Peter & The Starcatcher

Some familiar characters and some new but this is an adventure with the early 2000’s collaboration re-imagining of all-time favourite ‘Peter Pan’ and how it might have all begun. It follows the lost boys, tars, pirates, talking molluscs, weird mermaids that were fish, daring do, questionable treasure, but importantly lasting true friendships, and good prevailing. And I do think it is a musical play just as magical for the adults as the children! The story tells of how an orphan boy came to be named Peter and his relationship with Lord Aster’s daughter Molly, an apprentice Starcatcher with her magical medallion that connected her directly to her father. Their sailing adventure to Rundoon sailing ships using two beautiful models of the sailing ships ‘Never Land’ and the ‘Wasp’ two trunks one loaded with Star stuff ….. treasure? Good versus evil and magically good prevails. A particularly good pre-Christmas title choice enjoyed all around me.

The unknown to me the delightful score created by Wayne Barker - well executed, was strong in both solo and ensemble harmony work, under the direction of Judy Gilham accompanying on keyboard, with Jason M. Smith on percussion. I enjoyed the familiar ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’ and ‘Oh for the Wings of a Dove’ running through.

What effective set design Dee Harvey created – the dark port, the bowels of the ship depicting the ribs together with the atmospheric lighting and sound. Then the bright colour change of tropical foliage and the shimmering drop of foils opening Act two with the bevy of unlikely mermaids in particular Smee - Seth Ringrose - adorned with a set of coconuts a great comedic touch. Jane Richardson’s direction created continuous pictures cleverly interweaving areas of action with inventive movement particularly on board a skeletal ship.

Certainly an array of fascinating characters and creatures was created and costumed by Rosie Richardson together with amusing props. The cast were very agile, well-rehearsed, confident and audible. Protecting the Earth was Leonard Aster, devoted father, well performed by Donna Mercer, smart in embroidered waistcoat, hair slicked back and wearing specs. His daughter Molly was confident Lily Gibbons an unstoppable, determined apprentice Starcatcher who grew fond of Peter. Will Truscott was the boy Peter who notices everything, another robust performance. He was supported by lost boys obsessed by food Ted and Prentiss, ambitious and longing to be the leader, Bo Reed and Ella Welch

An enjoyable, fun performance from Craig Gibbons as Molly’s nanny British to the core, saucy with the sailors. Just loved the token shawl and handbag. Captain Robert Falcon Scott, he of South Pole expeditionary team fame, charged with the fastest frigate of the ocean was Lee Lyons who spent much of his time tied in knots another distinctive character. Grempkin was the mean head of the orphanage for Lost Boys was Crystal Greenfield also taking on the roles of Mac and Sanchez plus a Fighting Prawn. Seafaring Slank Captain was the vicious, greedy individual was taken on with extraordinarily strong voice by Vivienne Pattison also as a hawking Clam! Alf  is an orphan seafarer who has a kind heart was Chris Owens. As the name implies Black Stache is noticeable with his facial hair – a great character who is still the scourge of the oceans so athletically played by Peter C Miller with the hint of Hook swishing his black long jacket and long locks.

Imaginatively directed by Jane with continuous flow, comedy and crazy characters an altogether entertaining, slick performance and well performed musical numbers. Thank you to all concerned.

 

 

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