Peter Pan flies in

11:35am Wednesday 6th August 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

A CORNER of Altrincham will become Never Never Land next month when Heartbreak Productions brings its production of Peter Pan to Sale will form the backdrop for JM Barrie’s Historic Dunham Massey provides the setting for thechildren’s classic, which is being performed by Heartbreak Productions.

Directing the show is Peter Mimmack who describes it is an “iconic” story that basically has everything - from adventure and danger to flying and romance.

Is it difficult though, re-creating the enchanting magic of thiis tale on stage?

“No is the short answer but obviously there are some difficulties we’ve had to overcome - the logistics and capabilities in a traditional theatre set up are very different to those of outdoor productions. While we can’t use ropes and pulleys to facilitate the illusion of flying with outdoor theatre I think there tends to be a closer relationship between the audience and the actors and this means the audience gets more involved and swept along with the action,” he says.

Does he think Peter Pan is the greatest children’s story of all time?

“It’s certainly up there with The Wizard of Oz, Wind in the Willows and Alice Through The Looking Glass. They are all classics but for me, as a bloke, it has to be Peter Pan - with the fights, escapes and a worthy villain. They all add vibrancy and make this story unrivalled,” says Peter.

According to the excellent movie Finding Never Land starring Johnny Depp as the celebrated author, Barrie came across as a grown up who had never grown up. His imagination remained childishly fertile, he never lost his sense of wonder. If it was possible for Peter to travel back in time to meet the great man, is there one question that he’d love to ask him?

“Did you want the children in Peter Pan to behave like adults and the adults like children? I think this is suggested in the book but I’d like a bit of clarity on it. It would be great to talk to him about it,” he says. Rick Bowen * Heartbreak Productions present Peter Pan by JM Barrie at Dunham Massey on August 16 at 7.7pm. Tickets are available from 0161 941 1025.

What a pity then, that that sort of thing only happens in fairytales...