MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton – until 31 December 2021
Reviewed by Emma Barnes
5*****
Peter Pan An Awfully Big Musical Adventure is the first ever Christmas Youth Production at MAST Mayflower Studios and it has certainly set the bar high for future performance. The production was jam packed full of music, adventure, magic and imagination from start to end.
We were whisked away from the Darling children’s nursery to Neverland where we met the Lost Ones, the Brave Ones, the swashbuckling pirates and the dark and sinister Captain Hook. The timeless tale was performed with such skill, we found ourselves delighted by the lost ones, mesmerized by the mermaids, and on the edge of our seats when the pirates came out. Do we believe in Fairies – we do now!
This was a story that celebrates youth and the magic of childhood, and this couldn’t have been more appropriately demonstrated by the joy and happiness that radiated from the cast. The clever use of popular songs had us singing along throughout. On several occasions the audience joined in and spontaneously clapped along. I think it’s fair to say that everyone in the room wanted Wendy as their Mother, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when the children finally flew back to the nursery.
The scene changes were managed seamlessly and professionally by the cast who made excellent use of the stage area and props. A highlight for us was the slow motion battle scene which had us shouting and cheering. The sizeable cast were wonderfully choreographed and it was especially noticeable that they all had an opportunity to showcase their individual talents and shine, we were treated to brief moments of ballet and also gymnastics which were cleverly woven into the storyline.
I certainly recommend a trip to Neverland at any age! Second to the right, and straight on till morning!