The tradition of a winter pantomime is returning to Stornoway…after a three-year break enforced by the Covid-19 pandemic. And this time around it’s Peter Pan!
Once again, you’ll be able to join Peter and Wendy on a stunning adventure to Neverland, with pirates, mermaids, lost boys and, of course, the wicked Captain Hook, pursued by his ticking crocodile!
With song and dance, plenty of the panto elements you love and lots of audience participation, there’s only one question to ask; do you believe in fairies?
And there will be familiar faces from TV in the main cast.
For instance, Peter Pan is Jamie Fletcher from Hollyoaks on Channel 4; Mr Smee is Joe Chambers off CBBC’s Rhyme Rocket; and Tinkerbelle is Vera Chok, making a guest appearance also from Hollyoaks.
They will be appearing at the Cresset Theatre in Peterborough for two weeks from December 15.
Also taking part are Edward Simpson as Mrs Smee; Tiger leader of the Stornoway Indians Cheerleaders is George Dee; and Captain Hook is Larry Stubbings.
Wendy is Victoria Jane – an actress, band member, children’s presenter, puppeteer, skin artist and voice-over artist probably best known for her role as Noo-Noo the Hoover in The Teletubbies 2015 remake.
This version of Peter Pan is coming to An Lanntair arts centre from 18 - 21 January next year. It is directed by Stuart Morrison from Ness who’s been producing winter shows at An Lanntair for more than a decade.
And you can take part yourself – well, you can if you’re between 8 years 6 months and 18 years.
Sandwickhill Studios are holding panto auditions on Saturday 27 August.
They say: “We are looking for boys and girls to take part in acting and dancing in this Stuart Morrison production.
“We will be auditioning for child actors, dancers, and cheerleaders!
“Register your interest here and we'll send you the full audition information and everything you need to know about the audition and taking part in the show.
“There is a one-off fee to cover the cost of classes and rehearsals for £30.”
Of course, there is a direct connection between Peter Pan author J. M Barrie and the Western Isles. After the death of his friends Arthur and Sylvia Llewelyn Davies, in 1907 and 1910, Barrie, called “Uncle Jim”, decided to adopt their five boys, George, John (Jack), Peter, Michael and Nicholas (Nico). He had first met George and Jack together with their nurse and baby Peter in London’s Kensington Gardens where he used to walk his Saint Bernard dog. He lived in a house nearby.
In July 1912, J.M. Barrie decided to take the boys with him on a fishing holiday to the Isle of Harris. After staying some time at the Harris Hotel, where Barrie engraved his initials on the glass pane of a dining room window, they stayed in Amhuinnsuidhe Castle. There he conceived his famous play, Mary Rose, a story which takes place in a little island situated in the nearby Loch Voshimid.
This production is sponsored by the Scottish Co-op; Stornoway Media Centre; and D R Macleod Ltd.
https://sandwickhill-dance-academy.class4kids.co.uk/camp/32
https://www.cresset.co.uk/pantomime/