Whether you believe in fairies, swim like a mermaid or drink like a pirate you are taken on an awfully big adventure inside the Apollo Theatre this summer.
“this is as close to panto as you are ever going to get in August!”
The Youth Theatre’s new production of Peter Pan Forever, cleverly directed by Mish Whitmore and written by her imaginative husband Karl, is full of energy, laughter and drama – the perfect tonic for the wind and rain outdoors. J M Barrie’s beloved characters are well known and all set for us to meet in Neverland, including Captain Hook, Tinkerbell and Peter Pan himself: this is as close to panto as you are ever going to get in August!
The large cast are confident and well prepared for their roles – but it is the superb set which really stands out in this production. As soon as you enter the theatre you know you’re going to be in for a fantastic performance with an enormous scaffolding frame, including a high crow’s nest, ball pit and even a tyre swing. The cast use every inch of the stage to its capacity, with so much leaping, creeping and jumping around for the full two hours.
With the usual Peter Pan children of Wendy, Michael and John long grown up, this play follows Eva (an assured performance by Lily Boudewijn) and Wren (wonderfully played by Isla Rea) on their adventures in Neverland. Harrison Hartup, who portrayed a poignant Private Peaceful on the same stage earlier this year, shows that as Peter Pan he can be as self-centred, boastful and fearless as he is touching. His charisma completely holds the show together.
We accompany Pan, Eva and Wren on their journey in Neverland and meet a large group of hilarious pirates led by Black Nell (Jess Rockhill with complete authority, and a wet fish) followed by the carefree Lost Boys, scrambling all over the stage. There are even charming mermaids to admire and an assured Tiger Lily (played with gumption by Cheyenne Horne). But it’s the set, props and lighting that steal the show with a beautiful flying sequence, fantastic underwater octopus fight scene and an enormous, hungry crocodile!
The arrival of Hook (a masterful performance by Jack Perry) and Tinkerbell (a perfectly pouty Latia Charles) sets the audience up for even further frolics towards an anarchic conclusion. Special mentions for Scarlett the parrot (puns delivered by Immy Netherway), accompanied by Lenkov the pirate (great vocal work by Neve McIntosh) and the two grown ups.
This a is a young cast, putting on a creative show with gusto and charm. Make sure you catch it before the run ends on August 5th. You’ll be Hooked!
Reviewed by Vix Lowthion
Have a fun filled evening with the family that the weather can’t spoil. Grab your tickets now!
TO BOOK TICKETS:
☎️ 01983 210010
🌐 https://apolloyouththeatre.com/plays/peter-pan-forever
🏫 Apollo Theatre, Pyle Street, Newport, IOW, PO30 1JT
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