PETER PAN. To 26 January
Nottingham
PETER PAN: JM Barrie. Adapted by Jon Conway
Theatre Royal Nottingham: Tkts 0115 9895555
2hr 30m: one interval: perfs 7.15pm, matinees 1.30 or 2.00: till 26 January.
Review: Jen Mitchell 13th December
Big musical numbers and the real Peter Pan!
A smashing Christmas treat for the kids and anyone else who needs a dose of feel-good factor for the festive season. The musical numbers really are pivotal to this production and they range from good old knees-up in style to the downright tear-jerking when Tinkerbell's light is fading.
We are not challenged as an audience to consider too deeply any of the sub-plots of Barrie's complex story and the nearest we get to exploring any darker side is booing and hissing Captain Hook. But in this gorgeous, frothy fantasy that is entirely appropriate.
Captain Hook is a deadpan villain to Joe Pasquale's plain daft Smee and this combination works wonderfully for the purpose of pantomime. Many of the jokes went over the heads of the very young members of the audience but my seven year old laughed like a drain at the sight of Smee looking down his telescope while it was still tucked into his trousers!
The pirates are the least threatening bunch of people I have seen gathered together on a stage, which is rather nice – one has the feeling that they are only pirates by accident rather than design and would much rather be lost boys. The pirates are in actual fact a group of acrobats – the Acromaniacs – and we are treated to a clever and amusing routine on board the Jolly Roger.
Leslie Grantham has directed a hugely energetic and physical production. A mischievous Tinkerbell darts around the stage on roller skates. Linda Newport shuffles herself across dry land as the Mermaid. Positively bristling with energy and enthusiasm, Sara Hillier's Peter Pan sweeps through the show, making even the most sceptical of audience members believe dreams can come true.
Smee: Joe Pasquale
Mr Darling/Captain Hook: Leslie Grantham
Mrs Darling/Mermaid: Linda Newport
Wendy: Joanna Forest
Michael: Alex Jones/Thierry Way
John: Harry Ansel/Nicholas Webster
Peter Pan: Sara Hillier
Tinkerbell: Penni Tovey
Tiger Lily: Sara Grodentz
Pirates: The Acromaniacs: Gary Cross, Adam Virag, Rhys Henson, Robert Winch
The Pantomime Dancers: Darren Lee, Sarah St George, Naomi Jeffreys, Rachael Dorado, Claire Honour, David Lyons
The Theatre Royal Babes
Director: Leslie Grantham
Choreographer: Sarah St George
Musical Director: Duncan Waugh
Lighting Designer: Robin Carter
Sound Designer: Paul Delaney
2002-12-15 17:29:46