A spectacular adaptation of J. M. Barrie’s famous story of the boy who never grew up hits theatres throughout the country this winter when the world renowned Wild Rose Russian Ice Stars perform Peter Pan. Read more …
Mysterious lands filled with pirates, Indians and ticking crocodiles, will transport visitors back in time to a wonderful world of make-believe as Wild Rose Ice Theatre brings to life the book which has inspired many films, including Finding Neverland, starring Johnny Depp.
Unique touches, such as penny farthings being ridden across the ice as the curtain opens on the skyline of a London park, complete with chimney stacks and chimney sweeps, paves the way for a fast moving production which guarantees more jumps and spins than you could shake a brush at.
Main characters such as Peter Pan, Wendy, Tinkerbell and Captain Hook, will spring to life against a backdrop of fire, Indian drumming, and incredible scenery changes from Wendy’s bedroom through to Hook’s secret hideout.
Stunningly choreographed moves to captivate audiences of all ages are the work of Caverliere Giuseppe Arena, who was responsible for the choreography of the opening ceremony of Turin’s 2006 Winter Olympic Games.
“In Peter Pan, everything is about the choreography,’ he explains, “There is a great deal of very tight timing incorporating challenging sporting moves which has resulted in a very fast moving production. “I use an artist’s individuality to help make the character they are playing their own – whether a mermaid, Tiger Lily, or Peter Pan and Hook in a fight and skate sequence.
“Our artists talk with their bodies and every element of the show needs to make sense – from a double axle to a butterfly spin. Everyone in the audience must be spellbound by the result.”
Audiences would do well to get their skates on and catch this spectacular show before it leaves the capital.
In short, this is the perfect show for both families not quite ready to give up the frivolous festive abandon of panto season and for avid fans of ice dancing. It is a spectacular show, and a perfect antidote to the bleak wind and rain- a sprinkling of fairy dust over February.
It's the sort of captivating family fare that will have even the most jaded theatre-goer gliding gracefully over the laminate in their fluffy slippers in imitation at home.
This is an adventure tale first and foremost, which is exactly how Wild Rose plays it, with little emotional investment but a whole load of swashbuckling excitement.
Festival Theatre, Edinburgh from Wednesday February 9, 2011, until Sunday February 13, 2011. More info: http://www.edtheatres.com/festival
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