RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025.

This week it is all about that maybe first live theatre experience as Vidar reviews two audio described pantomime performances with ‘Peter Pan’ at the Birmingham Hippodrome and ‘The Little Mermaid’ at the Newcastle Theatre Royal. 

The panto adventure that never grows old!

Following a triumphant season last year, and by popular demand, Birmingham’s own Alison Hammond returned to Birmingham Hippodrome’s panto, leading the cast as The Magical Mermaid!

Alison joins Hippodrome panto star and award-winning comic Matt Slack, who returned for an eleventh season as Smee, star of stage and screen Danny Mac as Captain Hook, resident dame Andrew Ryan and Billie-Kay who returnd for a second year as Tink!

They were joined by Rhiannon Chesterman as Wendy, and Noah Harrison in the title role of Peter Pan.

With amazing special effects, stunning sets and beautiful costumes direct from The London Palladium, Peter Pan takes the whole family on a magical trip to Neverland like never before!

For more about access at the Birmingham Hippodrome including details of audio described performances do visit - https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/plan-your-visit/access/

More about The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid is a family show with bangs and flashes, a couple of scary moments, a bit of panto innuendo (never intended to offend) – and some very old jokes!

With Pinocchio smashing Box Office records, Newcastle Theatre Royal premiered another new pantomime spectacular with a magical adventure under the sea – The Little Mermaid.

Cast included Newcastle’s pantomime superstar Danny Adams, Theatre Royal favourites Clive Webb, Chris Hayward and Joe McElderry, returning panto regulars Mick Potts, Wayne Smith, Kylie Ann Ford, and Christina Berriman Dawson and newcomers Christian Maynard and Maggie Lynne, as they dived to the depths of the ocean in an exhilarating and enchanting theatrical extravaganza.

Danny plays Danny Crabstix, best friend to Ariel, the bravest mermaid in King Triton’s kingdom, who must fight-off the evil Sea Witch after she steals her voice in return for the ability to live amongst the humans, way above the ocean.

For more about access and audio described performances at Newcastle Theatre Royal do visit - https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/plan-your-visit/access-information/

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