The rave reviews just keep coming following Saundersfoot Footlights’ recent production of ‘Peter Pan’. With comments, like “as good as any West End show” at the start of the week, it was pretty much guaranteed that audiences for every performance were in for a real treat.

The fantastic compliments and feedback created a real buzz backstage and particularly as audience feedback singled out all the leading characters for worthy praise in equal measure.

Figures are yet to be finalised, but between 900 and 1,000 people came through the doors of the Regency Hall, the home of Saundersfoot Footlights, to see this little gem of a pantomime.

There was a super principal boy in Peter Pan, played by the talented Evie Maidment, who bounded onto the stage with energy equal to any action hero out to save the day and to thwart the pantomime villain Captain Hook, played by Jordan Dickin.

Jordan, who started out in the chorus of Saundersfoot Footlights, has come a long way since then and his attention to detail playing Hook with an air of an ‘Old Etonian’ was impeccable and spot on.

Characters that had the audience in stitches included Smee and Starkey, the pirates with their little set pieces. Smee, much to the surprise of all, was played by a 23-year-old young lady called Kelly Jackson. Kelly has faultless comedy timing and an acting talent that seems far beyond her youthful years. Starkey, played by Christopher Tilbury, proved he has some voice with his solo falsetto backing vocals in the pirates lively and fun rendition of ‘Crocodile Rock’.

There was more comedy to be had with the wonderful pantomime dame in the larger-than-life shape of Laughing Water, played by the brilliant Marc Styles. Marc readily engaged with his audience, encouraging them to be part of his tribe, and worked well with his stage daughter, Tiger Lily, well-acted by Tia Brace. We also saw Marc bring his great stage presence and energy to make the perfect comedy love interest for Smee.

Tinker Bell, beautifully portrayed by Maddie Williams, played her part in having a profound effect on one member of the audience. Andrew Rees, who attended a mid-week performance, posted on Facebook: ‘Tinker Bell was on her way out after selflessly quaffing the poison meant for Peter, Everyone please clap if you believe in fairies, that might save her’ or words to that effect. I say words to that effect as I didn’t quite catch them, not that Peter didn’t project or that pronunciation wasn’t crystal clear. No, it was because old hardnosed Andrew was sniffing into his hankie while the tears ran down his cheeks.”

He went on to say: “Well Footlights, you well and truly got me. Loved the show, well cast, well directed, well acted, well choreographed. Good choice of music well sung, well lit... need I go on?”

The contemporary music score by Clive Raymond was fun, lively and vibrant, combined with some great energetic dance routines. Special recognition needs to go to the wonderful songstresses within the cast, notably Wendy, played by Jocelyn Aveyard, who gave a show-stopping rendition of ‘Defying Gravity’. Another mesmerising performance came in the form of a duet between Mrs. Darling and Michael, played by Lana Lewis and Lucia Griffiths, respectively, who sang ‘Hushabye Mountain’.

Lana and Lucia had to hold their nerve once again on the morning of Friday, December 9, when invited to sing the duet acappella to Wynne Evans on his BBC Radio Wales show when Saundersfoot Footlights featured in his ‘In the Spotlight’ segment.

Clare Stansfield, marketing manager at the St. Brides, came to the opening night with her little boy and said “we absolutely loved it, thank you so much! So much fun and enjoyment - much better than watching TV!”

Also, attending the opening night was Gill Balding, of Stoney Bridge Guest House, who posted online “Watched the opening Nnight this evening - well done to everyone involved in putting together this great production with such fabulous characters! Smee was brilliant and Tinkerbell so cute, even though a little naughty! Loved the voices of Lana and Lucia singing the Lullaby Song.”

There was amazing and enchanting scenery created by the technical team consisting of Footlights chairman Keith Williams, Ceri Morris, Andy Griffiths and Kelvyn Lewis. Combine this with the attention to detail costumes by Pat Williams, Carolyn Elms and the wardrobe team and you were in for a visual treat that transported you to Neverland, the Pirate Ship and the Darling Nursery.

At each performance, everyone was treated to an intermission where raffle tickets, sweets, refreshments and mince pies could be purchased, which all helped to enhance that theatre experience.

The winner of the ‘Peter Pan’ programme quiz and a £40 meal for two at the Beachside Barbecue in Saundersfoot was Katie Dickinson. Winner of a photo session worth £75 courtesy of Ross Grieve photography was Michelle Lewis.

Saundersfoot Footlights are indebted to a number of businesses, organisations and members of the local community in their support of ‘Peter Pan’ and these include: The Regency Hall, Dale’s, The Royal Oak, The Silver Lily, Musicians World, Edgecombe House, Radio Pembrokeshire, Max Thomas, Simeon Lloyd, Griggles, Jewsons, Beachside Barbecue, Saundersfoot Pharmacy, Frosts, Ross Grieve Photography, The Powder Room (Tenby Market) Logan Cardy Print Sign Design and Angharad Thomas Photography.

Footlights will shortly be auditioning for their next show, ‘Pingleford Players Proudly Present’! which is an original show full of wonderful show songs, written by the very talented Alison Butler (creator of the hugely popular ’Lifetime!’). They need you to help them bring their 40th anniversary production to life! Auditions are on January 7 and 8 at 2 pm for anyone aged 14 and over at the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot.

‘Peter Pan’ was the first Saundersfoot Footlights production directed by Jo Morris and after its resounding success, Footlights members certainly hope it won’t be her last.

N.M.