Peter Panto

It’s Panto time - Peter Panto written by James Barry. The younger members take over in this production and walking into the theatre we are met by a huge green crocodile sat on the Stage Left. And I mean huge with large teeth and a clock in its open mouth, complete with sweeping tail, designed and made by Keira Markland. The set then consisted of the nursery complete with bed Stage Right with large open window. The poop deck of the Jolly Roger with ships wheel and Neverland Jungle. Backcloths were then used and also projection. The flying of the Darling children and Peter Pan was very magical. A walk way came into the audience with steps leading down. Set Design Philip Walkden, Keira Markland and Lexie Smith.

Sound and Lighting all added to the show with added gobos around the auditorium and sound effects. Sound and Lighting by WS productions. Costume all fitting for the characters from Michael and John’s pyjamas to Tinker Bell’s fairy outfit. Costumes by Pippa Ainsworth and Carol Kirkpatrick. The choreographers were Amellia Kirkpatrick and Carol Kirkpatrick which added to the Pantomime.

Director was Wayne Gibson with a mainly youth cast they worked very hard to bring the magic of pantomime to life. There were some slow scene changes but I am led to believe they are new stage crew and I am sure will get into the full swing of how the stage works. The cast need to be careful in the wings if your mic is on, we can hear in the audience what is being said, which slightly distracts from the action on stage. The opening started with a bang with the cast coming through the audience singing and bringing the energy. This was a feel-good pantomime.

The Lost Boys, The Pirates and The Tribe all brought the energy to stage and looked to be having fun.

Tilly Royse played John complete with bowler hat and umbrella. Fraser Parrock played Michael complete with teddy bear. Evie Coleman played Myrtle the walking Mermaid. Jack Farrell was a Lost Boy and also the Crocodile. Great to see something different other than a ghost. Alice Ruedsa played Nana the cute dog also a pirate and tribe. Lilly Pearson played Mrs Darling & a Lost Boy. Logan Smith played Starkey. 

Amellia-Rose Payne played Smee who brought the energy and fun and interacted with the audience well. Phil Walkden played Mr Darling and Captain Hook. Phil certainly enjoyed playing with the audience and getting them to boo him. Kiera Markland played Tinker bell the spoilt and jealous fairy. Kiera was great in this role and lovely voice too.

Ellie Camac was a delightful as Wendy Darling and interacted well with the Lost Boys and Peter Pan who was played by Lexie Smith. Lexie had great energy to carry the role of the boy who doesn’t want to grow up. Great work.

Mckenzie Payne was the dame Tiger Lilly. Mckenzie is fast becoming a very confident performer in this role. He does remind me of Sue Pollard (Google her Mckenzie!). Great interaction with the audience and asides as a mature performer. The interaction with Smee played by Amellia-Rose and the messing about with the handcuffs. Very funny.

Thank you so much for the invite from my guest Chris and I. It was lovely to see so many young performers on stage giving their all and enjoying it

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