The West Australian Ballet’s production of ‘Peter Pan’ opened on Friday night and it’s a mountain of fun for both young and old.

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J.M Barrie’s popular children’s book ‘Peter Pan’ was first published in 1911 and was based on a stage play he wrote in 1904. This ballet version is choreographed by Russell Kerr to music composed by Philip Norman premiered in 1999 at the Royal New Zealand Ballet.

It’s a perfect balance of traditional and contemporary, maintaining a strong linkage to traditional ballet, but with enough freshness from modern dance to make it engaging and eye catching.

Andre Santos is captivating as Peter Pan, the boy who never grows up, he energetically bounces around the stage while presenting Peter Pan’s character spot on. It’s a portrayal that is a mix of comedy, drama and great dancing skill.

In the role of Captain Hook, Matthew Lehmann is sensational. This is not a scary Captain Hook, or a pantomime styled villain. Lehmann’s hook is kind of fun, he’s a silly guy and the way Lehmann moves with his whole body and does so much with just his eyes is captivating.

Anna Ishii delivers a Tinkerbell who is tough and resistant, while Sarah Sutcliffe, Daniel Roberts and Robert Mills are truly believable as Wendy, John and Michel who fly off from their bedroom to Never Never Land with Peter Pan.

The scenes in Act II where the Lost Boys celebrate are so energetic and enjoyable, you can’t help but sit on the edge of your seat and wish you could join their gang. The lively cast of misfits delivered a first rate performance.

This is a great ballet to take children too if they know the story of Peter Pan, it’s easy to follow and the story moves along at a great rate of knots. But even if you don’t have a young child to take a long, still go and see this show, you’ll release your own inner child.

Peter Pan is playing at His Majesty’s Theatre until December 15th, but tickets at Tickatek.

Graeme Watson