Here is the full review submitted by Jan Souter for The Evening Telegraph:


Peter Pan

The Bonar Hall, Dundee

This colourful musical adaptation by Piers Chater Robinson, from the play by J. M. Barrie, is brought to the Dundee stage by Tread the Boards Youth Music Theatre to celebrate 150 years since the birth of the legendary Scottish author (writes Jan Souter).

It comprises all you would expect from a version of Peter Pan, including the dastardly Captain Hook, pirates, Indians, the lost boys of Never Land and high flying.

Abbie Clarkson is a charming teenage Peter, with the maturity to capture quite complex emotions, while Katie Lynch is sweet-voiced, demure Wendy, also confused about her feelings.

Captain Hook is well played by Finlay Raffle, with just the right balance between hapless and horrid, his rendition of Goodbye Peter Pan being a particular highlight. His troop of pirates include Simon Gordon as Smee and Kyle McCord as Starkey, who ham it up nicely as his boatswain and first mate, responsible for much of the humour.

Max Brunton as John and Jake McGuire as loveable Michael, are very confident for their young age and together with Peter and Wendy handle the flying well.

Taylor Petrie gives an assured performance as their mother Mrs Darling, Finlay Raffle is their suitably overwrought father and, stealing the show at times, is Nana, their nursemaid dog.

Rachael Healy is an excellent Tiger Lily, joining with the other braves in the Indian camp to produce the most spectacular scene of the show.

A few technical hitches failed to faze this young cast and although the first half could have benefited from a little more pace, the second half rockets along.

Although not a pantomime, there is scope for audience participation in booing the dastardly Captain Hook and when Peter begs them to believe in fairies to save Tinkerbell.

Produced and directed by Brian and Agnes Boardman, this is a fun evening out for all ages.

It runs tonight and tomorrow at 7.30, when there is also a matinee at 2.30pm.





Edited by Brian - 22/Feb/2010 at 11:20am