Peter Pan

Peter Pan

Dodleston Players

14/2/25

 

A Dodleston Pantomime is always a joy, they are such a welcoming society.  Based in the centre of the community is Dodleston Village Hall, full to capacity with Grandparents, Parents, siblings, friends all anticipating a fun evening. They were not disappointed; it was a hoot. We all know the story of the young boy who never grows up Peter Pan (Maddie Gandy) and the fairy Tinker Bell (Lauren Preston). We are introduced to the Darling family, Mr Darling (Gabrielle Phillips) Mrs Darling (Sarah Hulmston) their children John (Oscar Marsh) Michael (Isla McConnell) and Wendy (Ellen Barnett) not to forget Nana the Dog (Connie Barnett). 

What is the story of Peter Pan and the Darling children:  Well, this is an adaptation ‘An Awfully Big Pantomime Adventure’ by Tom Whalley based on the novel ‘Peter and Wendy’ by J.M. Barrie., so anything could happen. The curtain opens, we see a ‘shadow’ flitting across the stage, Tinker Bell (Lauren Preston) tells us the story of Peter Pan, referring to the shadow as Peters, a very imaginative introduction.  Peter meets the Darling children he convinces them to go with him to visit his Hideaway in Neverland. There they meet the Lost Boys; Tootles (Lauren Green) Nibs (Seraphina Sutton) Curly (Anna Halsall) Slightly (Amelia Curtiss) and the twins (Connie Chambers & Trixie Fitzpatrick) Indian Chief Big Melons (Karen Rowlands) and the Indians, including Princess Tiger Lily (Mel Hughes). Now what does every Pantomime have!! A Dame, in this case Lady Starkey (Glen Mullholland) her over the top make-up, fluttery lashes and exaggerated lipstick, a sense of humour which is cheeky and fuelled with saucy innuendo, what more could an audience want.

Peter’s sworn enemy the villainous Captain Hook and his pirates are bent on finding Peter's hideout, but with the help Tinkerbell and the Darlings Peter manages to outsmart Hook. Peter’s sworn enemy Captain Hook (Mike Dix) lost his hand to Peter Pan in a fight, which he replaced with a hook. This serves as a constant reminder of Peter's victory over him, fuelling his desire for revenge.  Hooks ship-mate Smee (Karen Walsh) who is unmercifully bossed about by Hook. Then there is the crocodile, Tick-Tock, who swallowed an alarm clock when he was a young crocodile aboard a pirate ship, (guess who’s) its ticking clock warns Captain Hook when the crocodile (Gorden Robertson) is nearby, which we hear periodically through the show: then he appears much to the hilarity of the audience. There is a warm camaraderie between Hook, Starkey and Smee which is very infectious, their comic scene, when frightened by a Gorilla! Yes I did say a Gorilla (Gorden Robertson) was a joy. Great comedic performances from three talented actors.

Once again this was a unique Dodleston production for all the right reasons. Directed by Gorden Robertson, the casting was spot on, great crew, sound & lighting Richard Kitchin & Richard Hulmston, musical director Mary Brierly, very clever choreography by Joanne Robertson; as I have said before this society does wanders with the restricted stage space available.  Praise to Elaine Porter & Margaret Lloyd for the amazing colourful and often outrageous costumes.

This was a very happy talented cast. Every person on that stage gave their all, with big smiles on their faces, it was a joy to see such enthusiasm, if you were on that stage, you were amazing.

I feel I need to mention two specific performers. Mike Dix, a tour de force what a performance, it was a masterclass of the ultimate pantomime character, timing, audience participation, stage presence and of course saucy inuendo. Maddie Gandy, such enthusiasm and energy, full of fun, she was Peter Pan. Well done to you both.

Ariel (Claire Gandy) Persil (Denise Ward) and Bold (Kayleigh Pearson) the exotic comical mermaids, splendid costumes, imaginative set, extremely clever scene.  Well Done.

What makes a great pantomime: a story of good versus evil, family friendly jokes, larger than life characters, colourful costumes, a Dame, a believable villain, lots of audience participation and of course a great cast. This production ticked every box, congratulations to all concerned.

Joanne Rymer

NODA

District 4

 

 

 

 

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