Peter Pan

Traditionally my last panto of the season and what a way to finish!  The production was slick, well directed and beautifully performed.  The scenery was lovely and, despite it being very difficult to construct, the backstage crew did a brilliant job.  The costumes were delightful.

From this you will realise that I really enjoyed the afternoons entertainment, well done to the producer Paul Newman and director Ami Roberts for getting the timing in under 2 hours.  I am sure it wasn’t easy, but the success can be measured by the very small number of children who wanted to be taken to the facilities during the show!  They were clearly engaged enough not to think of reasons to get up!

Merlin did this show back in 2013 and the improvements since then are quite marked and appreciated.

Lisa Bolton reprised her role as Peter Pan and despite the 6 year gap she was as energetic (if not more so) as she was last time.  She captured the character of Peter beautifully and was a constant delight to watch.  Emma Newman played Tinkerbell very well, she was excellent, as were most of the cast, in getting the audience to join in.  Leanne Manton (Wendy) produced a delightful character and her singing was a joy.  Stephanie Basset was terrific as Smee, a strong and comedic performance that was clearly enjoyed by the audience.  Well done to Brooke Holmes for playing John, she managed to convey the right character.    I loved Rupert Sale’s performance as Michael, this young man has a future in performing, he was confident on stage and projected his dialogue well.  I would also give a mention to Melissa Berrecloth, she always makes a consummate villain who commands the stage.

All the other members of the cast gave good performances, the small group of dancers (playing the Indians) were excellent, the choreography was simple but extremely well executed.    Costumes are my theatre ‘thing’ and the costumes in the show were beautiful.  The Crocodile and all the scenery were excellent.  It never fails to amaze me that Merlin’s backstage team manage to get all the scenery on stage in this venue which does have limitations.

Ashton Moore led a small band which produced the right level of sound for the singers.  I wasn’t too sure about the underscore music in the opening scenes.  These scenes are important to set the story (even though we do all know it!) and it was a little but distracting.  That apart I appreciated the efforts to match the music to the action, especially when the crocodile clock didn’t come in on cue!

Altogether a delightful afternoons entertainment, enjoyed by everyone in the audience.

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