There's nothing better than watching talented kids with a passion to perform doing what they love best. So when I was invited to attend Peter Pan - Adventure to Neverland by Centre Stage School of Dance & Performing Arts at Lighthouse, I knew I was in for a real treat.
My plus one for the show was my own 11-year-old dance-mad son, Dylan. We had heard that Centre Stage have some pretty amazing male students, and he was looking forward to seeing boys just like him, who love to dance.
Despite not being a parent of a Centre Stage child, I still found myself getting quite choked up and emotional at various points in the show. Of course, there were plenty of "Ahhh!" moments as adorable tiny tots in sparkly tutus were led out by older student helpers to twirl and demonstrate their moves - but it was the senior students who really stole the show.
The story of Peter Pan was Centre Stage's first ever theatre production 10 years ago, and some of the children who appeared in that first show as the school's original tiny tots have now come full circle as teenagers, taking the lead roles in this new 'Adventure to Neverland'.
Charlie Delstanche as Peter Pan was vibrant and full of energy - an athletic and engaging dancer that we couldn't take our eyes off. Dylan was suitably impressed to see such a brilliant young male dancer in the title role! Eve Tucker was a delightfully poised and expressive Wendy, and we particularly loved watching her solo contemporary numbers, which were breathtakingly beautiful. Jessica Barnett brought just the right amount of menace and flamboyance to her role as Captain Hook - we loved the dramatic leaps and shapes she threw in the battle scenes! The performance that really blew me away, however, was Abigail Grindey as Tinkerbelle. She portrayed the jealous and petulant fairy with so much sass and attitude, displaying some really fantastic acting skills. It turns out she's a pretty fantastic singer too - Heart of Stone from Six the Musical is no piece of cake, and I don't mind admitting I was literally crying with joy by the end of the song.
With such incredible stage presence it's easy to forget that these amazing lead performers are still only 16 or 17 years of age. Centre Stage has provided them with a fully rounded education in all aspects of dance, singing and acting, and I'm sure that for those of them wanting to build a career in the performing arts, there are great opportunities awaiting.
Huge credit to Centre Stage Principal and Artistic Director Zoe Mather, Assistant Principal Laura Rowe and all the Creative team for putting together such an impressive show on a massive scale. That's no easy task! Every single one of the 300+ dancers got their chance to shine and they all threw themselves into the production with energy and big smiles. Even when a technical fault briefly halted play they didn't bat an eyelid, remaining completely professional and unfazed.They should be thoroughly proud of themselves.
A special mention also for the fantastic choreography throughout the show. During our visit to Neverland we encountered all manner of animals and magical creatures, and whether we were watching diving dolphins, scuttling spiders or spooky skeletons the choreography was beautifully executed and perfectly reflected the characters we saw on stage.
Centre Stage has built strong foundations over the last 10 years and has proved it is the perfect place for young people to develop a lifelong love of dance and performance. I can't wait to see where the next decade takes the school - I'll be watching their progress with great interest and excitement!
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