Peter Pan JR

Tonight the 55 youngsters on stage transported the audience to Neverland and whether as Principals, Pirates, Lost Boys or Brave Girls, all the children inhabited their roles. Peter Pan was made the cheeky, carefree lad by Sophie Gilland who clearly enjoyed the role and took to flying with ease. She expressed herself well and sang with determination especially in I Won’t Grow Up. As Wendy, Isla McIntosh created a character who was game for adventure and who also showed compassion for the Lost Boys. She took her brothers with her to Neverland. Both John, played by Maisie Winters, and Michael, by Imogen McKay, were keen to go but wearied more quickly than she and longed to go home. All dealt admirably with flying off to Neverland. Freya McIntosh, who didn't say a word, successfully communicated the flighty but determined character of Tinkerbell through mime. The impression of her flitting here and there was aided by the judicious use of a green spotlight. Cohen Gurung created a well spoken and scary Captain Hook who led his men with cunning and panache - his hook was pretty scary too. His only fear came from Maisie Currie in the guise of the most realistic Crocodile which slid menacingly across the stage. Hook’s sidekick Smee was developed by Rachael Sneddon as a bit feckless with fine bursts of bravado. Becca Tait made a feisty Tiger Lily with her lively Ugh-A-Wug song and leading her girls in an energetic and fearful dance. Adult characters were suitably adult with Macy Davidson as Liza the caring and put upon maid, Bobbie-Jo Marston a sophisticated but concerned mother, and Molly Fingland as a bossy father who ended up deservedly in the doghouse displacing a well played Nana the dog by Zack Reid. Everyone sang and moved well, with the Hook’s Tango and Hook’s Tarantella numbers taking a trick. The swordplay between Peter and Captain Hook was well choreographed as was the dance and movement of the large numbers on stage. Also of note were the clever sets with the bedroom scene complete with doll’s house and a period chest of drawers, evoking a children’s bedroom of that era and the jungle/wood setting with the effective drapes for the Lost Boys to hide behind. The costumes were colourful and apt representing the different roles and worlds. In the main, scene changes were slick and the cast were all confident in entrances and exits. Congratulations on an entertaining and well directed show. It is great to see so many young people interested and committed especially on what is their last performance on the current Town Hall stage.

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