Magic of Original Peter Pan Soars to Life

Pirates, Indians, mermaids, sword fights, crocodiles and fairies will come together this November and December as Roleystone Theatre brings the original stage version of Peter Pan to life.

Written by JM Barrie and directed by Paul Treasure, the play follows the storyline as featured in the film Finding Neverland – all versions of Peter Pan spring from this account.

“If anything, it’s possibly a little bit more gruesome than we’re used to, just like a good kids’ story should be,” Treasure said.

“The story’s an absolute classic and frequently performed but very rarely in this original version.

“It gives us a good chance to see if it still holds up more than 100 years later.

“The theatre was looking for a good show that would use a lot of kids and this seemed to be the perfect one.”

Involved in theatre since 1989, Treasure has appeared in more than 100 productions, from Aristophanes’ Lysistrata through to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s By Jeeves, with Marloo, Roleystone, Blak Yak, KADS, Kwinana, Garrick, Park, Pit and Acorn Theatres and the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre.

He has been nominated three times for best director at the annual Finley Awards for The Sound of Music, Little Women and The Importance of Being Earnest and has also won awards for his acting roles.

Treasure is also president of the Independent Theatre Association, an organisation that promotes the performing arts and builds community participation in live theatre.

“With Peter Pan the main challenge is keeping everyone on track because we’re all having so much fun,” he said.

“I almost feel guilty about going to rehearsals because it doesn't seem like work at all.

“The other challenge will be seeing if we can get away with the few really dated elements such as the way the lines for the Indians are written.”

Peter Pan plays at 8pm November 22, 27, 29, 30, December 4, 6 and 7 with 2pm matinees November 23 and 30.

Roleystone Theatre is located at 587 Brookton Highway, Roleystone, opposite the Croyden Road junction.