Castle Gardens, Norwich
Castle Gardens, Norwich
Norwich Castle Gardens doubled as Neverland on Sunday, as the Chalkfoot theatre group kicked off the Open Stages programme of summer performances with their version of JM Barrie's evergreen tale.
Specially adapted for outdoor performance by director Philip Dart, the production tackled the story of Wendy and John Darling's encount-er with Peter Pan with ingeniously simple set design, aided by an appropriate sprinkling of make-believe. Children miraculously 'flew' thanks to small see-saws built into the stage.
The imaginative direction complemented a strong cast who carried off the at times hilariously un-PC dialogue with aplomb - at one point Wendy (a suitably jolly-hockey-sticks Natalie Ball) anxiously exhorted Peter (John Cockerill) not to “forget to change his flannels”.
Michael Duncan entertainingly played Hook as an oily, caddish Tory MP. Kevin Kemp also had great fun as Hook's haplessly ineffectual sidekick, Smee.
Despite the odd spot of rain, children, mums and dads and even the temporarily displaced adolescent cider-drinkers watching from the sides were rapt by this fresh take on a classic yarn.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here