Northern Ballet’s sensational revival of David Nixon’s Peter Pan stars Jeremy Curnier in an outstanding lead performance with incredible agility and athleticism. There is a beautiful scene with his Shadow (the irrepressible NB fave Matthew Topliss) covered in black head to toe, where they incredibly mirror each other’s movements.
Rachael Gillespie as Tinkerbell brings sauciness and sensuality to the role and is mischievous and teasing too. Wendy (Antoinette Brooks-Daw) has an astutely well-observed relationship with her ever-young companion including much play-fighting, but with underlying tenderness, and the result is utterly charming and endearing.
Wendy’s two brothers, Sebastian Loe and John and Filippo Divilio as Michael, are adept in their play-acting and their piracy games become part of their Neverland adventures. The Lost Boys also really capture your emotions as they vie for Wendy’s maternal attention (she even makes them take a spoonful of medicine before bedtime). But there is a more sinister aspect to the narrative too, in the shape of Captain Hook (Javier Torres in a powerful performance) but it’s no spoiler to say that good triumphs over evil in the end.
David Nixon’s revival has an innovative and fresh approach while Peter Mumford’s set, in case you missed it first time around, is simply astounding, seamlessly flowing through the scenes with splendour and magic. While some may think it demands suspension of disbelief to be taken in by the illusion of The Rigging Team’s flying aids but I for one am swept away with childlike wonder and thrilled by the dancers’ flying feats.
Alastair West’s beautiful lighting adds another level to this supremely sumptuous production that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the heart. I know I gave Dracula five stars but this, in an entirely different way, lives up to all the standards of excellence we have come to expect from Northern Ballet. A delightful Christmas offering – simply unsurpassable as a festive theatrical treat for all the family.
Until 20 December, Leeds Grand Theatre, see the Northern Ballet website for details.
Photos: Alastair Muir
Review: Rich Jevons
Click here to read Rich Jevons’ interview with Northern Ballet’s Artistic Director David Nixon.