Peter Pan takes over People’s Theatre

The People’s Theatre is set to stage the technically challenging production, Peter Pan Jr – and it really is something to see.

It’s been more than 100 years since the play was first staged, but the story of Peter Pan remains a much-loved favourite that evokes the idea of an everlasting, adventure-filled youth.

Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook, Mr Smee, the Lost Boys and Tiger Lily, in addition to Wendy, John and Michael Darling will fire up young imaginations with their amazing adventures in Never Land.

“Peter Pan is an amazing story and it touches something in all children. It speaks to the way that children grow and develop, and hopefully watching the play will serve as a way to teach them about that,” said Grant Knottenbelt, set designer for the production.

He has been with the People’s Theatre for more than 20 years and has seen a number of shows take to the stage during his time there, but very few of the same calibre of technicality as this production of Peter Pan Jr.

“It’s a complicated show because we have five locations, not just one. There’s no backstage and no flanks, so space is limited and we have to fit all props on the stage at once – and this is one of the biggest productions we’ve done in a long time.”

An interesting feature of this production is the video depicting the flights and travels of the characters.

For this, Knottenbelt worked tirelessly to put together the film, which will be played as part of the show and gives so much to the story of Peter Pan.

An array of budding young actors will also be treading the boards during each performance, giving audiences a glimpse of South Africa’s stars of tomorrow.