Noda Review January 2018
This version of Peter Pan had some interesting variations and additions to the story. There was a Dame called Nana, who had a dog called Nana, Peter’s shadow was a person and a group of characters from Wonderland who had lost their way and were late for The Queen’s party, and somehow ended up in Never Land. Young people played Michael and John Darling and many of the pirates, with Wendy, Peter, Tinkerbell and the Lost Boys being played by adults, it worked very well.
As always the sets had been carefully built to fit this tiny stage with quick efficient scene changes, and front of tabs scenes to cover longer ones. The opening set was the children’s bedroom with three beds and a window in the back wall, with a starlit sky outside; we then travelled to the forest in Never Land with lovely sign posts which the pixies changed so that intruders could not find the Lost Boys; then to the Lost Boys Den. At the opening of Act II we found ourselves on a pirate ship, which had been skilfully painted onto a backcloth, with excellent perspective. Every scene had been appropriately lit, helping to create the right atmosphere, all lighting was well cued and the follow spot well operated. All the songs were accompanied by a backing track, which was well cued, and of a sympathetic volume so did not drown out the singers; all other sound effects were good. The show had been well costumed with lovely detail to some of the footwear, particularly Peter, Tinkerbell and Nana the dame. The makeup team had worked their usual transformations, especially on Captain Hook and Nana.
The show had been well cast with everyone performing enthusiastically and confidently.
The Pixies with their Pixie dance were a delight and drew appreciative applause from the audience. All the young people performed confidently, with the Pirates supporting Smee and being in awe of Captain Hook, and the Wonderland characters so readily identifiable and every inch what you would expect them to be, especially the very busy White Rabbit.
Abi Baskerville had written a well constructed family orientated script with the lovely cake making scene with the Hokey Cokey Cakey Bakey along the line of The Great British Bake Off. There were lots of the silly jokes one expects from a Pantomime, to which all ages could respond. The only comment I would make is that a bit more care was needed in making the questions for the audience to respond to more specific, as the responses were not always what the characters needed for the story. But apart from that there were good ideas and it worked well.
The Pantomime had been well directed by Andy Cullyer with some nice ideas and good use of the Hall. The whole cast had worked well together bringing lots of fun to the stage and entertaining the audience in time honoured Panto tradition.
Congratulations everyone involved with the production.
Director: Andy Cullyer Author and Co-Director Abi Baskerville