Wolverhampton panto review: To me, to you, to a classic Peter Pan show

This year's Grand Panto is an instant classic with – predictably – The Chuckle Brothers pulling in belly laughs galore.

To me, to you . . . to laughing your socks off all night and beyond.

The Peter Pan story is given a brilliant mix of old and new with plenty of up-to-the-minute references mixed in among the loosely-told tale.

The Chuckles steal the show in the grand tradition of fellow panto veterans The Krankies and Christopher Biggins.

The duo's chirpy 'elloooooo' each time they come on stage brings a smile to the face that stays long after the final curtain.

See the trailer for the pantomime here:

By 'eck, these northern lads are good.

The pranksters kick things off lightly by giving away 'presents' which ends, predictably, in hilarious consequences for one unfortunate theatre-goer. (Be warned!) There's plenty of room for their customary 'to me, to you' and 'you did, you didn't' gags as the story unfolds.

Captain Hook (boo! hiss!) is played in deliciously dastardly fashion by John Altman – EastEnders' nasty Nick Cotton.

Altman is the classic panto villain who gets one of the biggest laughs of the night with one particular nod to his iconic small-screen character.

The brilliant Lucy Evans delivers a diva-like depiction of the fairy Tinkerbell.

See also:

• In pictures - Peter Pan off to a flying start at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

• Review: Jack and the Beanstalk, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

• Top pantomimes across the West Midlands and Shropshire

And the entire production is anchored by solid showings by Hannah Nicholas as Wendy and Pan himself, of whom Ross Carpenter provides a high-flying performance.

A special mention must go to Kimmy Edwards as Tiger Lily who delivered the standout vocals and dance sets on the night among a vast selection of polished routines.

The truly spectacular special effects lift the show to a new level. From the moment the curtain raises subtle shooting stars across the backdrop pull you into this fairytale fantasy.

And clever use of smoke help Wendy and Peter fly graciously over 'The rooftops of Wolverhampton' -– what a beautiful sight.

It is also put to good effect when Hook's Jolly Roger ominously slopes onto stage for the first time. But again the Chuckle Brothers have the last laugh when it comes to stunning staging.The moment their car hovers off the ground is impressive but what happens next puts the latest 3D films to shame and leaves the audience dumbfounded.

There is plenty of time to catch Peter Pan at the Grand before the curtain falls on January 24.

You will, you won't, you will, you won't regret it.