Peter Pan

I had the pleasure of attending the final performance of the STAGE KEY Company's Musical Theatre Class - end of year production, a pantomime version of Peter Pan, presented by students aged 7 to 16.

This was classic British Pantomime, with most of the young performers demonstrating an excellent understanding of the genre, working well with the audience, who joined in with the fun.

The show opened with a direct address to the audience from Tinkerbell played by Cadence Smythe - an eight year old with confidence, style and poise.

Wendy was very nicely played by the picture-perfect Amelie, who sang gorgeously and was well supported by a serious Toby Crestoni as John and Ashton Perkins (Michael) who looks like and has the style of old-Hollywood child actor Johnny Whitaker.

The title role was superbly played by Blake Jenkins. Cheeky and loveable, he has a wonderful presence. He had a worthy adversary in Ashley Garner as Captain Hook, an excellent villain, who played very well to the audience, and commanded the stage.

STAGE KEY nicely employed the traditional Mr Darling/Captain Hook doubling, and due to misfortune added a doubling of Mrs. Darling and Mama Chief, a lucky accident which raised some interesting ideas. Stratton Bendy gave maturity and care to both roles.

The pirates were audience favourites, more amusing than scary, with comedy duo Line and Sinker played with top-notch teamwork and timing by Destiny Perkins, in breeches , and Cooper Jenkins. The motherly and funny Miss Smee was played beautifully by Matilda Jenkins.

The lost boys showed some lovely singing and enthusiastic ensemble work. Well done to Gypsy Wray (Skunk), Amy McCann (Tootles), Natalie McCann (Nibs), Erin whitehead (Curly), Isabel Lally-Barnard (Marmaduke) and Ella Jurjevich (Binky).

The Indian Braves (who prefer to be called Native Americans), show great centredness with Tanya Saku and Anupriya Rani providing good support for the sweet-voiced and sassy Alexandra Cearns as Tiger Lily. Gentle mermaids, played confidently by Alyssa Hales and Tahlia Stuart, complete the cast.

Sets and staging were simple — with lovely costuming, keeping the focus firmly on the young performers.

Wonderful to see a stage school produce such a high quality production. There is some great talent-in-development in this cast and I look forward to seeing STAGE KEY's alumni for years to come.

Kimberley Shaw