Peter Pan

Director Caroline Foot assembled a multi-talented large cast of all ages and put them to work with great enthusiasm and story-telling, good groupings and characterisations. Movement filled with energy and well drilled to give a good feel from the ‘tinies’ through to the adults, Tyler Curtis had worked hard with the cast. And strong singing accompanied by excellent backing from the band led by Jon Settle: this pantomime had a strong production team.

A special mention of design from Mike Barnett and metal-work from Karris Welding (Barry Bailey), and other material providers for the creation, installation and operation of the ‘flying rig’, which worked brilliantly, totally essential for a production of Peter Pan. And the backcloths from Scenic and other extras gave a good atmosphere to the piece. Costumes for that large cast all worked for family, lost boys, Indians, and pirates.

The Darling Family (parents and children), particularly Wendy (Elizabeth Wright) filled their roles to fit the storyline; Nanny (Tim Lovejoy) created a great Dame role with the care of the family and joined in their adventures in Neverland. He had the personality, good timing and warmth required to lead in his scenes and how well he worked in comedy with that pirate Smee (Phil Pearson), certainly this duo has the audience laughing.

Lots of lost boys (and girls), some very tiny, all filled with energy and enthusiasm, certainly these youngsters put their all into the performance onstage. And then to the next size with Indians under the lead of Tiger Lily (Abbey Walters) and they had the dance routines covered and the notes for the songs too. The adult cohorts found fun and energy as the pirate band, led by Starkey (Jade Balmer) in their endeavours to capture Peter and boys.

The villain of the piece, Captain Hook (Chip Redpath) definitely was a nasty piece of work with his pursuit of Peter Pan, a great role to characterise, and to wave that vicious hook. But he was outwitted and chased by that clock-ticking crocodile amazingly propelled across the stage on a skate board.

Undoubtedly the star of the show, as should be in title role, 18 year-old Charlie Jeffries with elfin looks, agility, and charisma was perfect casting for Peter Pan: she looked the part, was amazing in all that flying (and she said just one session to rehearse technique), strong diction and projection, good personality, and empathy to work with all cast members, and she was just magical on stage.

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