Young players in classic Pan

PIRATES, lost boys, fairies, crocs and clocks – the JM Barrie classic Peter Pan remains a theatre, literature and cinema favourite.
Geelong’s youthful thespians are revisiting the ever-delightful Neverland fantasy, with Pan, his buccaneering nemesis Captain Hook, Wendy, Tiger Lily and their adventures on land and sea in a show to be staged this month.
With Debbie Fraser as director, Emily Donoghue overseeing the vocals and Meagan Reid and Elly Gardiner handling choreography, GSODA Junior Players will use Geelong Performing Arts Centre (GPAC) to present the classic story of the boy who never wanted to grow up.
The troupe said the directions to its production of Peter Pan – The British Musical were simple, “take the second star on the right, head straight and keep a weather eye open for mermaids, Indians and magic”.
The GPAC stage would be transformed into a magical world for the show, GSODA said, taking audiences from Wendy’s home in London to the enchanting Neverland, accompanied by a catchy musical score including Wendy’s Song, Come Away, Rich Damp Cake and Braves to War.
The cast of singers, dancers and actors – aged between 11 and 17 – include Maddy Iloski in the title role, Liam Ryder as Pan’s charismatic arch-enemy, Hook, Chloe Stojanovic as Wendy and Harry Butcher and Flynn Dale as her little brothers, John and Michael.
GSODA will present Peter Pan – The British Musical as part of its 50th anniversary of fostering young performers in Geelong.
The not-for-profit company, whose former members include Guy Pearce, Peter Coleman-Wright and The Voice’s Jackson Thomas, will celebrate its half-century year with events including a Golden Gala and a reunion and family day in August.
GSODA said its Peter Pan would be at GPAC from 20 to 27 June.