IT IS an adventure like no other.

A journey to Neverland will take in the wonders of mermaids, the traditions of red Indians and the terrors of pirates.

But with Peter Pan as our guide, the Anvil was transformed into the land where wishes can come true.

This year’s pantomime is a great modern adaptation of James Matthew Barrie’s tale, with the addition of an audience full of screaming children.

The constantly changing landscape of the stage was spectacular and all the key players; Jessica Punch (Peter Pan), Andrew Agnew (Smee), Gary Turner (Captain Hook) and Helen Petrovna (Tinker Bell), all having their moments to shine.

In true pantomime style, the gags were flowing thick and fast, and nothing was off limits to be the butt of the joke, with Donald Trump, Ed Sheeran and even Beggarwood falling victim to the cast’s quick wit.

New twists on chart-topping songs also found their way into the script, with Basingstoke’s own JG Dance and Basingstoke Academy among the onstage dancers, providing incredible choreography.

Agnew and Turner are a great comedy duo together and bounce off each other perfectly, and even if there is a laugh to be made at Smee’s expense, he is the one constant throughout that the audience can’t help but love his cheeky personality.

Some of the jokes are toe curling, but that is the beauty of panto, it may be a head in hands type joke, but you still appreciate its place in the performance.

For me, Smee and his pirate crew stole the show, and their acrobatic interlude was very impressive and slapstick in the best possible way.

With any good pantomime, the tale concludes with a happy ending and a message that there is nothing quite like a mother’s love.

But before all the beaming smiles in the audience could go home, Smee led the crowd in a farewell song, with every single member participating.

Peter Pan will be on at the Anvil until January 7, so for a fun filled night, make sure you don’t miss Peter and the Lost Boys, but please remember, don’t say ‘jazz hands’.