Sherman Cymru’s well-loved Christmas show makes a welcome return to the city this year with an exciting adaptation of Peter Pan. Get ready to be whisked away on an exciting adventure with sword fights, pirates, crocodiles and flying in Peter Pan - Sherman Cymru’s first Christmas production back in their new theatre, from 30 November 2012 – 5 January 2013, suitable for ages 7+. Peter Pan will be the first large scale Christmas show in Sherman Cymru’s new home. The theatre closed its doors to the public over two years ago for its redevelopment and audiences have been desperate to see the recognisable Sherman Cymru Christmas show back on its stage. Adapted by Cardiff based writer, Rob Evans (Kes, Caged, The Ballad of Pondlife McGurk and Kappa for Catherine Wheels Theatre Company), the magical re-imagining of J.M Barrie’s classic story will feature favourite characters Peter, Tink and the Lost Boys, but turns the story on its head when Wendy encounters the darkly charming and dangerous Captain Hook. Set on Christmas Eve, it tells the tale of Wendy who, with no mum and no money, is trying desperately to make it the best Christmas possible for her dad and two brothers. As the cold reality of her situation dawns, a mysterious rebel appears at Wendy’s window talking of danger, excitement and adventure in a world far far away. Enchanted by Peter’s stories, and despite the objections of his less than friendly fairy Tink, Wendy joins him on a magical journey to Neverland where she meets fairies and finds a new family with the Lost Boys. However, when things don’t turn out as she planned and the shadow of Captain Hook looms large, Wendy finds herself entering the most difficult struggle of her life. Whilst keeping hold of the most loved parts of the Peter Pan story, Sherman Cymru’s version has been brought forward in time. Adapter, Rob Evans explains: “I wanted to see if I could keep the elusive magic of Barrie's original - the strange darkness of Hook, the danger and joy of Pan himself, the weirdness and humour of Neverland's inhabitants - whilst dispensing with the Edwardian view of childhood and make it a thrilling adventure for young and old alike. I wrote it for anyone who has ever made a den, fought pirates, lit a fire under the stars or wanted to stay somewhere forever. And I wrote it because I've always thought that deep inside Wendy, must at some point, want to pull off her pinny and kick some ass.” The set, designed by Lucy Osborne (Berenice - Donmar Warehouse; Utopia - Soho Theatre; Twelfth Night - Chicago Shakespeare Thearter (winner of the ‘Jeff Award’ for Scenic Design) , will feature Wendy’s 1970s council flat, the Lost Boys’ treehouse and even a new take on Hook’s Pirate Ship. Director of Peter Pan and Associate Director of Sherman Cymru, Róisín McBrinn (Sherman Cymru and Bristol Old Vic’s Before It Rains) said: "In this new adaptation of Barrie's classic, we've managed to retain all the wonder and excitement of one of the world's most magical adventures while also pushing the Darling household into a more familiar setting and really challenging and extending who Wendy is. Pan, with all his frustrating appeal is still very much central to the story but, in Rob's electric version, the story is seen through Wendy's eyes. She's a teenage girl who is struggling with the pressures of growing up, falling in love, and for one magical year, having the wildest adventure in Neverland, after all!" "Between Dafydd James, Rob Evans and Lucy Osborne, I have the most extraordinary team of collaborators and we're all coming from a similar place of wanting to make this sparkling tale shine with fresh magic, and just the right amount of dark danger." The music has been composed by well known Cardiff writer, Dafydd James whose previous work has included My Name is Sue and Sherman Cymru’s Llwyth. Back after 2 years, the theatre and its audiences are looking forward to the eagerly awaited Christmas show, which the theatre has been doing for over 20 years. Sherman Cymru has a strong reputation of producing quality young people’s Christmas shows as an alternative to Panto. It has also been a platform for new talent as they launch their acting careers and this year is no different with a cast of new graduates joined by familiar faces. This year’s cast sees familiar faces from television including Welsh actor, Russell Gomer (Stella, Being Human, High Hopes) playing Hook and his side kick, Smee played by Kyle Rees (who recently played Curtis in Emmerdale and Blue in Hollyoaks. He also performed in National Theatre Wales’s The Passion and The Radicalisation of Bradley Manning) Fresh from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, graduate Rebecca Newman was spotted as a Wendy after performing during the interval of Sherman Cymru’s ScriptSlam competition event last year. As well as Rebecca, some other new faces to the Welsh stage include recent drama graduates Adam Scales and Daniel Graham (Daniel was part of the ensemble for Sweeney Todd - Adelphi Theatre). Welsh actor, Meilir Rhys Williams (Theatr Genedlathol Cymru’s Spring Awakening and Y Storm) will also be joining the young team and playing the role of Peter Pan is recent Guilford School of Acting graduate Joshua Considine. Sherman is delighted to be giving this talented young actor his first professional role. Peter Pan will be at Sherman Cymru from 30 November to 5 January 2013 and is suitable for anyone aged 7+. Times vary, please see website for full details. Tickets are £15- £25. Previews £12 - £20 and children and under 25s get half price tickets. For tickets and further information, please contact Sherman Cymru on 029 2064 6900 or visit www.shermancymru.co.uk |
| Sherman Cymru web site: www.shermancymru.co.uk |
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Monday, November 12, 2012 |
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