Dextrous cast tackles kid-ulthood classic

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

THERE’S no point in being grown-up if you can’t be childish from time and time. And it takes a visit to Neverland for us to see it.

Reading Rep Theatre’s 10th anniversary season comes to a close with a new take on Peter Pan.

For audiences used to the Disney animation, the pantomime version played for laughs, or even Robin Williams’ Hook, to see a strippedback production can come as a bit of a shock.

There is one stage, abet with a raised level, and one small company of actors, tasked to swap roles as the action demands.

In case you’ve managed to avoid all previous versions of JM Barrie’s classic tale, this is the story of a little boy who never grew up, who one day flies into the lives of Wendy Darling and her two brothers.

He spirits them away to Neverland, where they meet the Lost Boys - a tribe of, well, lost boys - and cross swords with the dastardly Captain Hook.

Reading Rep’s version features a young cast, with some daring choices.

Amy Ambrose, for example, trebles up. At the start, she is Mrs Darling, all sweetness and light. Then she’s Captain Hook, ready to chew the scenery, and then she’s a Lost Boy.

Similar shared roles come for Jake Ford Lane as Mr Darling and Smee, Eugene Evans as John and Cookson, and Joe Swift as Michael and Starkey.

The costume switches are minimal, relying on the actors’ cues to help us readjust to their new personna.

Only Holly Burns and Marley Lockhart, as Wendy and Peter Pan, keep to a singular role, but given this is their story, that is not surprising.

The REP company complete the cast, with Anvia Costa, Sam Francomb, David Hill, Aiden Marshall, Zoe Peters and Sharae Williams playing mainly Lost Boys and sometimes pirates.

Although Reading Rep says the show

READING TODAY Family Notices

is suitable for ages four upwards, it is a full-length play that relies on full use of imagination. The littlest little ones may find this a challenge. For those that can see past the minimal staging, this is a show that reaps the rewards. The young cast work hard to create a convincing world.

It is the perfect springtime treat and a good introduction to theatre for younger audiences.

Reading Repertory Theatre is a multi-award winning theatre, including a Pride of Reading award for its cultural contribution in 2016, with founding artistic director Paul Stacey also receiving the Pride of Reading Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2021.

It is also supporting the Pride of Reading Awards in 2023.

n Peter Pan is running at Reading Repertory Theatre from Thursday, April 6, to Saturday, April 29. Full details and access to tickets are available via: readingrep.com

As they were heading in the direction of The Gateway pub, the men dismounted the bikes and one of them assaulted the victim before leaving in the direction of Garrard Street.

He was left with a broken jaw which required hospital treatment, but has since been discharged.

TVP also reports that there has been a charge in connection with the incident.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Sophie Connor, based at Reading police station, said: “This happened in the middle of the road at the back of the train station where there are known be taxis and people waiting for taxis in the vicinity, therefore it is likely that someone may have seen what happened.

“Anyone with information can contact police by calling 101 or making a report online, quoting reference 43230138409.

“Alternatively, you can anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Wheels stolen from parked van

TWO rear wheels were stolen from a Ford Transit van.

The incident happened in Chapel Street in Thatcham between 10pm on Saturday, April 1, and 8am on Sunday, April 2.

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses. Anyone with any CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage is asked to call the force on 101, or make a report via its website, quoting reference 43230144589.