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REVIEW
​Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
7th-19th November 2018
We all have our definitive version of Peter Pan and despite all the many interpretations, the Disney animation will always be my favourite unless, of course, you can count the Mischief Theatre Company's hilarious Peter Pan Goes Wrong which many an am dram company will, no doubt be able to relate to in one form or another.  Thankfully for Southend Operatic & Dramatic Society, their production of Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure with music by George Stiles, Lyrics by Anthony Drewe and written by Willis Hall, has no such mishaps and has cleverly been brought to the Palace Theatre, Southend stage under the co-direction of Emma Stow and Heather Cooper.

This version of the well known story of the boy who never grew up, is also based on J M Barrie's original play and takes us from the Darling children's nursery in Bloomsbury to Neverland where Peter Pan, the Lost Boys, Captain Hook and all of his pirates hang out.  Billed as a musical and not a panto - oh no it isn't, oh yes it is (sorry, couldn't resist) - there are certainly moments when the boundaries almost verge over to panto; with over-enthusiastic facial and bodily gesticulations towards the audience from the mute Tinkerbell (Millie Gallagher) and a bit of mugging up from Les Cannon as Hook's side-kick, Smee.  There's also that moment where poor old Tinkerbell is almost at death's door and the only thing that can bring her back to life is the knowledge that we all believe in fairies.  Peter has no choice but to ask the audience, which thankfully was two thirds full of school children on the Thursday matinee I attended, who screeched that YES of course they did at full volume whilst the rest of us were able to get away with politely clapping our encouragement.

Sadly, it's a well known fact that times are pretty tough for a lot of am dram companies right now and cut backs are having to be made across the board.  SODS haven't shied away from taking on a big production but instead have fully utilised their resources with making their own scenery and props for this show, proving that you don't need a huge set to make an impact.  They have also struck lucky with having a fabulously talented Wardrobe Department, headed by Louise Lee who has done a pretty marvellous and creative job with all the costumes in this show -  make sure you check out Smee's boots for a rather ingenious buckle creation!

One of the differences of this musical is that it has a narrator to move the story along and this part has very ably been taken on by Suzanne Walters who has the most gorgeous voice yet, sadly, doesn't get to sing as much as one would like in this role. 

Peter Pan is brought to life by Ewan Dunlop who, having been a member of the Society since he was a young lad, is now proving that he has what it takes to approach bigger roles within the company.  Wendy is nicely played by newcomer to SODS, Emma Howell, who really captures the essence of what Wendy is all about.

There are some nicely played performances from the supporting cast including Maddy Lahna as Tiger Lilly.   I adored Just Beyond The Stars, sung by Sam Coles as Mrs Darling.  All of the pirates (who, incidentally, seemed to either come from East London or the West Country) and the lost boys showed stacks of enthusiasm with Ashley-Marie Stone and Kirsty Buxton showing some nicely played character development skills.

However, the stand out performance was Jonny Buxton in the dual roles of Mr Darling and Captain Hook.  Although a stalwart member of SODS, Jonny must be one of the biggest am dram 'tarts' in Southend - I don't think there's hardly a company who hasn't had him appear for them in one role or another - this, of course, is with very good reason: he's flipping good!  Jonny has a way of always completely encapsulating every character he takes on and making them believable, no matter how wacky they are.  His Captain Hook is delightful.

There are some lovely melodic as well as upbeat songs in this production and I can see why MD, Andrew Walters would want to take on this score.  The Cleverness of Me, When I Kill Peter Pan, and A Pirate With a Conscience particularly stood out for me and sounded great aided of course by the musical talents of the 8 strong band in the orchestra pit.

There is a wonderful moment towards the end of this show, which I won't spoil for you, but left me feeling rather melancholy and a teeny bit emotional.  This may not be the definitive Peter Pan, but in a world where growing up and even being a grown up is a pretty tough gig, this Peter Pan is here to represent youth, freedom and truth - ideals that won't hurt any of us to be reminded of.
Evening performances £19.00
Matinee £17.00
Concs £13.00
Group discounts are available (evening performances only)
www.southendtheatres.org.uk  Box Office: 01702 351135
Check out our interview below with Peter Pan directors, Emma Stow and Heather Cooper along with MD, Andrew Walters.  The cast also perform 3 musical numbers from the show for us too!

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