PANTOMIMES are all about family fun and that’s exactly what the Crawleys are having in the lead up to Brightlingsea Panto Group’s production of Peter Pan.

While father and daughter, Jeremy and Jordon Crawley, are co-directing proceedings, son Darryl is playing the part of the boy who never grew up, mum Kay is stage managing and even Darryl’s fiance Alison Vidler is playing her part, as Wendy.

Jordon says: “Dad last directed Peter Pan in 1992 when I was six months old and his last time directing was eight years ago. My last show was back in November when I directed The Railway Children but obviously panto is very different.”

“I’ve directed a few,” Jeremy smiles, “but Peter Pan has always been my favourite. It’s not one of the traditional pantomime shows but I just love the story. Back in 1992 we flew the actors across the stage and we’re doing it again this year which is going to be very exciting with the advances in technology they have now.”

Taking place at the Brightlingsea Community Centre next week, there is a mighty cast of around 35 taking part including 18 year-old Lee Birnie, who is playing the dame, a female Hook in Kate Hynd, and panto regulars Gary Hill and Mark Jack playing Smee and Starkey.

“We have some new faces this year,” Jeremy adds, “which is always great and plenty of other families taking part as well. That’s the nice thing about our panto group, it’s a real family production on stage and behind the scenes.”

• Peter Pan runs at the Brightlingsea Community Centre from January 27 to 30 at 7.30pm each night with an extra 2.30pm performance on the Saturday.

Tickets are still available from Spirals in Victoria Place, Brightlingsea, or by calling 01206 303012.