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Theatre Review
Eleanor Pearson 4 July 2015 The Best Adventure Yet: Peter Pan at Knox Grammar
In the early years of the twentieth century Peter Pan sprang into our literary consciousness, and onto the boards of a London stage. More than 100 years later “the boy who wouldn’t grow up” was kept alive and eternally young in Marian Street Theatre for Young People’s production Peter Pan.
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Peter Pan
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Yes, admittedly the play is aimed at audiences from 3-10 years of age. But this matinee’s children's audience was engaging, and-dare I say-hook, line and sinker-fully engaged by the performance.
And, by the way, they would not have a bar of the villainous (and ever-so-slightly comic) Captain James Hook, as he snarled at them, “Don’t tell Peter Pan that…”
And, by the way, they would not have a bar of the villainous (and ever-so-slightly comic) Captain James Hook, as he snarled at them, “Don’t tell Peter Pan that…”
“I will!” responded one boy immediately, with all the defiance and courage of Peter Pan himself.
Another kid was so captivated by the idea that by clapping his arms together like a crocodile’s jaws, and making a tick-tock sound loudly enough, he would deter any predatory pirate’s advances, that he did so impulsively on sighting Captain Hook, without any prompting from Tinkerbell, the second time.
Another kid was so captivated by the idea that by clapping his arms together like a crocodile’s jaws, and making a tick-tock sound loudly enough, he would deter any predatory pirate’s advances, that he did so impulsively on sighting Captain Hook, without any prompting from Tinkerbell, the second time.
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As an adult, I was happily ensconced with my toddler in arms for a few hours. Perhaps that’s the beauty of Peter Pan, the story just works on so many levels. As adults, we admire the imagination of a production set both in London and NeverLand, and we suspend our disbelief, especially if the children around us are willing to fly too (even if it’s just an illusion, and clever lighting work). We may relate to the mother waiting for her lost children to fly home, or we chuckle at the concept of a canine nanny (especially such an endearing one). And who doesn’t enjoy a good sword-fight?
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I also wonder if there’s any grown-up out there who has never seriously considered postponing ageing? When such delights as pixie dust, and adventures with mermaids, Indians, and pirates await, the reality of growing up and finding a job does sound a bit hum-drum.
As the crowing Peter Pan, Rhys Briggs captivated with his energy, but also with his melancholy, when the subject of parents was seriously discussed. The three pirates were wickedly funny, and Philip Playoust managed a quick change of clothes and character to transition back from Captain Hook to Mr Darling.
Ashleigh Bortz was well-cast as the nurturing and parentified Wendy Darling. The pint-sized heroine of the tale was the feisty Tinkerbell played with spirit by Amy Alexander.
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