LUCINDA Cowden, of Aussie soap Neighbours, takes the lead in this rendition of the story about the boy who never grew up.

Her flying technique is exemplary; I've seldom seen such a graceful landing, but it wasn't enough to impress her young audience, brought up on a diet of technical wizardry and special effects.

Pee Wee Price receives joint top billing as Smee the pirate, working hard to get a reaction from kids who clearly weren't paying attention and weren't interested in the charmless gurning which appears to be his trademark.

The plug song was a good choice, though, and even the tots who spent the rest of the time running round the auditorium felt moved to join in the Music Man.

Robert Pheby's Captain Hook (we knew it was that nice Mr Darling really!) gave the audience clear cues into the 'Oh no it isn't' routines and the customary boos and hisses, although there were some problems when his luxuriant wig interfered with his mic.

Geordie pirate Cut-Throat Jake gave Paul Hartley the chance to demonstrate his evil laugh and his talent for visual comedy; I always enjoy Paul's performances and this year was no exception.

Victoria Jones as Wendy did her best with dull songs and a truly awful blue frock which did her no favours.

I guess health and safety rules have put paid to getting youngsters up on stage or putting on true slapstick scenes, and Peter Pan is a story without much visual sparkle. I found it all a bit dull.

Until Sunday Jan 7. Box office 0191-3324041