From auditions to ‘curtain up’ on opening night, excitement and expectations for ‘Peter Pan Jnr’ ran high. Despite late arrival of scripts and vocal books, auditions were finally held and Middleton drama hopefuls put their best foot forward. From the villainous Hook, through to Pirates, children and animals, Thursday nights were fully used to put actors and dancers through demanding paces. From tango to energetic dance routines, steps were refined and songs practised, until most of the Company and twenty associated staff, suffered sleepless nights plagued by ear-worms such as: Wendy House or Hook’s Tango. For many weeks, colourful character lines and quotes rang across the Performing Arts corridors, and were said to be muttered under breath in many form meetings.

Behind the scenes, Mrs Nielson and Miss Lee constructed props, including a large alarm clock (purportedly swallowed by the crocodile), Mrs Addison ordered T shirts, Mr McCormack built six large boxes, (expertly painted by Miss Goddard), and considered the complexities of a new lighting system. Mr Glover painted a Victorian doghouse for Nana, Miss Goddard painted the equivalent of a small house interior, and a small army of students and staff arrived every week to practise solutions to: flying pupils and constructing a large vessel for the Pirates. Mr Tempero up-skilled his audio technology skills and worked on a unique pre-show announcement, and Mrs Vanvoorthuizen rehearsed Company singing and considered costume requirements for all. Mr Cruz, Mr Smith and Miss Lee trained dancers and polished rough treasure into pirate gold.

Charlotte Amersfoort found a new job as a PA for Mrs Macfarlane, and can now speak with authority on the secret storage of cables and sound systems in The Grange. Mrs Macfarlane threw out requests for help, and willing students, dedicated staff, students and brave parents arrived, painted, constructed and volunteered their time across several weekends. (She eventually remembered to eat her tea during rehearsals, whilst practising her best Pirate limp around the campus and set.)

We thank Senior Management and extended Performing Arts Staff for their commitment and vision for a memorable, and exciting season of Peter Pan Jnr. Congratulations to all who were involved onstage and beyond.

“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.”

J.M. Barrie

Peter Pan