Disney Peter Pan JR

I went along to review Peter Pan which the Junior section of the company were performing. I was informed on arrival that because the show was just an hour long the senior group members were doing ‘Songs From the Shows’ which was to be ‘Act 1’.

This proved to be an unexpected treat. It was a well thought out programme and the singing by the soloists, small groups and the full ensemble was of a very high standard and the innovative choreography was excellent. Now to Peter Pan. It is based on J.M.Barrie’s enchanting play and the Disney film of 1953 and Disney’s Peter Pan JR is a modern version of this timeless tale about a boy who wouldn’t grow up. As it was only running for two performances one couldn’t expect lavish sets but the clever way various scenes were depicted was indeed quite effective. Peter Pan was confidently and delightfully played by Jared Lancaster. He did a great job of capturing both the mischievousness and stubbornness of the character and ‘crowed’ brilliantly! Niamh Bradbury brought out the sweetness and mother-like qualities of Wendy Darling beautifully and her singing of  ‘Your Mother And Mine’ was lovely. Her brothers Michael (Bethany Renshaw) and John (Dexter Gregory) were truly ‘little darlings’ and Evan Mason was suitably surly and stern as Mr. Darling whilst Shannon Foss was perfect as the doting mother, Mrs. Darling. Tinkerbell was charmingly played by Lydia Stone. There was  good balance between the naughtiness and tenderness of the role which she delivered superbly and her ‘fairy friends’ were so sweet. William Cousins was great as Captain Hook as was Mollie Myhill as the comical Smee. Good support came from Cara Foss as Chief Bamboo and Leah Hall as Tiger Lily. The Lost Boys, Pirates and Indians were all splendid, playing their roles with such great enthusiasm. This young cast of over thirty members, all under fifteen years of age, should be very proud of themselves as should the production team, stage, lighting and sound crews. Well done!

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