2nd - 5th May 2012
A traditional retelling of J. M. Barrie's family classic; the enchanting yet tragic story of Peter Pan, whose adventures in Neverland explore themes of gender and mortality as he's joined by the Darling children in his battle against the oppressor of youth; the dark and sinister Captain Hook
Peter Pan by
J. M. Barrie
Director's Note:
On May 5th 2009 I walked into the Drama Studio for my first appearance in a SuTCo show. On May 5th 2012, Peter Pan comes to an end, and with it, so too doe my involvement with the company; the cyclical nature of which I'm sure Barrie would have appreciated.
Over the course of the past 3 years SuTCo has become the heart of my University life, much to the detriment of my degree, vut this is something that I don't regret in the slightest as the experiences I've had, the roles I've played, the skills I've learnt and the friends that I've made are things that I would not change for the worlds, and directing Peter Pan has been the perfect concluding chapter.
Firstly, I'd like to thank all of the designers. A lot of work has gone into the aestetic for this show, be it through costume, lights, sound or set, and each and every one of the people involved in those areas has worked incredibly hard to create the effect you see on stage, without which this would be a far lesser show.
Then there is my cast. I have been lucky enough to have been blessed with 22 wonderfully talented actors and actresses who succeed in masking the haziness of my 'direction', and who have all remained committed and supportive throughout regardless of the number of times I altered their schedules or have completely changed my mind about something. To all of you, I am eternally grateful, and immensely proud.
And now, my team. Kate, my stage manager, and Tamar my producer, both came into this process as relatively new faces to SuTCo, and I, in the role of jaded veteran, have perhaps not always appreciated just how much they've had to learn on the job and how daunting it must all have been at times. However, I hope that they both realise what a great job they've done and that I could not have done it without them. Thank you. Then there is Dani, my production manager. She has been with me from the very start of this process, at a stage when I was even planning on directing a completely different play. Whilst doing her job wonderfully she has also been an indispensable support to me personally, placating me through many a stressful breakdown and picking up the slack along the way, whatever that may involve. She's been a true star and I couldn't have done this this without her.
Finally, I want to wish SuTCo all the best for the future and to thank everyone from the company's past and present for making my experience what it was, and so, in the words of Barrie himself, "though I dedicate Peter Pan to you I keep the smile, with the few other broken fragments of immortality that have come my way".
Cast and Crew:
CAST
Peter Pan - Tom Dixon
Wendy - Katy Robinson
Mr Darling/Captain Hook - Paul Hilliar
Mrs Darling/Mermaid - Bethan Ratcliffe
Michael - Sarah Sharp
John - Ollie Raggett
Nane/Smee - James Travers
Tiger Lily/Liza - Rhiannon Spaven
Tinkerbell - Kate Butler
Jane - Jade Richards
Tootles - Lucy Weston
Noodker/Mermaid - Elaine Rhodes
Mullins - Stuart Gresham
Cecco - Benedict Rowe
1st Twin - Matthew Plant
2nd Twin - Caitlin Hare
Starkey - Josn Finan
Cookson/Mermaid - Alex Marshall
Ensemble - Dorrit Pollard-Davey, Laura Beaumont, Adam Renvoize
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director - Andy Elkington
Production manager - Danielle Patrick
Stage Maanager - Kate Lynas
Producer - Tamar Saphra
CREW
Set Designer/Technician - Dorrit Polalrd-Davey
Lighting Designer - Rachel Roberts
Sound Designer - Matthew Malone
Costume Designer - Elisa Santos
Costume Team - Heather Newson, Mel Harrison, Jess Waller, Cathy Sables, Rachel Wassell
Make-up Designer - Caroline Weston
Make-up Team - Laura Smallwood, Alice Hunter, Sophia Haddad, Beth Dawes, Cathy Sables, Rachel Wassell
Lighting Technicians - Vicky Webb, Connor Barnes
Sound Technician - Matthew Malone
Assistant Stage Managers - Emily Price, Robyn Park, Selina Thompson
Reviews
‘I do believe in fairies, I do, I do!’
Serving as a spellbinding adventure as well as an incredibly well-presented performance, SUTCO’s Peter Pan conveyed all of the magic I believe J.M. Barrie intended on when writing it. Through a combination of flawless choreography, incredible individual performances and an indefinable energy that the cast possessed, the story of the boy who never grew up was truly brought to life.
Firstly, it would be impossible not to credit Tom Dixon’s performance as Peter, as his personification of innocence had even the more mature members of the audience believing that he really could stay young forever. His portrayal of naivety was both charming and convincing, and had the audience erupting into laughter as well as reminiscing about their childhood. At times I even found myself wishing to step through the window in centre stage and back to the carefree times that were being acted out in front of me, though the casts’ ability to convey childlike innocence certainly did not prevent their ability as actors to shine through.
Indeed, the well-oiled sword fight between Pan and his nemesis Captain Hook (Paul Hilliar) was pleasantly surprising, and it was evident that a great deal of time had been put into perfecting the choreography.
One downside however was the somewhat stunted portrayal of Tinkerbell (Kate Butler) – though clearly not lacking in acting skill, the potential for her character could have been explored further. As a mute in the play, this left plenty of opportunity for comic translations of her actions by Dixon, but more participation in the play from Tinkerbell herself could have only enhanced the production further.
In regards to what was lacking, the only letdown was the set for Neverland; although it provided a contrast to the Darling children’s bedroom, it could certainly have been expanded further in order to support the whimsical nature of the characters and the plot. However, the absence of some props only willed the audience (myself included) to exercise our imaginations the way the Lost Boys did, in order to visualise the scene.
Paul Hilliar performed excellently in both of his roles, and yet again had the audience reverting to a childlike state as he struck fear into our hearts as Captain Hook. As Mr Darling, he and the rest of the Darlings gave a convincing insight into family life. Undoubtedly, the most lovable member of the family was Nana (James Travers), the bumbling dog in charge of the children’s well-being. His portrayal was part of an all round excellent performance, and the fits of giggles from the children sitting behind me spoke volumes in terms of just how enchanting it truly was.
SUTCO’s Peter Pan appeals to all ages and shows that there is a part in all of us, however big or small, that really doesn’t grow up.
8/10
Charlotte Elmore, Forge Arts, 9th May 2012
