On Thursday 3rd July at 7pm, me, my boyfriend Aaron, my friends Robyn Matty and Joanne, and also Shez and Lou who were seated separately, attended the Little Theatre in Doncaster to see their adaptation of Peter Pan.

It was quite funny because for some reason we had it in our heads this production was going to be a pantomime, so then obviously we questioned: “Why would there be a pantomime in July? Not Christmas or Easter?” Haha 🤣

This adaptation marked the theatre’s 30th anniversary, and 54 years of Simon Carr, the director, being involved in the arts

I was pleasantly surprised as the production surpassed my expectations. Being a “little” theatre, you assume it might lack professionalism, both in acting and stage technicality. Yet, I thoroughly enjoyed it 😁😁

Peter Pan, the play, was first produced by JM Barrie, a Scottish playwright in 1904, in 1928 the definitive version was published in 5 acts. Peter Pan, the protagonist, depicted as selfish and somewhat anarchical, entering the mythological sphere as the “eternal boy” figure

In 1953, Walt Disney introduced the continually popular animated film in which the cartoon Peter is less villainous and more so charming and impish

The story is embedded in our popular culture. Peter Pan and Tinkerbell, the tiny fairy, visits the Darling’s household nursery in London, Peter is trying to retrieve his lost shadow. Offering Wendy and her two brothers the chance to fly away to Neverland, to be young forever. Wendy becoming the mothering storyteller for the Lost Boys, in which Peter is the captain. An island populated by evil pirates and the sworn enemy of Peter, Captain Hook. The tick-tocking crocodile who has engulfed Hook’s hand. The leader of the “redskins braves” Tiger Lily, one of many girls desperate for Peter’s affections, though I don’t think he’s really that bothered! … Fun, quests and adventures… The play was born from fantasy games and tales JM Barrie played and told children

As we congregated to our seats, before the play began, Gran (Jo Chorlton) swinged gently on a rocking chair knitting, opening with her grandson Ralph sitting patiently, waiting for a bedtime story, the tale of Peter Pan and Neverland, a place where children never grow up.

Some notable performances:

Lily-May Barker-Jones did an astonishing job of playing Wendy, demure and conservative. John was played greatly by Leon Dejk, and Michael by a highly impressive young girl Faith Armitage, who, for a very small child, projected and expressed herself fabulously.

Adam Parkin was fantastic and convincing as a spirited Peter Pan. He is actually good friends with my mate Shez, who decided to come with us to offer support. I recognised Kayleigh Harding (Tootles, Lost Boy) from her previously playing Cinderella, she is friends with my pal Matty. Phil Towe I remembered also from the Aladdin pantomime. He performed both Mr Darling and the pirate Cookson.

Robert Stevens as Captain Cook was epic. Great demanding stage presence, slightly camp, a delightfully devilish delivery. Smee (Cole Blakely) was likewise idiosyncratic in his expression

My favourite character by far was Tinkerbell played by the very talented Rachel Cunningham. Although she had no dialogue (and I even joked to Aaron, “I bet it took her ages to learn her lines!”) her exaggerated mannerisms and body language were on point and highly comical

The props were minimalist and simple, yet the performance completely seamless. I particularly enjoyed the visual representation of the jaw snapping green crocodile🐊

Yes, perhaps a stripped back adaptation of the classic tale, but artistic, with original catchy songs, diverse casting of talented performers, imaginative and an absolute pleasure to watch…

We wanted it to NEVER end!

For my next UnicornPostbox blog post, I am still on with nightly crescent 🌙 moon diamond art, 💎 🎨 I intend to start a celebrity portrait of Keane Reeves soon, also there is a Wonky Donkey pub painting in August 🥰🥰

Thank you as ever for taking the time to read/view 💕 Much love, Lauren xx

[Information obtained from the official Doncaster Little Theatre official program]

http://www.britannica.com [Accessed 14th July 2025]

© 2025 Lauren Parr / https://unicornpostbox.com