“This one got me hooked” – Small House Big Trips
Bilston Operatic Company, an award winning musical theatre company, are gracing the stage of Wolverhampton Grand Theatre this week (until Saturday 12th November 2022) performing everyone’s favourite childhood story, Peter Pan. A stage show for all of the family.
I headed along this evening to see the show and what a fabulous time I had.
For those unaware of the story (have you lived under a rock?!) The show starts in the home of Mr and Mrs Darling, their three children and their family dog. Mrs Darling (Lydia Hackett) and Mr Darling (Jon Dempsey) have to go out to attend an event and once they have left and the house is quiet, Peter Pan (Fergus Edwards) makes himself known to the three Darling children, Wendy (Maddie Evans), John (Joseph Dowen) and Michael (Jett Austin-Richards).
After locating his shadow, finding out the ending of Cinderella and deciding Wendy would make a great mother figure, Peter teaches them all how to fly and they head off to Never Land full of colourful characters including the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily (Issy Checketts) and of course, the dastardly Captain Hook (Dan Smith) and his side kick Smee (Zachary Hollinshead) who brings a touch (bucketload) of loveable Black Country-ness to the role and maybe an air of Tim Minchin? What will happen in the Bilston Operatic Society version? You will have to book tickets to see.
This version really is a Musical Adventure featuring music and lyrics by the award-winning duo Anthony Drewe and George Stiles. With music played by the incredibly talented Midland Concert Orchestra. There were some epic singing performances including Lydia Hacketts performance of ‘Just Home’, Maddie Evans solo performance of ‘Just Beyond the Stars’ and Maddie and Fergus duo of ‘One Big Adventure’.
I laughed, smiled and thoroughly enjoyed the show. It is a real family show (those aged 6 and above) and has moments to wow you, a chance for some audience participation and plenty to keep you entertained.
The stage design was great. With full scenery changes in the blink of an eye and the clever use of lighting and sound, Bilston Operatic Society should be going home this evening incredibly proud of themselves. Each and every cast member.
A special shout out goes to Bear, the gorgeous St. Bernard who plays the role of the Darling family dog.
If you would like to book tickets to the show, click here. They currently have a wonderful offer on where a family of four can come for just £75.
I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Bilston Operatic Company on such a brilliant performance but also a comgratulations as this production marks the 60th anniversary of performing at the Grand. What an achievement.
Disclaimer: I was invited to the production of Peter Pan. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.