Peter Pan
The panto tradition of the principal boy has fallen out of favour recently, but Peter Pan is one of the few Christmas shows where the lead male is still likely to be played a woman.
A scene from Peter Pan at the Swan Theatre, High Wycombe
Dani Harmer, who has been playing the tomboyish Tracy Beaker on television for eight years, is perfect casting for such a role, with an appeal to boys and girls alike. It also helps that she has a great singing voice and a fearless attitude to the flying harness, which sees her soaring over the heads of an agog young audience.
All the female leads deliver strong performances, from Penni Tovey’s rollerskating Tinkerbell to Dominique Jackson’s enchanting Tiger Lily. A special mention goes to Katie Buchholz, whose solo number as Wendy (a role she alternates with Samantha Brain) indicates a great career ahead of her.
But it is the pirates who dominate on stage, with Steve McFadden clearly relishing the opportunity to break away from his EastEnders persona, creating a Captain Hook who exudes evil. Matt Slack’s Smee drives the comedy along nicely, treading a fine line between keeping the children amused while delivering lines the adults will also enjoy.
Unusually for a panto, the vocal numbers are nearly all original, elevating the show from merely another roustabout comedy into something with genuine heart.
Production information
- Management:
- Qdos Entertainment, by arrangement with the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity and Samuel French Limited
- Cast:
- Steve McFadden, Dani Harmer, Matt Slack, Dominique Jackson, Penni Tovey, The Acromaniacs
- Director:
- Sophie Lawrence
- Lighting:
- Joe Atkins
- Choreography:
- Tracy Lane
Production information can change over the run of the show.
Run sheet
- Swan High Wycombe
- December 14 2010-January 9 2011
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