Peter Pan

TIPTON PLAYERS & PANTOMINE SOCIETY
Peter Pan
A play written & adapted for the stage by Natalie Anning & Claire Devine
Directed by Natalie Anning & Claire Devine
Tipton St John Community Hall
Saturday 21st February 2026
‘Tricia Barclay
NODA SW Representative District 6
This version of the well-known classic tale by J M Barrie was written and adapted for
the stage especially for the group by two long-standing members and was an
excellent choice giving a wide assortment of parts across the age ranges.
The stage was simply set with a raised platform US, a large window behind, and was
dressed accordingly for the relevant scenes. The window depicting a starry sky was
perfect for the “flight” to Neverland and also for” Walking the Plank”.
Small extensions had been built DSR & DSL providing space for a comfortable
armchair for the Storyteller and a small cabin area for Captain Hook, which helped to
keep the action flowing smoothly.
The opening scene set in the bedroom of the Darling children had three full-sized
single beds with a lovely arrangement of teddy-bears, most probably childhood
treasures from the cast, and the main characters were introduced.
Mrs Darling was reading the children a bedtime story and was portrayed as kind and
caring, while Mr Darling came over as rather tetchy, fretting about being late for their
dinner engagement that evening. The children it seemed were to be left in the hands,
or rather paws, of Nana played in this production by a delightful “real life” dog much
to the surprise of the audience.
There was some concern as Nana had been banned to her kennel outside, but
overall, it was felt that the children would be safe and sound.
The three Juniors playing the main characters were all excellent. Wendy was patient,
grown-up and motherly, John showed a feistiness in his top-hat while wielding his
umbrella and little Michael, endearingly played, drew the audience in with his
appealing expressions, and the stripey pyjamas, and nightdress were all exactly
right.
Of course, as we know Peter came along each night to listen to the stories from the
window but on this occasion, he was found in the bedroom looking for his shadow.
It was decided that the children would go with him to Neverland where Wendy could
become a mother to the Lost Boys, so they all “flew” out of the upstairs window with
the help of some cunning back projection!
Other Juniors played the Lost Boys and each brought out the individual characters of
their roles. Tiger Lily made a determined Indian Princess, and two of the older
Juniors did sterling work as Pirates and Mermaids.
Peter Pan, in a great costume of green leaves, was central to the action, and was
excellently played he commanded the stage and was very much in charge.
The Senior members were also on great form as the swashbuckling pirate crew of
the Jolly Roger, with the belligerent Mr Darling cunningly disguised in a long-wig and
beard. They all certainly played their roles convincingly to the hilt and their sea
shanty was memorable.

The fight scene was well handled with the children US on the balcony and with good
interaction all round.
The leading role of Captain Hook was superbly played, fussy, and self-centred he
was desperate to wreak his revenge on Peter, and if this had been panto he
definitely would have encouraged more than his share of “boos”! He was excellently
supported by the performer playing Smee. The scene DSL in the cabin with the
cucumber slices was hilarious, particularly when Hook proceeded to eat the
cucumber delicately placed over each eye by Smee – simply priceless!
The Storyteller, from her armchair DSR, kept everyone up to speed admirably as the
action unfolded, providing time as well to cover the scene changes.
Tinkerbell on this occasion was cleverly represented by a twinkly light flitting around
the set but did make a brief and disgruntled appearance as a full-sized fairy at one
point emphatically showing her distain for Wendy.
The set worked very well for all the action, the full-sized rowing boat was a
revelation, and the scene changes were smoothly managed.
There were effective sound effects and lighting and props a plenty, especially in the
scenes with all the food, and the rocks!
Of course, Hook was despatched overboard, the delayed splash when he “landed”
was a clever touch, and members of the audience were encouraged to clap and
shout out “I believe in fairies” to enable Wendy, John and Michael, together with the
Lost Boys to return home safe and sound.
“Second to the right and straight on til morning”
A brilliantly conceived production for this group, well directed and performed, giving
all the members opportunity to be involved and work together.
All made for a “fairy-tale” evening!
A portion of the ticket sales was donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

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