Peter Pan

Based on the games he would play with his brothers around the Pirates of Treasure Island and the Indians in The Last Of The Mohicans, James Matthew Barrie eventually began to write a script for the play Peter Pan or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up. This eventually became the book Peter and Wendy, which became an instant best seller and hasn't been out of print since.

Five Towns Theatre Youth are very much a nurturing company, finding and developing new and seemingly ever younger talented performers, channelling their abilities and potential in the right direction.

A case in point are the two young leads in this production, both performing at levels far in excess of their tender years. Isaac Marmont as Peter Pan, charismatic, big hearted, almost devil may care with the hint of fierceness the character emanates looking after the Lost Boys and having to escape the evil clutches of Captain Hook, his impending voice breaking was handled very well throughout.

Bibi Simpson as Wendy Darling equally impressive, her trained voice was outstanding for someone of her age, fabulous. Her consummate stage awareness prior to the flying scene to uncross wires was handled easily and unceremoniously. As I said, both performing beyond their ages. I look forward to seeing their future productions

Jordan Harrison wearing two hats so to speak as Mr Darling and Captain Hook, bristled with evil as the latter, a fine foil against Peter and Wendy.

Corey English and Stanley Gowler as John and Michael Darling respectively performed confidently. Likewise with Cailyn Clark as Tinkerbell, her actions conveying her intentions well.

Lisa Stewart brought a real caring warmth to her role as Mrs Darling. The big supporting cast as Pirates and Indians worked their collective stripey socks and feathers off, lovely singing and good movement.

Producers/Directors/Choreographers Keith Ragdale and Edward Costello ably assisted by Abby Evans and Chloe Harrison brought us a really fine show with some magical moments, the flying scene over the London roof tops was pure stage magic, well done.

Musical Director Keith Ragdale obviously worked on the singing, the whole cast sang well, the duets between Peter and Wendy were spine tingling. As usual the quality of the musicianship was of the highest standard. Sound had a few issues with mic levels, the band mix to my ears required less brass and slightly more drums, that said I realise this is totally subjective of course. Lighting, costumes, were really vibrant and colourful, props and scenery worked very well indeed.

Being extremely picky, as you would expect Maid Liza, Eleanor Adler, should have had her hair up in a cap and a feather duster rather than a modern anti-static one, a very minor point I know.

The show catered toward the younger audience with a cutesy crocodile and with elements of pantomime at times in the second half, which went down really well.

 

 

 

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.