The Stage

Peter Pan

Published Thursday 13 December 2007 at 13:45 by Scott Matthewman

At times, Paul Daniels’ Captain Hook shuffles dejectedly across the Civic Centre’s stage as if he tires of life, and can’t wait for the crocodile to catch him. On occasion, the audience knows exactly how he feels.

The custom-built proscenium stage in this cavernous venue does at least allow enough height for some impressive wire flights from both Peter (Marcus Ashley) and Laura Johnson’s Wendy. The latter in particular enhances the entire show with her impressive vocals, which are of a standard that Ashley tries, and largely fails, to meet.

A lethargic first act, which features possibly the slowest choreography possible to Mary Poppins’ Step in Time, is enlivened by Terry Gleed’s sweet-seller turned pirate, Smee. Daniels comes alive when called upon to perform one of his trademark magic tricks, while wife Debbie McGee is clearly more comfortable singing than she is when bravely performing a solo stand-up routine.

The second act does perk up, especially as pirate gang the Acroloons display their impressive acrobatic skills. Gleed again enhances matters with a daring attempt at slapstick comedy during their routine.

Despite its flaws, there is much to like here, and a tighter show will provide much to enthrall the children and adults alike in the audience.