Peter Pan, Theatre by the Lake, Keswick

The little boy who never grew up has brought magic to the heart of Cumbria this festive season as Peter Pan and his lost boys take over Theatre by the Lake - and it’s a Christmas treat for all those young at heart.

The theatre has once again turned to the book shelves of classic children’s literature to bring back to life this much loved tale with everything you would expect from a Christmas production – fairies, flying, pirates and of course the children getting one over the grown ups.

Luke Jerdy isn’t your typical casting for Peter – a manly body, adult charisma and no green tights, however he makes the part his own, domineering the stage with his charm and presence.

The children’s nanny, pet dog Nana was brilliantly portrayed by Anthony Pinnick. His movements were those of our collie we’d left at home. And returning to Keswick, Meilir Rhys Williams as the baby of the family was mesmerising, with a hint of the young Michael Crawford as Frank Spence in Some Mothers Do Have Them. All the Darling ‘children’; Wendy, played by Isabella Marshall and John by Matthew Coulton, captured the essence of children – so much so when they were acting with the young local chorus it was hard to tell the adult from the child actors.

Special mention must go to the talented and versatile young chorus – plenty of home grown talent coming through.

Peter Macqueen return to Keswick as Captain Hook and Mr Darling. A strong feature of the cast, and his modern twist on a hook was very fetching.

Playing opposite Macqueen is Frances Marshall as Mrs Darling who has the line that brought down the house: “Wendy, you can go visit Peter when it’s time to do his spring cleaning.” This line alongside the cowboys and Indians, toy guns and swords shows how times have changed, yet a good story never needs to. Pure magic.

Runs until Saturday, January 31

Karen Morley-Chesworth