Peter Pan

This is about the fourth pantomime I have seen MOS present and each time I think there is no way they can improve on the previous year but co-writers Stuart Clements and Harcus Copper’s adaption of the familiar story by JM Barrie have done it again. Scenery was excellent and scene changes were smoothly executed, enhanced by a good lighting plot. Costumes, always an outstanding feature, were bright and colourful and what would this particular pantomime be without Peter Pan flying across the stage? This was gracefully achieved by Laura Watson in the title role. Musical accompaniment, this year, was all recorded which worked well for the most part when it wasn’t too loud! The performers did well to make themselves heard, even though they were wearing mics. Lyndsey Copper gave a fine performance as Tinkerbell, managing the whole performance on roller skates but this did make her so much taller than Peter and somewhat dispelled the ‘fairy’ illusion. It is always difficult to direct a production and take a principal part but Stuart Clements as Captain James T. Hook seemed to take both roles in his stride and managed to achieve the compulsory ‘boos’ from the audience. Harcus Copper made us all laugh as Nana/Anastasia with the ever increasing outrageous wigs and dresses. Far from being the lurking crocodile after Hook, I thought Matthew Harrison’s Cecil the Crocodile was quite sweet and underused, even though he did get his man in the end! The Lost Dancing Girls were excellent and well disciplined in their routines as were the younger boys and girls – a delight to watch the future of musical theatre. Claudia Terrana as Wendy made an impact with her singing and dancing. In fact all the supporting parts were well cast and managed to achieve an individuality in their various roles. The time and commitment in this production was obvious and you are all to be congratulated for another fine family show.

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