Wendy! A Peter Panto

Matthew Attwood’s adaptation of “Wendy! A Peter Panto” was such a clever take on the typical Peter Pan story. It had all the elements of the story, but incorporated the full panto recipe. There were so many clever elements that were just so well done that I couldn't help leaving in awe of this group. 

I spent the interval talking with two of the co-directors (Angie Attwood & Jules Anderton), the third being James Nicholas (more on him later). They gave me the full history of the group. The stage was built in a sports hall in the community centre, with a recent charity donation to help purchase some more staging. It was so clear how much effort had gone into this production, building this stage, with several full backdrops painted specifically for the show, some really big pieces of stage set all painted expertly in a panto style. Very simple ideas, very simple concepts and all well executed. An 8 by 4 ft revolving triangle to enter the Lost Boys camp being a great example. There were some mishaps with some scene changes (the night sky on the forestage) and some of the set pieces so big that we could hear them being shifted behind the curtain, but this added to the comedy, particularly when the cast used these occasions to adlib and blame Martin, the stage manager, who was pivotal to the final plot.

The script was really clever. The narrator (Captain Strongheart – Libby Burton) moved the plot along, with frequent reading from the storybook, meaning the scenes could focus on the comedy aspects of this panto. A superb directorial choice, Michael (Sandy Wilson) and John (Nigel Clark), and I'm sure they won't mind me saying, were played by the oldest people in the cast. This pair were so funny and the script played off the fact that they were people in the prime of their life playing little children. Equally, the concept behind the script to make Wendy the key focus rather than Peter worked well. Wendy, played by  Katey Dennis. was a suitably strong character throughout and shone through as the heroine of the plot. I liked her version of ‘A Little Bit Naughty’. Supported by Peter Pan (Sam Clarke), this duo was excellent throughout. I particularly liked Sam’s “Favourite Things” used as the catalyst to help the cast fly over London. Captain Hook, played by Liz Wood, was suitably villainous, and the lack of ‘Rs’ was used to great comedic affect. The rest of the cast, many playing several roles all looked they were living their best lives.

That brings me to the stars, plural, of the show. Not just one, but two!

The dame, Nana Netty/Barnacle Betty, played by James Nicholas (the third co-director), was a tour de force of the panto world and Suffolk’s answer to Julian Clary. In fact, there was a line near the beginning where “you can pay £100 and you get Clary or pay £10 and you get him”. I would pay a £100 to see James. He gave us the perfect balance of adult humour for a family show that had me in stitches on several occasions. “Sleep Tight? These knickers are a size 8!”. Also, what an incredible singing voice, often being the lynchpin in many of the big ensemble numbers. I’ve been a panto dame myself and it’s a really hard, exhausting role. James gave everything and I, like the rest of the audience, loved it.

Our second star was in the form of Tinkerbell (Tinks) played by Trisha Highton. Oh my goodness, she was incredible! Talk about milking the sympathy from the audience. In the pinkest of pink costumes, with a sweet little Cornish accent and accentuated puppy dog eyes, she drew the audience in with her constant desire to be loved by Peter and fly. Coming off and back on script seamlessly I was blown away at Trisha’s talent. Struggling to get her wings through certain bits of scenery and making it yet another comedy moment. Wow, just wow! You could not help but fall in love with her character and by the end everyone wanted to see how Tinks was going to fly.

Throughout, Tinks complained to Martin Attwood (stage manager) about wanting to fly – “You promised me Martin!......wait….still nothin’!” So the anticipation grew and grew. I was looking at the stage, looking at the structure, thinking it might work. I was looking for a costume change to see if Tinks had donned a harness – but no….how was this going to happen?

As it came to the end, Tinks got the puppy dog eyes out again and explained to the audience that everyone else go their wish, but, “Where’s mine Martin..where’s mine?…you promised me!” Suddenly, the lights dimmed….and Martin appeared at the back of the hall, with his best Patrick Swayze strut down the aisle in an ode to ‘Dirty Dancing’. I swear I nearly wet myself! We realised how Tinks was going to fly. With a blackout and some clever support from the stage crew, Tinks got her wish flying in Martin’s arms. Brilliant!

And on that image, all that remains to be said is congratulations to all who were involved. This script should be published and be made available to other groups. Bravo to all the Ellesmere Devils Pantomime Society. I really look forward to what twists you bring to the world of panto next year. 

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