Peter Pan The Panto

Under Bev’s leadership, MD Graham, Ruth Clark, Peter Ellis and choreographer Chloe the magic developed.  Everyone knows Barrie’s tale, but  this one had a bit of a twist –  Nanny with two legs and alexia passion, who really didn’t like children, and  Uncle Arfur, master of cockney slang who was actually a green pixie pearly king and falls for Mrs Darling! Plus the unusual Big Chief Windbreaker head of the Flatulenti tribe!  Tinkerbell is a jealous fairy with attitude, afraid of Peter’s affections towards Wendy, who has become the lost children’s’ mother telling wonderful stories. Menacing Hook and his motley crew are up to their tricks and the croc is after him again.  Nanny comes to the rescue and in true style everyone ends up happily with plenty of audience participation, innuendo, noises on and off, effects and great music. An introduction from Peter Ellis aka Smee, ably assisted by a young man gave health and safety information and thanked behind the scenes heroes.  A5, 20 page comprehensive colour programme, was well put together by Nancy Tolhurst and Caroline Jenkinson also responsible for the Raffle. Graham spent hours searching for appropriate music, supported by flautist Karen Saunders, Clive Heathmarsh on drums, Barry Bassett sax and percussion, Robin Vesma, and bass guitar. Hook performed ‘Pirate King’. The participation song was greatly enjoyed, Mrs. D sang a couple of lovely numbers ‘Colours of the Wind’ and ‘Goodnight My Someone’.   Scenery built was imaginative, colourful and well finished, with opening bedroom scene including lattice window impressive, containing many fine props. The Indian camp with very smelly smoke was complete with totem pole!  We just loved the whizzing flying Arfur and Tink across from the balcony to stage created by ‘Inca Digital’.  Ruth Clark and Dee Shelley dressed the vast cast, together with costumes supplied by Mad Hatters. Mrs D looked elegant and cute naughty Tink in green, with super bunches topped with floral baseball cap and great lace up boots.  Gaylord Hook, what can I say - suave in stripes, excellent black wig and that blue eye shadow - finally falling for Ian Malaugh Dame Nanny Fanny, with most attractive blond ringlets. Particularly good Indian Chief and Tiger Lily costumes as were the Indians braves.  Good support from the crew using spots with effects including dry ice, strobe lighting, whoopy cushion loud reports, sometimes not quite on cue! Script flowed with ad lib interruptions didn’t spoil the plot and made for even more laughter.  The stage area was well utilised and I also like the auditorium use plus the balcony. Owen Matthews as Peter Pan is going from strength to strength and teamed ideally with talented LJ Baxter as Tink with Grant Matthews a terrific Uncle Arfur.  Debbie Katis as Mrs Darling with her most enjoyable singing voice was mother to Wendy, John and Michael, played by Oliver Roper and Leila Davison.  Special mention goes to Katelyn Malaugh for reading in beautifully as Wendy whilst Tarabella was poorly.  Well done Indians headed by BC Windbreaker, Bob Barrow with delightful Tatum Du Labh as Tiger Lily.  A great motley Wally Dodger crew was led by Hook, Mark Barron-Reid, being a real nasty until he sampled Nanny’s special brew! Upstanding Smee was portrayed by Peter Ellis, and what can I say about Michael Patrick as the Fist Mate!  Bonny Sullivan was a surprise as the Bosun!  Excellent sleuthing of the croc by Nanny behind a white backdrop.  Chloe choreographed a delightful sequence with a single ballerina accompanied by ribbon waving attendants.

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