Peter Pan

Always good to see an individually written production, as it gives a different take on an old story, and whilst I liked the ethos of this pantomime, I felt Act 1 was more a Christmas play in feel, but Act 2 came up to a traditional pantomime feel.

The production started slowly, but gained momentum and pace throughout, so that the audience ended up being engaged and really participating. 

The set was nicely thought out, I liked the beginning of Act 1 where the window trolley was pulled across to screen out the bedroom, it made a really nice frame for Mr & Mrs Darling, and then gave Peter and Tinks somewhere to climb through. 

Musically I felt there were some strange choices, all nicely sung, but not always familiar.  The audience participation number at the end was good, and we all enjoyed having a chance to sing in true panto style!

Technically Paul Horsler achieved a high standard – lighting was very suitable and well-conceived.  I loved the projection giving the impression of Peter and the Darling children flying to Neverland – very cleverly done.  Sound was also good throughout.

The choreography was simple but effective where used.

Costumes were very suitable, I particularly Tinkerbell’s dress and wings, whilst Cooky’s dress was great, and I loved the Crocodile. All colourful on the costume front, and looked good.

Mr and Mrs Darling, played by Darren Adams and Michelle Stanton created a very nice relationship in their opening number, which was a difficult sing I thought.  They then went on to occupy parts as Captain Hook’s crew, all played well.

Wendy, John and Michael Darling were played with vigour and obvious enjoyment by Lindsey Campbell, Nathaniel Chatterley and Jenny De Filippo.  They all exuded confidence and good characterisations. Nice to see young people really entering into the spirit of pantomime!

Emma Lidford gave us a thigh-slapping Peter Pan, with plenty of sass – very well done.  Emma showed good overall skills as a principal boy.

I loved the characterisation and facial expressions of Elise Crosby’s Tinkerbell, a confident portrayal, full of attitude.  Very well done.

Rachel Price was a thoroughly nasty Captain Hook, not only a good characterisation, but she managed a slightly unruly audience very well!  Rachel can always be relied on to immerse herself in her role and in this case give us plenty to hate!

Hooky Cooky gave Richard Chatterley the chance to be a thoroughly likeable Dame, very naughty, plenty of innuendo, and a good rapport with the audience.  Very able to deal with hecklers! 

Smee, as the Dame’s unfortunate love interest was a very different role for Michelle Scowen, and one which she carried off well.  Difficult to hold your own when confronted with a full-on Dame, but Michelle gained the sympathy of the audience for Smee’s plight!

The Lost Boys were played by Connie Wiltshire, Sophie Venn and Alex Chatterley, all of whom gave the parts their own very different personas, creating a good grouping, I liked what they did, and we really felt so happy when they were adopted!  I liked the extra business for Alex when she came running back on to hug Wendy – a nice aaaah moment.

Hook’s henchmen, Bob Up and Neil Down were played well by relative newcomers Chris Hopkins and Callum Aird.  They really entered into the spirit of pantomime.

Shady (Peter’s Shadow) was played by Anni Bacon, who shadowed well, and also became part of the chorus when needed.

The final part of the Crocodile was played by Isabella Bacon – who spoke extremely well, and managed to give the part a real character, despite us not being able to see her.  Very well done.  Isabella also appeared in the chorus.

I was pleased with the progression of the piece, and was glad the energy grew, so that we left on a high.

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