Illyria Theatre Company: ‘Peter Pan’
Logie Steading - 21/07/22
This company represent the essence of theatre and what it should be about. Open air theatre company Illyria were founded 30 years ago by director Oliver Gray. This is his 64th production for the company and he really knows what the public want. Firstly, the British public love outdoor stuff, me included. Whatever the weather they will turn out with their collapsible seats and picnic boxes ready for everything. Harking back to medieval times the show, whatever it is, is at the heart of ‘proper’ theatre. There is no hiding place for the actors, and they must employ all their skills to hold the attention of an audience who are just a few feet away from them. No grand theatres, special effects, and large chorus to back them up. Plus, a touring schedule which no sensible person would undertake. Strike the set, in the van and on to the next venue tomorrow. Take heed all those divas of the West End.
Peter Pan is embedded in the pantheon of quintessentially British children’s stories. The statue in Kensington Gardens, the statue in Kirriemuir, both are much loved and celebrate the Scottish novelist and playwright. Productions of his play have been part of the collective memory of most adults’ childhood. Originally presented at the Duke of York’s theatre in 1904 and surviving numerous productions from bad Hollywood movies, pantomime adaptations to becoming the standard Christmas show in the 50’s. On a personal level I can remember as a child being taken to see Margaret Lockwood with her daughter Julia by my parents. Then taking our children to the Barbican (when our son thought the crocodile was real) to a poor production at the National Theatre.
So how can an outdoor production with a cast of five bring the magic alive? With a sell-out audience they succeeded magnificently. With brilliant rigging and a slightly rickety set, Peter flew in through the window and children and adults cheered. And he flew, and flew and flew, turning somersaults as did Wendy and a bonus sexy mermaid. Oliver Gray’s lovely and funny adaptation has “changed or removed elements that no longer have a place and updated the language without sacrificing the eloquence of the original”. Over two hours sped by, engaging enrapt children and adults alike.
The cast are strong and undertake numerous quick changes without losing the momentum. Elizabeth Robin is a delightful Mrs Darling, operates Tinkerbell (a lovely puppet on a long wand), at times plays various pirates and makes a gorgeous mermaid. Nicholas Lee, as both John and a hilarious Smee is an excellent physical performer. Probably because he is also a professional magician. Nick Taylor makes a great Mr Darling and Captain Hook throwing himself into both roles with enormous energy. I particularly loved him emerging from a box in the final scene. Rachel O’Hare makes a calming and charming Wendy bringing the show to a close. Of course, Peter himself is the key role and it is ably filled by Seonaid Stevenson. Full of braggard, flying on and off with ease, she physically embodies the very essence of the boy who never wanted to grow up. She holds the show together. Who plays Nana, the dog is not mentioned in the programme, but an excellent skin performance? As the audience make their way back to the field carpark Smee is there collecting for Great Ormond Street to whom Barrie left all the rights, benefiting child audiences and sick children at the same time. A shout out also must be made to Logie Steading and Panny Laing, whose husband inherited the estate. She faithfully books the company for three different productions every year and is found tearing tickets at the entrance. What a delight for local folk in the Highlands and visiting tourists to enjoy. A lovely evening in a beautiful highland setting.
The company are off to Conifox Park in Edinburgh next and are a third of the way through their 44-date tour. Check their website for other touring shows, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘Pirates of Penzance’
