Peter & The StarCatcher
Immerse Yourself in this Hilarious and Timeless Prequel to Peter Pan
Reviewed by Karina Lawrence
Peter and the Starcatcher is a whimsical, adventure-lled play that explores themes of identity, friendship and the power of imagination, while also setting the stage for the classic Peter Pan tale. Commissioned and originally produced by Disney Theatrical Group, this swashbuckling tale has been brought to Australian shores after receiving 5 Tony Awards from its time on Broadway.
A play by Rick Price this clever adventure tale is a delight that offers the magic of imagination, comical wit and enchantment.
Showing at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney there was a denite buzz of anticipation that lled the foyer for the opening night and the show certainly didn’t disappoint.
A wondrous mystical and enchanting performance bought to life from Producers Dead Poet Society, Glass Half Full Productions, Jones Theatrical Group and Damien Hewitt along with Executive Producer Nicholas Paine is cleverly derived by playwright Rick Elice as a prelude to the famous Tale of Peter Pan.
The anticipation with the staging set up was magical, enduring and meaningfully connected within the title of this fabulous production. Including an awesome cast showcasing their incredible talent keeping you engaged with the beautiful execution of comic timing and quick witted lines.
Peter Helliar who plays Smee is truly a breath of fresh air and the chemistry and comedic connection he has with Colin Lane who plays Black Stache is absolutely delightful and clearly engages the audience. Lucy Goleby plays Mrs Bumbrake with her eloquent nature, cheekiness introducing those Nanny vibes to the story we all know and love to come…
John Batchelor plays Alf and Teacher and it was so delightful to see his talent we are use to witnessing on the screen continue up there on the stage. Paul Capsis who plays Bill Slank and Hawking Clam is sheer brilliance. You can’t keep your eyes away from his embodiment of theatrical mannerisms throughout the show while Olivia Deeble playing Molly brings a brass energy that depicts the magical element of light and a beautiful resemblance to the well known fairy Tinkerbell.
Otis Dhanji’s performance is both infectious and alluring as he brings to life the famous Boy and Peter who’s boyish charm of wonder and youthful energy literally lights up the stage. Benjin Maza who plays Ted and Morgan Francis playing Prentiss also bring that mischievous and joyful charm with their antics and engaging embodiment of their roles. Hugh Parker plays Captain Scott effortlessly with his leadership and stoic ways alongside Alison Whyte playing Lord Aster with great poise in her powerful energy!
The creative and production team certainly are a huge part to this superb production with Direction and Design from David Morton and Associate Creative Director, Matt Seery along with Creative Producer, Gareth Lake and Nicholas Paine.
The Music by Wayne Baker is infectious, dreamlike and uplifting. Music Direction and Additional Music from James Dobinson with Sound Design and Head of Sound by Matthew Erskine and Isaac Ogivie as well as Deputy Head of Sound, Peter Rhoades.
The Lighting Design by Ben Hughes and Head of Lighting, Simon Hardy is intricate and atmospheric, while the Costume Designer, Anna Cordingley enhance the production with a beautifully depicted wardrobe from this era also offering some stunning and majestic moments with wondrous mermaids that light up the stage.
The choreography and movement bring the performance together beautifully with Movement Direction by Liesel Zink. The technical elements including puppetry throughout along with the sets are truly cleverly integrated throughout this performance and the way it enhances the atmosphere and storyline is delivered beautifully.
This vibrant production will certainly leave you with those feel good feelings while been swept aways to another world, quite possibly to the wondrous Neverland enhancing ones dreams and imagination.
Immerse yourself in this hilarious and timeless prequel to Peter Pan that will have you hooked from the moment you let your imagination take fight.
