Tag Archives: Pleasance Theatre

Review of The Lost Boy Peter Pan – 5 Stars

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Pan

The Lost Boy Peter Pan

Pleasance Theatre

Reviewed – 8th December 2017

★★★★★

“a slick and flawless performance”

 

This fantastic production of a modern retelling of Peter Pan was a marvel in every way. I spent the entire production smiling at the live music, onstage action and physicalisation, and adept story telling.

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Talent shone from every actor as they all sang, moved, and played multiple instruments with ease. The instruments never got in the way of the piece and always added to the character; for example in an excellently choreographed fight scene a cello and bow became swords.

The acting was superb, and of note Thomas Parrish’s embodiment of Michael which was believable and heart-warming. It was also great to see the boundaries of stereotypes being pushed in the camp, love seeking Hook (Wesley Lineham).

The live music, with covers of songs spanning from The Beatles right up to present day, gave this updated version of J M Barrie’s work a modern twist. The interaction between actor and instrument was impeccable and added to the slickness of the piece. Scenes, costumes and props were all changed fluidly and the company worked together seamlessly. For a tricky ensemble piece, clear direction (Alexandra Spencer-Jones) and choreography has resulted in a slick and flawless performance.

There were clever nods to 2017 throughout, with the use of current and popular music, the obligatory mention of Brexit, and the naming of ‘Red Indian’ as no longer a PC term. All these brought this story relevance to our modern day. The set was simple, and had a focus on multiple uses for items such as boxes as drums and hooks as decoration and costume hangers. It was a busy set with lots of lights and string and instruments but did not feel over crowded or in the way.

These multitalented actors were a joy to watch and this theatrically faultless fun retelling of the Lost Boy is perfect for any age group.

 

Reviewed by Lucy Marsh

Photography by The Other Richard

 

 

The Lost Boy Peter Pan

is at the Pleasance Theatre until 7th January 2018

 

 

Click here to see more of our latest reviews on thespyinthestalls.com

 

 

Remember

I Remember

Pleasance Theatre

Reviewed – 29th September 2017

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

 

“The talent and skill involved in making I Remember is unquestionable”

 

 

As part of Litmus Fest, The Loumgair Collective presents I Remember, a deeply personal account of one woman’s experience of Asperger’s Syndrome told through spoken word and musical accompaniment. A love letter which charts her journey from diagnosis to the current day, this piece attempts to explore a much misunderstood condition and the people who face it.

The work undoubtedly has fantastic potential. There is an admirable clarity of focus in how Loumgair has approached this work. The use of the soundscape is particularly impressive; it slowly builds to a cacophony of abstract sounds that bombard the audience (ear plugs are provided on arrival if it gets too much). Not only does it suit the mood, but as a device, it nicely reflects the multitude of untranslatable stimuli that someone with the condition may have to deal with. The performance is eloquent and earnest, Georgina Norie is a confident performer and the care and respect for each syllable is clear even when competing with the growing crescendo.

My concern is that as a piece of theatre, it remains a difficult piece to engage with. The spoken-word is rhythmic and lyrical but offers little variation in tone or sentiment. While impassioned, it is repetitive and what starts off as charming, is in danger of becoming monotonous.

Despite this, I think this is a piece that is worth sticking with. An excellent example of what Litmus Fest is about – work with a strong agenda that requires support and development, incorporating multiple disciplines. The talent and skill involved in making I Remember is unquestionable and I will be interested to see its next incarnation.

 

Reviewed for thespyinthestalls.com

Photography by Ailbhe Treacy

 

 

 

I REMEMBER

was at The Pleasance Theatre

as part of Litmus Fest 2017

 

 

 

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