I said it last year and the year before that and the year before that and I’ll say it again this year – it was fabulous. Of course I am referring to Theatre Severn’s Christmas panto Peter Pan.
Producers Telford boy Paul Hendy and his wife Emily Wood proved they are as proud to be in Shrewsbury than they have been in previous years by delivering a wonderful, funny, entertaining version of Peter Pan.
With three boys five and under with me, it needed to keep their attention and the view of three little faces glued to the stage – with just a quick glance every so often to check I was joining in with Mrs Smee’s commands – the producers and cast were most certainly successful.
We love the regular faces of the talented cast including Radio Shropshire’s Eric Smith and I must admit my favourite is always panto Dame Brad Fitt who directs the show and has entertained the county audience with hundreds of different flamboyant costumes over the years – this year he’s Mrs Smee and brilliant as always.
But my biggest round of applause goes to the “young” talents – no offence intended Eric and Brad! – the youngsters from schools across Shropshire who go through competitive auditions to win their parts.
They continue with school work, they do matinees and evening shows and give their 100% every time. These people are the future of Shropshire’s stage and there’s no doubt the bright lights of London will grab them one day.
With an after show celebration, the children got to meet Peter Pan “the real one” where Dean Bray added the magic and revealed some top tips on “how to fly!” Yes three little boys have been jumping off their beds since and wondering why they land with a bump!
To all of the cast – well done and thank you is not enough. See you next year for Dick Whittington (or even maybe again this year yet!). To book tickets visit www.theatresevern.co.uk or call the box office on 01743 281281.
