17th April 2025
Annie
Wymsical Theatre, The Norbury Theatre, Droitwich
Peter Pan - A Musical Adventure
Author: Carl Cook on behalf of Joyce Eyre
Information
- Date
- 22nd November 2023
- Society
- Birmingham & Midland Operatic Society (BMOS)
- Venue
- The Alexandra, Birmingham
- Type of Production
- Musical
- Director
- Faye Easto
- Musical Director
- David Easto, with Assistant MD Callum Thompson
- Choreographer
- Aaron Gibson, with Assistant Choreo Shannon Lee
- Technical Director
- Stephen Duckham
Sadly, Noda region 6 rep Joyce Eyre was unable to attend this production due to illness but I was delighted to be able to step in on her behalf at short notice to watch Peter Pan at at The Alexandra.
From the very start you can tell the sheer time and effort that has been put in from the whole team on Cast and Production. Usually I write a bit about the story of the show, but I don’t need to do that with this one right? Everyone knows Peter Pan? Well, this is a little different in that it follows the JM Barrie “Peter flys into bedroom, takes kids off to Neverland and takes on Captain Hook”, story, but it's intertwined with Stiles & Drewe’s wonderful score which for me, makes it an upgrade on the traditional show. Saying that, it isn’t a popular show for Amateur Societies, because of the Technical complications which come with flying, figuring out how to represent a super speed Tinkerbell Fairy and sword fights on a ship ! However, Stephen Duckham as Technical Director was able to do all of this skilfully along with a slick backstage and technical team. The Choreography by Aaron Gibson and Shannon Lee was detailed, but fun and keeping in character with the production with a particular highlight for me being the Lost Boys and multiple flips ! David Easto and Callum Thompson as MD and Assistant MD led a strong vocal performance by the whole cast with accurate harmonies and a first class Orchestra.
Faye Easto as Director cast a very talented leading and support ensemble which shined throughout, with great diction and believable characterisations. Martin Foley as Peter Pan did a super job of being cheeky, bold and playful with a strong vocal, with Annabel Pilcher as my standout character of the evening showing lovely detail in every aspect of her role.
Special mentions should go out to Jo Smith as Mrs Darling, for her song "Just Beyond the Stars", and Dave Shaw as Smee, who made me laugh every single time he was on stage.
Well done to everyone involved for an excellent production, and thank you for your warm welcome.
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