Peter Pan

It was a delight to see this piece based on J. M. Barrie’s popular novel. The Production Team and Crew under the leadership of Director Jenny Appleton, pulled out all the stops supporting the students to give us an evening of top class entertainment. 

Charlie Russell settled into the title role of with ease, and gave a first class characterisation of Peter Pan. Hardly ever off stage, Charlie coped well portraying the many different moods of the role and his confidence grew throughout the piece. Creditable performances from all the three Darling children, Lizzie Hobdell as Wendy, together with Max Shaw and Will Rutherford giving us sterling performances as John and Michael respectively. Aaron Spencer and Guilietta Dworski were very comfortable in the roles of Mr & Mrs Darling with Milly Hay miming the role of Tinkerbell to perfection. Olivia Ruggier was a believable Peter’s Shadow.  Josh Davies demonstrated his stage craft throughout the performance with a commanding interpretation of Captain Hook and led the Pirates with a resounding Pirates Song- A Vast Belay, putting his stamp on this enviable role from his very first entrance.  Cai Riley fully justified his selection as Hook’s side-kick Smee, being at Hook’s beck and call every minute. Valuable contribution to the production from Lily Cousins as Eliza the Maid, Sara Henderson as Tiger Lilly and Joe Liptrot as the resplendent Indian Chief. Mair Eagle won the hearts of the audience as Nana, the family Dog.

I must remark at this point that at the remaining performances, some of the cast was changed to give all the students a chance to demonstrate their talents. Even though I did not see the  following cast members perform the evening I attended, I have it on very good authority therefore, that credit must also go to Olivia Ruggier – Wendy, Tegan Girling and Amelie Russell - Tinkerbell , Henry Garner – John, Mair Eagle – Eliza, Bella Russell – Tiger Lilly. Lily Cousins – Nana, Lizzia Hobdell – Peter’s Shadow. Well done all of you.

The large chorus was well rehearsed and disciplined, portraying Lost Boys, Pirates, Natives and Fairies, each player knowing their task and carrying it out without hesitation. Choreography was innovative with Braves to War and War Dance in Act 2 being highlights. An experienced stage crew meant the whole piece flowed with swift scene changes culminating a very interesting and pleasurable evening’s entertainment. CONGRATULATIONS St David’s College, thank you for your invitation and I look forward to your next production. 

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