FLYING Ducks Youth Theatre have an exciting proposition for you from tonight until Saturday at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York.

“So come with me, where dreams are born, and time is never planned. Just think of happy things, and your heart will fly on wings, forever, in Never Never Land!”, reads the invitation to this week's performances of Peter Pan.

All the magic of J M Barrie's original story for children will be brought to life in this enchanting production for all the family. You can join Peter Pan, Wendy, John and Michael in the adventure for every child who never wants to grow up and for every parent who wishes they never will.

Peter Pan tells the tale of a boy who refuses to grow up. On a quest to find stories with which to entertain his young cohorts in Neverland – an island refuge for “Lost Boys” – Peter returns to the real world and meets Wendy, Michael, and John Darling.

Whereupon the Darling children accompany Peter back to the magical Neverland, where they embark on an adventure they will never forget, as the travellers learn to fly and come face to face with a ticking crocodile, a fierce Indian tribe, a band of bungling pirates and the villainous Captain Hook.

York Press:

Flying Ducks Youth Theatre's principals for Peter Pan:  Aaron Blanchard as Peter Pan, Faye Stainton as Wendy, Ben Cockerill as John and Adam Ward as Michael

After their performances as Bugsy and Dandy Dan respectively in Bugsy Malone last year, Aaron Blanchard returns as the spritely Peter Pan and Tom Wilson as the fiendish Captain Hook, while Faye Stainton steps up to the leading-lady role as Peter Pan’s companion, Wendy, eldest of the Darling siblings and mother of the Lost Boys.

Further principal roles go to Ben Cockerill as John Darling; Adam Ward, Michael Darling; Sam Baskeyfield, Mr Darling/Crocodile; Caitlin Campbell, Mrs Darling; and Alex Prezeau, Tinkerbell.  

Barrie 's story will be complemented by a score that includes Come Away, Come Away and Don’t Say Goodbye in a musical featuring singing pirates, daring sword fights, fantastical make-believe and a fairy dusting of heartbreak.

The production is co-directed by Rachael Snelgrove and Sue Blanchard; the musical director is Joe Christie; the set designer, Stephen Outhwaite; the drama coach, Sara Howlett; the choreographers, Zoe Blenkiron and Rachael Snelgrove.

Flying Ducks are offering a ticket discount on tonight's show and Saturday's matinee: if you fancy arranging to bring ten or more people, you can have one ticket free. Tickets for the 7.30pm evening shows and 2.30pm matinee are on sale at £10, concessions £8, on 01904 501935 or at josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk