REVIEW: Peter Pan - Sutton Coldfield Musical Youth Theatre, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Peter Pan - Photo Credit: Alastair Barnsley

JM Barrie's classic Peter Pan has enchanted children and adults alike for over 100 years so it's lovely to see this triumph brought to the stage to be performed by a youth theatre group, full of boys and girls that I'm sure don't want to grow up.

A feeling of magic, wonder and excitement fills your whole body when you enter the auditorium, with the orchestra pit and stage extensions dressed up with a woodland effect, and filled with fairy lights. Having already being greeted by a friendly front of house team, the audience knew they were going to be in for a treat. I'm not one for spoilers but by now you should all know the story of the boy who doesn't want to grow up. With Peter Pan flying off to Neverland with Wendy and her brothers John and Michael, joining the rest of the Lost Boys in their quest to beat the wicked Captain Hook.

This being SCMYT's second show after the success that was 'Joseph...', the bar was certainly set very high. It was pleasing to see a number of returning cast members from last year along with a number of new faces, who all look like they've been working together for years.

The show was lead by Nate Wallace. This 12 year old has a very bright future ahead of him based on last night's performance. He plays Peter Pan with great energy, but also with a softness to the character that comes across really well. His number 'The Cleverness of Me' showed what a beautiful singing voice he has and you can tell he's no stranger to the stage. Supporting Peter on his quest was Wendy Darling, played beautifully by Sophie Pegg. The caring motherly figure to all of the Lost Boys shone whenever she was on stage and had a lovely stage presence. Sophie sang 'Just Beyond The Stars' with ease. An excellent performance. Finley Waldron played Captain Hook well, delivering the correct level of nastiness and comic timing so to not be associated with a pantomime villain. There was a comedy moment where Hook's moustache fell off at the start of Act 2, but the laughter from the audience didn't phase him. Hook's right hand man, the clumsy, positive, light-hearted Smee, was played well by Ben Hayfield. His accent, costume and comedy timing made for a great overall performance.

The chorus full of excitable Lost Boys, the fiercely warrior-like Braves and the infamous Pirates, each member had their own character to play, whether it was to help or hinder Peter Pan. Some stand out performances by Bae Rooney, full of energy and a wicked laugh, Lost Boy Twins Gracie Cawsey & Emily Haycock-Lamb who had excellent stage presence. 

It would be unfair of me to miss out the fact that everybody gave a sterling performance and you should all be very proud.

A nice use of the new digital screen at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall and an excellent range of choreography set by Jane Slassor, showcasing the many strengths of this talented group.

A great half term treat for all of the family with the show running for three more performances, including a matinee and an evening performance on Saturday 2nd November.

And remember, it's important to believe in fairies!