Peter Pan the Musical

Put a production team of young talent together and you have musical success!! Director Adam Waters,Musical Director Owen McColgan musical director, assisted by Marianna Allen, and Jamie Knights as Choreographer are the young team that brought us the unmissable Peter Pan the Musical to the Central Theatre this week. Super praise goes out to this team, all areas in direction, music and dance made this Peter Pan, as I said, unmissable. A strong cast of exceptional singers, actors and dancers made this Peter Pan reach professional heights. Yes I said professional!!! 

The musical introduces the Darling children – and their adventures with Peter Pan in Neverland, as well as telling the story of their encounters with the Lost Boys and Pirates. I could go on and on, because this is just a beautiful production. Every one on that stage had a character of their own from chorus to leads. The lighting was super atmospheric as was the clear sound, also exceptional work by the flying crew - difficult at this theatre. Tonya Plowman’s knowledge of costume was very colour specific and certainly in period down to the shoes, well done Tonya. Tonya also gave us a flawless performance as the Storyteller, both in singing and acting.

Leading the cast was Peter Pan (Carly Harwood) - I have said before this lady has so much stagecraft under her belt both in singing and acting, and what a voice! Once again Carly triumphs. Perfect casting Adam. The Darling family, headed by James Stacey, what an extraordinary actor this man is, from “Priscilla Queen of the Desert“ and now to Mr Darling/Captain Hook - that’s acting!! Great job James. Young Wendy Rachael Champ shone as bright as Tinkerbell (Lilly Rose Carter) in her performance giving us a very strong performance as Wendy and what a voice this young lady has. Wendy's siblings John (Jenna Chapman), Michael (Megan Chapman) and mother, expertly played by Nicole Stears, gave us the love and warmth of the family. Tinkerbell (Lily Rose Carter) you shone through, mostly in the dark. Tiger Lilly (Cole Gillespie) not saying a word but you were the vision in green.

The groups of Lost Boys and Pirates, headed by seasoned actors Joe Warrilow as Smee and Lee Round were nasty and dirty (must say make up applied expertly). These groups of supporting actors are in no particular order:  Maria, Joel, Rhea, Amelia, Ellie, Emma, Grace and Josie as the Lost Boys. Pirates played by Lee, Conor, Cathey, Aimee, Tom, Harry, Harrison, Judy, Helena and Willow all making this Peter Pan a very enjoyable musical indeed. As I said: UNMISSABLE! and Pantastic. Bursting with magic, mischief, music and make-believe, this wonderful Peter Pan has a funny and moving side, of a much-loved story for audiences of all ages. GDS you did it proud!! Thank you for inviting me to review it.

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