Peter Pan

Written and Directed by John Doyle and Sarah Travis

Oxford Playhouse, Dec 3 2004-Jan 16 2005

Walking into the theatre, the magic was already alive in a dreamy eeriness as characters sat totally involved in their own tasks or looking out spookily into the audience.

I was fascinated by the set. The dimensions and perspectives were unreal and imaginative. Coat hangers, houses and flamingos hanging from the ceiling, a chest of drawers and a fireplace bigger than any I have ever seen.

As the lights in the auditorium went down (with the exception of the light-up swords held by youngsters in the audience), ticking could be heard on stage from a percussion instrument played by Mrs Darling (Helen Anderson-Lee).

My first impressions of Nanna (Jon Trenchard who also played Smee) were that she was very strange. The putting on and removing of her head was even odder - but as the panto moved on, the idea grew on me.

The art of distraction is cleverly used. Lisa (Michelle Long) made a transition into Tiger Lily in full view whilst the Darlings 'learnt to fly' in a way which remained completely mysterious to me!

One of the most exciting and original features of this production was the music. We were not presented with a pit orchestra as I had expected, as each character had an instrument (or several) which they used throughout for musical numbers and sound effects. I spotted at least 19 different instruments being used by the cast members. Peter Pan (the fantastic Justine Koos) himself, when he first appeared at the window, was armed with a cello!

Instruments also doubled up as weapons for the pirates (who included Simon Tuck, Emma Correlle, Adam Stone and Jez Unwin), with trumpet used as a gun, and flute and piccolo as swords.

Captain Hook (Simon Walter, who also played Mr Darling) was fantastic. Not only battling with the Lost Boys (Nibs-Joe Ridley, Slightly - Lizzie Yaxley, Curly - Rory Gilchrist, Tootles - Gregory Vickers and The Twins - Eleanor Vickers and Caitlin Barclay) and the Darlings (Wendy - Joanna Hickman, John - Richard Henley and Michael - James Bailey), but against the audience's confusing calls and yells, saying he should kill Peter Pan and the Lost Boys and that the crocodile was still there, even though he wasn't. Nevertheless, Captain Hook fought on, and added a few extra ad-lib yells back!

There were a few shocked audience members when the Lost Boys sang 'we don't give a toss', to which two ladies sat behind me whispered to each other 'are they allowed to say that?', needless to say they seemed to really enjoy the show laughing and joining in throughout, including the audience participation 'Clappy Song' which went down a treat with everyone (well done Emily and Paul!).

Needless to say (and I hope I can say this without ruining the show for you all), the villains were not victorious and the innocent and brave did escape unharmed!!

The entire cast give as much to this production as they possibly could give. This really is a great show for the whole family and a fantastic Christmas treat. Go see!

Helen Williams, 5.12.04