Once again Theatretrain Isle of Wight wowed audiences with their most recent production of Peter Pan The Musical.
Performing 2 shows over 2 days, the talented cast from Theatretrain’s Saturday morning school had the audience captivated from their opening scene. The Darling family brought the stage instantly to life, with Alfie Luke’s outraged and comedic portrayal of the grumpy Mr Darling and the Darling children’s (played by Freddie Holme and Isaac Soar) excited anticipation of the arrival of their mysterious new friend, Peter Pan.
With a truly sensational stage set, accompanied by the perfect music and lighting, children sat mesmerised as they watched Peter Pan (played by Lilly Valvona) lure in Wendy, Michael and John to the magical world of Neverland. Peter Pan filled the stage with a star quality presence throughout the performance, never missing a note with her powerful voice and unlimited vocal range, further complimented by the accurately demure portrayal of Wendy, by Ava Cowen, and her beautiful and effortless vocals.
As they arrived in Neverland, the audience were transported to the magical and slightly sinister world, where children never grow old. The Lost Boys, who were played by younger members of the cast, with their ragged costumes, backcombed hair and muddy faces, were equally as successful in capturing the audience, as they loyally followed their beloved Peter Pan. They performed fantastically choreographed dance routines and acted out scenes with talented young performers shining through.
Wendy soon realises she was brought to Neverland to mother the Lost Boys and is heartbroken when she finds out that Peter, who never wants to grow old, only sees her as a friend. She takes on the role of the Lost Boys’ mother, but wants to return home. Just as she is trying to find a way home, along comes the evil villain ‘Hook’, wanting to seek revenge on Peter Pan.
Fred Valvona played the part of Hook with an energetic brilliance, finding the perfect balance between ‘evil villain’ and ‘comedic genius’. He filled the stage and the audience with an energy that ‘hooked in’ both adults and children alike and perfected a laugh that had even babies as young as 9 months old belly laughing from the crowd.
Although this wasn’t a pantomime, it was nice to see the production also incorporate audience interaction, during the act of saving the poisoned Tinkerbell (played by Lydia Jones). Peter Pan used such enthusiasm to engage the audience during this scene, that they were left in no doubt that Tinkerbell’s life was in their hands.
To produce such a phenomenal show, against all the odds, whilst battling with cast and teacher absences due to COVID, will have been no mean feat. For such an incredibly talented group of young performers to pull off such an exceptional performance in spite of this, is an absolute credit to the Theatretrain production team, vocal coaches, choreographers and acting coaches, which should have left them feeling immensely proud.
Review by Jenny Shier
Please do not forget to mention the other cast members who were playing on the Saturday evening performance. The young lad playing Peter Pan was outstanding as were his companions. No doubt two casts due to the time allowed on stage especially over two evenings with matinee as well. Brilliant entertainment and good family fun, a change for these days.
Well done!