There is always something exciting and magical about a new production of J.M.Barrie’s Peter Pan and this production, taking place at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, is no exception. The story is one that has been told and retold to generations of children and adults alike and has been made famous by various interpretations on the big screen. But seeing the story being told in the open air and in Regent’s Park just feels so right and has us all excited.
The production, which uses J.M.Barrie’s original stage play, is set within the context of the Great War. Peter Pan and the Lost Boys were inspired by the death of George Llewelyn Davies who was killed in action in World War 1, one among many ‘lost boys’ belonging to that generation.
Hiran Abeysekera is Peter Pan alongside David Birrell as Captain Hook, Beverly Rudd as Smee and George Bukhari as Nibs. It is recommended for ages 9 and up and the director, Timothy Sheader, promises us lots and lots of flying!
As Hiran Abeysekera says “When you’re flying high up there it’s the most amazing feeling. But you are constantly reminded that you’re not a bird, you’re just a human. My life is totally in the hands of the counter weight, and they’re all solid – they’re brilliant guys! They have to know what the rhythm of the scene is, what the rhythm of my character is, I have to feel them as well. It’s not me flying, it’s them flying me and we have to understand each other’s bodies and rhythms to make it work. It’s quite minutely specific. But it’s really thrilling. You feel like a superhero for a bit, a little jump can take you 30 feet up in the air!”
Peter Pan opens on 15 May and runs until 14 June at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre 2015
Box Office: 0844 826 4242
Online Bookings: www.openairtheatre.com
By arrangement with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity to whom J.M.Barrie passed the copyright for the play, so that the charity continues to benefit every time it’s performed.