Pantastic

Based on the timeless classic, this contemporary musical adaptation of Peter Pan manages to squeeze very successfully the story of Peter, Wendy, Tinkerbell, the Lost Boys and the despicable Captain Hook and his pirates, along with all the other endearing characters into approx. 70 minutes.

This was a most successful choice of musical for the predominantly younger members of the group with some support from the senior members.

The role of ‘Peter’ was played with great confidence by Isla Chattin at the performance I watched and I am assured that Rosie Brookes performed equally. It is difficult to single out everyone but all the main roles of ‘Wendy’ (Florence Sinfield),’ John’ (Ollie Simmons),  ‘Michael’ (Sylvie Undy), ‘Mary Darling’ (Jess Heath), ‘Tinkerbell’ (Bessy Hingley),  ‘Captain Hook’ (Sophie Cockeram) and ‘Smee’ (Molly Branchett) sang and danced well and demonstrated a high degree of stagecraft, clearly following some strong direction and choreography by Lottie Gillson.

Without exception, all the remaining cast joined in to share the humour and the whole performance was very uplifting. There were some notable ensemble musical numbers, which kicked off with a great opening number ‘You’re grown up’ to be followed later by ‘Here in Neverland’, ‘Tick Tock Tick Tock’ and ‘Goodbye’.

In fact all the musical numbers were very catchy and well sang by the principles and supporting chorus, including ‘Higher and Higher’ (The family, Pan and Tinkerbell) ‘A dish of make believe’ (Wendy and the Lost Boys), Tinkerbell’s ‘Believe in me’, ‘We’ll beat the Pirates (Lost Boys and Indians) concluding with ‘Shine On’ sang by Peter and the ensemble.

The sound was well balanced throughout and the projection added great atmosphere to the simple staging, particularly the children’s bedroom scenes. The whole production was a sheer delight and I am looking forward to ‘Into the Woods Jr’ in July.

 

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