CityLife

Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure

Peter Pan – A Musical Adventure
The Lowry
December 11, 2010

Although Peter Pan, the stage play, has been seen before at The Lowry, this is the first time this musical version of JM Barrie’s famous work, has been seen in the theatre.

I had initial misgivings about anyone tampering with the work, which has become practically a national treasure but the audience reaction was so strong I decided to go with the flow.

This Tony Award-winning version has music by the American maestro of musicals Jule Styne. He was responsible for major show-stopping hits such as Don’t Rain On My Parade, Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend and Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

While they may not be included in this particular work and unfortunately there are no big stand-alone numbers, he can write a good tune. There’s also a great cast including Manchester’s lovable John Henshaw (Looking For Eric) who makes a delightful Smee and Leigh-born Sarah Jayne Dunn (Mandy Richardson in Hollyoaks) as Mrs Darling.

Peter (pictured) is played by Thomas Law (Peter Beale in EastEnders) making an impressive stage debut while singing, sword-fencing and turning cartwheels in the air.

His nemesis, the dastardly Captain Hook, is played with just the right balance between wickedness and jolliness by Coronation Street baddie Brian Capron (Richard Hillman).

The sets and costumes are terrific and the flying works a treat. This production owes its success to the excellent direction of David Fleeshman who guarantees that the magic is not lost among all the campness of a Broadway production.

Styne once said he loved Manchester because the audiences here knew a good musical from a bad one. I think he’d have been pleased that his Peter Pan was so well-received in Salford.

Until Saturday, January 1, 2011.

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