Peter Pan

OLD FIRE STATION 11/12/01

Peter Pan, the musical, is an all-singing all-dancing production from the Sands Theatre Arts School, with a cast aged from 7-18 years old. This is every kids' Christmas play, done just a tiny bit better and with a whole lot more choreography.

The show opens with 'the band', who although very good could perhaps be toned down a little. Being the wrong age to truly appreciate these things I took my cues from the small boy who sat in front of me, his only comment on the overture being to cover his ears. (More a comment on the volume than the quality, I can assure you.)

The Darling family gave a better impression of the different ages than might be expected in such a young cast, and their song got the show off to an energetic start. It was with the entrance of Peter Pan, however, that the show really took off, Jaime Mead playing the title role with skill and endearing character. Early on in the show, in the middle of Pan's first song, the lead disappeared through a collapsing set, but showing a presence of mind often lacking in older performers (and barely missing beat) Mead climbed out and continued the song. The other children too, notably Wendy (Anna Bennett), coped well with this upset, and right on schedule they flew away to NeverNeverLand.

The first Pirate dance ('Rich Damp Cake') was a colourful extravaganza, with Hook (Lara Simmonds), playing her dastardly character with suitably sinister manner, with excellent support from pirates Smee (Ashley Hughes) and Starkey. In similar fashion, the Red Indians and Lost Boys added to the strong chorus-line of the show, with sheer enthusiasm evident in every number.

The set problems were not to be forgotten, however, and the show was stopped for emergency repairs. The interval too was taken up with repairs, and the higher levels of the set remained unused due to safety fears. Yet such glitches are to be expected on the first night of any school play, and aside from this the props and sets, such as the pirate's rowing boat, were entirely successful. Overall, then, a 'D' minus for woodwork, but several hundred points for costumes, lights, songs and dances. And if you can't remember the last time you heard a kid shout "I can see Nana!", you really should go and see for yourself.

Rebecca Smith 10/12/01