Peter Pan

Kingsley Players were back treading the boards this week with their Pantomime Production of Peter Pan. When I review Pantomime’s, I generally put the productions into two categories: traditional & contemporary. This production was an amalgamation between the two. The theatre space was three quarters in the round and the direction was sympathetic to all three audience areas, meaning that the audiences were able to see throughout. Due to the small space, there was no need for mics and every actor on stage could be heard with their great projection. Director, Jake Powell has worked well with many new (and young) cast members who were all very well drilled and rehearsed. There were seven adults playing the roles of Hook and his merry men, including the panto Dame. The opening song ‘Something About This Night’ was a little confusing. The adult cast came out wearing black tie/dresses which didn’t gel with the rest of the show, and they never returned to that state again. The song wasn’t a great showstopper either and it just seemed a little wet, with little impact. The second song in the programme was somehow cut from the show, with no explanation. There were some places throughout when people were exiting the stage to the same ‘place’ but using different exits. I felt this needed looking at a little more. Overall, the humour, audience participation and pace were great, and the audience were very supportive throughout. For me, in terms of production values etc, it wasn’t the greatest show in the world – but I did find myself smiling throughout. I was impressed with many of the actors, particularly the youth’s and I see great potential in the next generation for this society.

The choreographer(s) for this production was Max Houghton and Jess Horn. The choreography was simplistic enough for the non-dancers and tricky enough to showcase some skills for the more able dancers. I liked the energy, pace and the way in which shapes and travelling steps were used, as well as being sympathetic to all three audience sides. Well done Max and Jess for your creativity.

The musical director for this production was Arnold Ashbrook. I believe that Arnold was taken ill a few days before opening night and a last-minute replacement was found. Whilst we didn’t need a large orchestra or bigger production values, I felt that having one keyboard and one set of drums made the musical numbers a little one dimensional. Perhaps backing tracks might’ve been a better option? Well done to the drummer, James Stratton for your contribution. You played very well throughout!

Despite the lighting design being a little basic, the lights that were used were used well to aid scenes. I liked the added gobo effect for the ocean which helped layer scenes.

David Lee was brilliantly cast as Captain Hook! David’s diction, articulation, projection and physicality were fab, and he was thoroughly entertaining throughout. I felt totally at ease when David was on stage, and I knew we were in safe hands – well… hand and hook…!

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Ian Anstice’s Dame, Nanny McSmee. Ian’s performance was a little too laid back for me and a little ‘I’m funny because I’m a man wearing a dress’. I prefer when panto Dame’s are a little more abrasive and in your face. Saying that, I found myself laughing more with Ian in the second half and his ad-libs were a little funnier. Whilst he brought the pace down a little too much at times, Ian was sweet and definitely got the audience onside from the beginning so perhaps I’m being a little harsh here. Ian did have a great likeability and his charm with the audience was lovely to watch.

Edward Porter was suitably and overly camp as Smee Jnr. I loved the overly camp mannerisms which helped aid characterisation and brought humour. Eleanor Crowley was well cast as Wendy Darling. She had lovely stage presence and was able to showcase her skills. Rachel Horton was great as Tinkerbell. I loved the facial expressions and dry sense of humour she had. Iona Anstice was well cast as the protagonist Peter Pan. Whilst her acting was great, the magic was when she sang. Iona showcased great vocals and her voice was beautiful to listen to. ‘Fight Song’ was brilliant!

Carla Sconce was wonderfully cute as Michael Darling – nearly stealing the show with her cuteness! Mia James was good as the other Darling Brother, John. In fact, all of the main youth cast were very well cast and did brilliantly to help with the pace and the overall arc of the play.

The adults, whilst were entertaining, weren’t quite as strong as the youth members. Some forgot lines and looked a little out of place in some scenes. It would’ve been better if they had gone ‘all in’ to sell the campery etc. I am, again, being overly harsh. The audience laughed in all of the right places and the whole production was suitably sweet and entertaining.

Overall, this was a nice production of Peter Pan. I loved the added bits, such as the ‘party that wasn’t a party’ in Downing Street etc. It’s a pity that I came on opening night as there were clearly a few nerves – but I have no doubt that by the end of the run, the audience will be roaring with laughter in the aisles.  I thank Kingsley Players and Kingsley Players Youth Theatre for their kind invitation and wish them all the very best for their 2022 season!

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