Peter Pan

Thank you for inviting me to your production of Peter Pan performed by the Young Thespians.   It was lovely to see an almost full house as I was shown to my seat.

The set was open and very colourful, displaying the bedroom scene for the Darling family.

The opening number “The Darlings” started with Mr. Darling (Nathan Jennings) and Mrs. Darling  (Imogen Harper) both being very clear in dialogue and singing voice. Backing singers of maids produced a lovely harmony sound.

The Darling Children, Wendy (Violet Morris) John (Drew Addison) and Michael (Grace Winspear) all gave convincing performances.

Tink appeared as a lighting effect under the careful operation of Alan Bailes.

Peter Pan (Molly Prutton) was perfectly cast with her petite build, bright and bubbly cheeky personality with good diction and neat movements.

I particularly enjoyed the transformation from the bedroom scene to the clever effect of the Darlings and Peter flying to Neverland.

Hook (Matt Lisles) lead the pirate song “Rich, Damp Cake”, a very tricky song for timing but they all performed it very well with good choreography by Charlotte Platton and Sarah Bailes.

I particularly liked the scene where Hook sat on the mushroom chimney and all the pirates rushed on to fan his burning bottom.

A special mention must go to the crocodile costume. It was very effective.

The hiding of Wendy as she lay on the floor was very effective as the last boys shuffled along in front of her to hide her from Peter.

The Lost Boys all gave lovely characters with good singing. I loved the building of the house around Wendy and they cleared the set very well.

The UV lighting on the mermaid’s lagoon was effective. I’m not sure if there was any more music written but I would have loved to have seen a longer dance for the mermaids.

The entrance of Hook and Smee (Reece Waller) on the boat was good with great comedy timing between the two characters.

I enjoyed the Indian scene and the war dance was well choreographed. Very well done to all involved.

Well done Hook on your very long and wordy solo “Goodbye Peter Pan.”

Another favorite scene I enjoyed was on the pirate ship. Smee’s very funny ripping of the cloth as Hook looks to see if his clothes are ripping really made me smile. Well-done boys.

“We’re Going Home” was delivered with nice clear singing and Mrs. Darling (Imogen Harper) gave a lovely performance as the worried mother awaiting the return of her children.

Peter Pan’s song at the end was sung with feeling and the finale was nice and bouncy with lots of energy.

My only concern was that generally the cast needed to learn the art of voice projection. With no mics’ available it is important that the audience at the back hear every word and I doubt this was the case on the afternoon I attended.

Never the less, I had an enjoyable time and it was lovely to see you all again. Thank you.

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