the safety of her Byres Road residence and beloved dog Nana (Marc Mackinnon) to a place full of treachery, deceit and chippies that never close - The Riverland - where they meet Anita Wee-Wee (Katie Barnett) and the dastardly Captain Hook (Robert Jack.)
Often Christmas pantomime can feel stale; it's the same stories, with the same jokes and same sketches repeated time and time again. But not at the Tron. Despite being based on J.M. Barrie's characters and their adventures in Neverland, Peter Panto and the Incredible Stinkerbell is a fresh, original panto that is firmly rooted in present day Glasgow. Countless timley references and jokes are crammed into McKnight's fast-paced script and they sit snuggly alongside fantastic original music from Ross Brown, lively dance routines and well-judged comedy skits - this is Peter Pan(to) and (S)Tinkerbell like you've never seen them before.
One thing I love about Tron Theatre Company productions and their pantos in particular is that they are upfront about the fact that they are working with a limited budget. Many jokes are made about cost restrictions, and this year there's even a full song and musical number about what they'd do if they had more money. The candid approach is refreshing and hilarious. None of the other local pantos nor performers escape Johnny MckNight's cutting swipes, but it's all done with good natured glee. And despite their protestations, Peter Panto at the Tron actually looks and sounds amazing. The production values are first-rate. The stage and set design by Kenny Miller is as beautiful as it is effective, and the lighting from Grant Anderson is spectacular. It's all stage managed smoothly with no hint of the quick set or costume changes happening backstage. This is an impressive panto production regardless of budget.
The small cast of six also make you believe that there are many more of them on stage than there are - most of them doubling up on roles. Without exception, the performances are superb. Emma Mullen is stunning in her roles as Jaeger Lily and West End Wendy. Emma is a genuine West End star and it's shows; she's remarkable. Katie Barnett is as brilliant and bonkers as always; and Robert Jack is a dashing, if somewhat far too likable Captain Hook. Star Penders Peter Panto is sprightly, full of fun and (purposefully) terrible jokes. The fabulous Marc Mackinnon is painfully underused - he's the understudy so this is to be expected - but the few moments he does have on stage as sarcastic, downtrodden Nana the dug are priceless.
McKnight himself is of course magnificent. He owns the stage, terrorises the audience (and cast) and lays down a triumphant, unforgettable performance as Stinkerbell the fairy. He's a comic genius and his writing, direction and performance here is majestic.
When McKnight is involved, my expectations are always sky high and he always exceeds them. This year he has excelled even himself. Phenomenal.
Peter Panto and the Incredible Stinkerbell is aimed at slightly older audiences with age recommendation from 7 years up. It's not one for very tiny tots. But there's also nothing in it to frighten or alarm older children. It's perfectly pitched to thoroughly entertain a wide audience without feeling childish or twee.
I loved it so much I booked tickets to see it again as soon as I left the theatre. It's really that good. If you're looking for a unique, fresh and frankly hilarious Glaswegian spin on panto this year, the Tron cannot be beaten. Peter Panto and the Incredible Stinkerbell is simply glorious from the side-splitting opening number to the last sparkling song. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Stinkerbell is at the Tron Theatre, Glasgow now until Sunday 5 January 2025. See full listing details here.
MORE: What other pantos are on in Scotland this year? Check out my panto guides here
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Glasgow Tron Theatre panto 2024: Peter Panto & the Incredible Stinkerbell CAST
Robert Jack
Glasgow Tron Theatre panto 2024: Peter Panto & the Incredible Stinkerbell CREATIVE
Writer & Director Johnny McKnight
Design Kenny Miller
Composer & Musical Director Ross Brown
Lighting Designer Grant Anderson
Choreographer Eva Forrester
📸 production photos: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
Peter Panto & the Incredible Stinkerbell: Booking details
Stinkerbell is at the Tron Theatre, Glasgow from Friday 22 November 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025
⚠️ for ages 7yrs+
🎟️ Tickets from £18.50 - £26
Coming soon to Glasgow's theatres:
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The Tron Panto is the best BY FAR! My retired friends and I travel through from Perth each Winter to join in the frivolities, and we’ve never been disappointed yet ……. roll on next year, and well done all six cast members! X