The Lost Boys meet Peter Pan

The Lost Boys got invited to the opening of the Royal New Zealand Ballet production of Peter Pan. Tom couldn't come as it past his bedtime.

NICK: It was fitting, don't you think? I kept going around cackling in a very Captain Hook way in the days leading up to the opening night. I love the story of Peter Pan. I think it's because there are Indians and Pirates and crocodiles. Awesome.

But it was something else to see the little tykes standing on their seats in Wellington's St James theatre, striving to see the stage and get a glimpse of the foliage wrapped prancer that was The Boy from NeverNeverLand.

LANE: I've publicly outted myself as a one-time taker of ballet lessons. I was six, I was naive and I did not know the repercussions of my foray into the world of Demi-plié and Pirouette piquée would haunt me for the rest of my days. In a nation obsessed with possum trapping, 1kg beef steaks and rolling rugby mauls, it's a bit fringe to admit you appreciate a well choreographed performance of Swan Lake.

But tutu gags aside, there's something graceful and beautiful about "the dance" which somehow sucks me in. So hand in hand with another lover of the arts (and I'm not talking about Churchouse) I made my way to opening night and took my seat in the lavish, darkened theatre.

TOM: Gents, nothing upset me more than having to forgo my ticket to the ballet last week. I've never been and I wanted to be able to add it to my list of experiences that help me feel culturally superior to others. But instead of being able to sit and appreciate people far more graceful than myself, I had to listen to the distinctly ungraceful chief reporter as he ordered me to get him fish and chips.

Yep, while you too were rolling up for a night to remember, I was at work. There's really nothing more annoying than being at the office during the hours of 7-9pm on a Friday night, is there? Anyway, how was it? Inspirational?

LANE: It was sublime. From the opening scene when Pan and Tinker Bell entered the children's bedroom through an open window, I was spellbound. I'm so long in the tooth I'd completely forgotten the storyline. But through the dancers' grace and poise a tale of daring adventure and soaring fantasy was slowly revealed.

I licked my Magnum icecream and sipped my plastic goblet of bubbles. I went rigid with fear as Hook battled Pan in a perfectly chorographed sword fight. I sailed with the children high above the darkened city as they first learned to fly. And I swooned during the saltry Indian chief's solo. It's important to inject a splash of culture into one's life. A little theatre, film, literature and art helps us to appreciate beauty and lifts us above the dreary and mundane. And God knows we need the odd injection of asthetic creativity. What did you think Churchouse?

NICK: Well, for starters let's set the record straight. Not only did you forget the storyline, halfway through you leaned over the me and marvelled at the coincidence that our blog title was the same as the rapscallions we were watching. I subsequently marvelled at your airheadedness. 

Secondly, you talk a lot of bollocks. You paint yourself like some five-year-old pixie boy, bright with wonder and squeaking with excitement as the fairies flittered. You're 36. You did not go rigid with fear, that's just your dicky knee seizing up. You didn't sail with the children, you just drank your Lindauer too fast.

As for a splash of culture, I liked it because I want to be a pirate and Hook is my idol. Culture smultcher. I just like fairy tales.

TOM: Somehow I'm not surprised a journey back to childhood was so magical for you two. Given your advanced age, it must seem like a foreign country to remember such days of yore. And yet, at the same time, there's more than a hint of eternal childhood about you. (e.g. Lane calls his Mum most days and still gets a kick out of pulling the finger at work colleagues).

Anyway, does this positive Peter Pan response mean we can expect a piece of choreography from you both for the work Christmas party? Will you be lifting each other above the mundane? Nick, you've got the experience in lycra. Lane, you've got the oestrogen. Why not?

How many of you still admit to loving the odd fairy tale?  

- © Fairfax NZ News

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lawson   #1   10:06 am Nov 11 2009

Love it - laughing, laughing, laughing. I saw the Dracula ballet a few moons back....amazing...think it helps if you know the story.

H   #2   10:44 am Nov 11 2009

ahahah best blog i've read

Nicola   #3   10:53 am Nov 11 2009

I went to the ballet last Weds and saw Peter Pan - loved it! Had to then watch the movie Hook the day after because all those memories were flooding back! Glad you enjoyed

paul   #4   11:02 am Nov 11 2009

So which one of you is going to be the first to admit you are a Metrotextual?

Clare   #5   11:31 am Nov 11 2009

Well guys, I'm impressed that you've owned up to going to the ballet in the first place, and then admitting that you enjoyed it. You are metrosexuals after all!

Kerry Williamson   #6   01:31 pm Nov 11 2009

Those fish 'n chips you got me were crap Fitzsimons. Do better next time.

Louisette   #7   01:43 pm Nov 11 2009

Heh heh, that was quite an entertaining review. I'll admit to liking fairy tales - specificaly the original Grimm ones which satisfy my taste for gratuitous violence.

Given a choice between attending a ballet performance and putting in extra work on a Friday though, I'd take the work. I've never liked ballet.

NoAngel   #8   02:29 pm Nov 11 2009

Yeah, I'm big into fairy tales - although I personally prefer a twist in the tale, where possible. Think about it - what if Snow White was written from the Queen's perspective about her spoilt little step daughter co-habiting with 7 short men... yeah, now that'd be fun!!

Ballet is okay. A bit like the NZSO. Full of hugely talented dancers / musicians, and not always everyone's cup of tea, but the classics are exactly that for a reason - and anyone too hip or proud to attend at least once, is pretty closed minded.

Now we just need some talented blog writers ... ahh, just messing with ya, boys :)