Press Release – Second star to the right and straight on till morning…

Media Release – Spotlites – 29 November 2016

This December, Spotlites Youth Theatre presents the classic, magical story of‘Peter Pan’. From the brilliant JM Barrie, ‘Peter Pan’ is not to a show to be missed. Following the story of the vibrant, curious Peter Pan who loses his mischievous shadow on a trip to London and meets the imaginative Wendy Darling who helps him to reattach it, in return he gifts her with a trip to the beautiful Neverland where the jealous Tinker Bell, Tiger Lily and the unforgiving Captain Hook await.

 
Spotlites Youth theatre is overjoyed to present this dazzling show, to bring some magic into the Medway Christmas experience this year and with the company’s esteemed reputation, audiences will definitely not be disappointed. The production of ‘Peter Pan’ showcases over 40 Spotlites Youth members of all ages, including 16 year old Jamie from Strood, who played Jack in April’s production of ‘Into the Woods’, 10 year old Emma from Allington, Maidstone and 8 year old Abigail from Gillingham who is starring in her first ever Youth Theatre show!

 

 

Some of the cast members have shared their thoughts and feelings on their experiences of working on the production and shed light on why audiences should get booking their tickets:

 

“ Peter Pan has been one of the best experiences I’ve had in a show with Spotlites. The intricate story line makes a great piece of drama around Christmas time and the adaption and differences from the well known versions give the play a lot more grit so its almost an entirely new story” – Jamie, 15, from Strood (Peter)

 

“ Being in Peter Pan is completely different from what I have done before and I can work with different people and get to use a set of different skills including improvisation and leading a group of people which is a new and exciting experience for me. People should come and see it as the detailed storyline links all the characters together and the audience would enjoy working it out, it is also a brilliant show for all ages, so would be the perfect present for Christmas!” – Tegan, 14, from Chatham (Tiger Lily)
 

“ I really enjoy working with the cast of Peter Pan as I am meeting lots of new people and am getting the chance to spend lots of time with people of the same interests as me. Being part of the production is extremely enjoyable and I am happy to have the chance to perform with so many brilliant people” – Likezo, 15, from Sittingbourne (Panther)

 

“I really like being in the show because it is different to anything I have ever done before and I am learning so many new techniques and I get to spend lots of time and share the experience with my friends’ – Emma, 10, from Allington, Maidstone (Tinker Bell)

 

“ I am really excited to be in Peter Pan because I have my chance to be an understudy for Tinker Bell and I get to use lots of different skills to play my part as a fairy. I like being in the show because it brings my beliefs to life from when I was little and my nan and grandad had a fairy garden. I also get to spend time with my friends which is fun!” – Abigail, 8, from Gillingham (Fairy)

 

“The cast of Peter Pan are like a family and the connection between everyone is special and something you wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else. The atmosphere when we are performing together is spectacular. If I could describe Spotlites production of Peter Pan in one word it would be magical. Spotlites creates a family for us to feel welcomed and at home and being a part of Peter Pan has been one of the best experiences of my performing life and I cannot wait to share its magic with everyone in December” – Ellie, 17, from Upper Stoke (Native)

 

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of Peter Pan and once again I feel honoured to have the opportunity to work with a fantastic cast. The character exploration and fulfilling atmosphere of excitement which surround each rehearsal has to be my favorite thing about the production. From the caring yet mischievous lost boys, to the edgy pirates and intelligent natives, there is never a dull moment working in the magical fantasies of Neverland” – Elysia, 17, from Gillingham (Wendy)

 
“Working alongside different age groups whilst trying to find innovative ways of creating the magical spectacle that is Peter Pan has been a rewarding experience! What I have enjoyed most is making it the opposite to expectations of the story with the evil mermaids and mischievous fairies. I am looking forward to the upcoming performances and showing the hard work we’ve all put into it”  – Lauryn, 17, from Chatham (Mrs Darling)

 

 

‘Peter Pan’ is a magical, layered story that dives into the beautiful world of Neverland to bring joy and wonder into everyone’s expedience this Christmas.

 

This media release written by Rachael, aged 17, member of Spotlites Youth Theatre

Website: http://www.spotlites.co.uk
Email: office@spotlites.co.uk
Online Box Office: http://intelligent-tickets.co.uk/index.php?th=sp
Phone: 01634 829468

 

 

ACTRESS SAVES THE DAY AT SPOTLITES AT EDFRINGE 2015

SHOW MUST GO ON AS NONI STAPLETON STEPS INTO HAMLET ROLE

Award winning Actress Noni Stapleton saved the day this weekend as she stepped into the role of Gertrude in the English Repertory Theatre’s production of Hamlet at Spotlites at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Due to illness current actress Helen Bang was unable to perform, Noni who is starring in her own hit show Charolais at Spotlites, jumped at the chance to help out a fellow theatre company. With a script in hand she saved the company from having to cancel the show and wowed audiences with her very ‘on the spot’ performance.

Noni Stapleton said “I loved it, I relished the challenge and I’d never see a theatre company stuck! They’re a brave talented bunch and a joy to work with. It was certainly an adrenaline filled ‘I can’t believe I’m going to do this’ joy. It’s a great act of trust, the acting lark, never more so than at times like this. It was my privilege.”

Gavin Davis of English Repertory Theatre, commented; “I met Noni on the first day of performance and was immediately struck with her talent. She was the first person I turned to for help and without hesitation she agreed.”

Hamlet is Shakespeare’s most iconic work, refreshingly brought up to date by English Reparatory Theatre, the play explodes with modern ideas and is the ultimate story of loyalty, love, betrayal, murder and madness. In this stripped-back, fresh and fast-paced version, emerging actress Rachel Waring, at the age of 26, the youngest women ever to play the eponymous Prince. The role of Gertrude will be played by a replacement actor from the RSC for the rest of the run, which closes on 31 August.

Noni Stapleton is an Irish actress, playwright, and voice over artist. Her one woman play Charolais (until 30 August) won the Bewley’s ‘Little Gem’ award at the Tiger Dublin Fringe 2014. Charolais takes the age old story of one woman’s jealousy of her female rival in love and gives it a new twist: the other woman is cow, a literal one, a purebred Charolais heifer!

Spotlites are encouraging audiences to see Hamlet twice in one day as Hamlet (A One Man Play) is also performed at the venue (in the mornings until 22 August) by award winning Spanish actor Alfredo Padilla. Alfredo explores all the possibilities, restructuring the original order of the tale.

Spotlites programme of events can be viewed on http://www.spotlites.co.uk or http://www.edfringe.com