Peter Pan

 As with so many societies at the present time, getting a show on stage takes a lot of effort and teamwork. I am aware that this production has fought hard to overcome problems from Covid, so congratulations on not only staging this pantomime, but also getting such good audiences. 

This delightful story was adapted for the pantomime to very good effect, with some lovely up to date political comments and jokes that were much appreciated, although some of the original story action was missing.  The staging was most creative, with the opening scene of an evening skyline - with stars out and lampposts lit taking us immediately to bedtime in the Darling household – with a lovely round of ‘Tender Shepherd’ sung. All the following scene changes were unobtrusive and smooth, with some so subtle that they went unnoticed. It was a great surprise to see the Lost Boys emerge from the stage floor!

The characters were all well developed and very well played, with many strong characters among the Lost Boys and the pirates in particular.  Captain Hook was suitably scary while the Dame, Mrs Smee, was enormous fun. The lighting was very well balanced, and the visual effects of Tinker Bell and Peter Pan flying were very good. Appropriate music and songs were used to support the action and were very well played and performed, with the music group volune well balanced. The sound was also well balanced, nicely enhancing the voices and sound effects.

The choreography was mostly quite simple and very effective in creating some lovely tableaus.  The varied style of choreography for the different groups of characters worked well, while the fight scene was very realistic.  The costumes for the show were very well done, with the Edwardian period dresses in black and white looking particularly glamourous. The pirates and Lost Boys were suitably individual, the mermaids looked suitably watery, Hook’s red jacket was stunning while Mrs Smee’s dresses were fabulous! Make up, hats and wigs were all well used, completing characters’ appearance without being distracting.  

Altogether this was a very enjoyable pantomime, with some excellent characters played with energy and a great sense of fun.  Congratulations!

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