Flight of fancy to remember

ROYAL NEW ZEALAND BALLET
The Regent on Broadway Tuesday, November 24 and Wednesday, November 25.

Reviewed by MICHELLE DUFF.

A sprinkling of fairy dust, a touch of magic – audiences at the Royal New Zealand Ballet's production of Peter Pan couldn't have asked for more.

The company's last show of the year was a character spectacular, the swashbuckling tale brought to life with appealing energy.

The beautifully presented programme, a children's book in itself, told us choreographer Russell Kerr put together more than two million steps for this ballet. And with each leap and twirl, the dancers told to perfection JM Barrie's timeless story of the boy who never grew up.

As the littlies in the audience watched wide-eyed, they were introduced to a fantasy world of flying children, tempestuous fairies and roguish pirates.

Though it is a children's story, it has enough messages – from the difficulty of facing impending maturity, to the frustrations of love – to pique adults' interest, too.

The costumes were stunning: from the elaborate ruffles and blazing bows of Hook's ensemble to the furry, fuzzy coats of the Lost Boys and the showgirl-styled Stars.

Rory Fairweather-Neylan made a cheeky Peter Pan, bounding across the stage with both the joy and arrogance of youth. Alessia Lugoboni played a delightful, motherly Wendy, while Medhi Angot and Brendan Bradshaw didn't miss a step as her brothers.

But the real star was Catherine Eddy as Tinkerbell, who imbued the fairy with both a brashness and a passion that was at once comical and likeable. Her acting was believable and her dancing precise.

Lucy Balfour made a powerful and seductive Tiger Lily, while Abigail Boyle was a playfully impish Neverbird.

The Lost Boys were a loveable, rough-and-tumble bunch, with choreography that looked so much fun it made you want to leap in and roll around with them. The pirates were funnier than they were scary, a comedic crew who did their best to please the swaggering Hook, played by Sir Jon Trimmer.

The stage effects drew this impressive show together, with clouds flying dramatically towards the audience in the night scenes and a giant pirate ship consuming the stage for the climactic act.

And when the entire cast danced, daggers dangling and headdresses swaying, it was a moment to remember. The kids who were there last night sure aren't going to forget.

- © Fairfax NZ News