Presented by the Apollo Youth Theatre, Peter Pan Forever, written by Karl Whitmore and directed by Mish Whitmore, must be hailed as a true triumph.
A refusal to grow old may seem an ironic comment on a show which required three years to come to fruition.
The challenges were clearly and humorously reflected on by Karl in the excellent introductory notes to the programme. I expect the "down moments" were probably downplayed.
I admire the courage of all those who staunchly stuck to this challenge, as the outcome made it so worthwhile.
A cautious estimate of the entire team totals around 60, not mentioning all those who became too big, old, distant through circumstance, education and other needs.
The team emerged as a skilled, empathetic, respectful group of young actors, movers and dancers, with stagecraft and each other as their sole focus.
The set was adaptable, and functioned to provide every need.
How to get Peter, Eva and Wren to fly, without Hollywood?
Apollo Youth Theatre did it so carefully, all moving together with only respect for the play and each other.
I was converted (not necessarily very unexpectedly) to wishing for a return to the unfaked expediencies of a simpler age.
Pick the actor up, hold him/her horizontally, and steer. He/she will fly. I felt the Globe Theatre, Southbank, would have liked it.
The four human(oid) groups of cast were all so integrated. Superb choreography and movement from the Mermaids, lovely slithering by the Lost Boys, and a real feeling of old-fashioned "swashbuckling" by the Pirates.
The three puppets were unforgettable. Scarlett the parrot was mesmerising, her gibberish-spouting commentator irresistible.
The crocodile took my breath away, and I want to see the octopus in every show from now on.
The three central characters, played by Harrison Hartup, Lily Boudewijn and Isla Rea, moved and interacted superbly.
My guests all agreed with me that Black Nell, Tinkerbell, Tiger Lily and Nico joined Hook in keeping us all "hooked".
Superb job, all of you. So much credit to the dedication of the exceptional Whitmore family. Please tell us what's going to be next.
REVIEW BY PHILIP FRYER
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