Peter Pan

Inside the auditorium at The Grand Theatre, a warm welcome awaited the guests, and the overall sense of excitement and anticipation on this opening night of this production was felt in the foyer.

On stage, the beautifully designed set of the Darlings’ children’s nursery set the mood for the story and promised the audience a journey to a world where magical things would be possible. Indeed, this performance was a joy! Laura Canadine, the producer/ choreographer, and her innovative team removed us from reality very successfully and along with her talented cast provided a very entertaining, theatrical experience.

The story begins with Peter Pan (Fergus Edwards) coming into the Darling home to get his shadow. It seems he loves listening to Wendy (Maddie Evans) read stories to her brothers, John (Joseph Dowen) and Michael (Jett Austin-Richards). He wants to take them back to Neverland, where he calls home, so that Wendy can become mother to him and the Lost Boys. He convinces the Darling children to fly away with him and spectacularly they do. The flying sequences prompted awe and wonder as the children elevated by wires, glided effortlessly  through the air above the floor of the stage with Peter Pan, with such grace and remarkable confidence.

With seamlessly managed scene changes the audience was whisked away from the nursery scene to Neverland where we met the Lost Boys, Indians, mermaids and wolves and the swash buckling pirates, and of course the evil Captain Hook played by Dan Smith.

Amy Frost was an endearing storyteller, her projection clear, her delivery enchanting. Casting for this production of Peter Pan was superb. Mrs Darling (Lydia Hackett) looked elegant and gave a touching performance whilst sat for her children to return from Neverland; her singing voice rich. Other strong central performances included Jon Dempsey as Mr Darling and Issy Checkett who delivered a physically expressive Tiger Lily. As Peter Pan, Fergus Edwards was impressive in this role, so nimble and charismatic; a confident, self-assured talented actor with strong vocals. Maddie Evans’ performance as Wendy was equally amazing and commanded stage presence. She played this role with compassion and warmth and engaged us with her beautiful singing. Her moments alone with Peter Pan were very believable. Both John (Joseph Dowen) and Michael (Jett Austin-Richards) were well rehearsed and so perfectly cast. Dan Smith’s characterisation of Captain Hook was suitably bold and fearless; visually strong; a very versatile performer. Zachary Hollinshead, in the role of Smee, was a delight, adopting sprightly comedic movements and facial expressions that made the audience giggle. The verbal interactions and gestures between himself and Captain Hook demonstrated perfect timing in delivery of lines. The entire cast was brilliant and oozed with young talent. The St Bernard dog in role as Nana, was no exception. Wearing a white frilled mop cap she stole the show, her perfect behaviour under the lights on stage, well noted.

Whilst the choreography was unambitious at times, the entire ensemble sustained high energy in the musical numbers and harmonies were strong. The musical director, Gareth Howard had clearly worked hard to create beautiful vocal effects and had clearly worked closely and competently with other members of the show’s creative team. The music was up tempo and whilst the songs were well structured and the vocal skills of the performers was emphasised, the melodies were not memorable.

The lighting design was intricate and impressive. Tinkerbell was represented by a circular spotlight of psychedelic colour that moved with magical sound. I half expected Tinkerbell to emerge from the light in human form, but she didn’t, and the sense of magic was unbroken. 

Congratulations to Bilston Operatic Company who did not shy away from taking on the challenges and demands of this production. It was visually embracing, and Laura Canadine deserves credit for synthesising complex stagecraft, acting, comedy and music so effectively.

Thank you for inviting me to this production, what a pleasure it was!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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