Neverland in St Andrews

Monday 20 April 2009

 St Andrews will be magically transformed into Neverland for one night only tonight with a full scale outdoor performance of Peter Pan at St Andrews Castle.

The dramatic interpretation of the children’s classic will form part of On The Rocks (19-26 April), an ambitious new arts festival organised by students at the University of St Andrews.  The performance of Peter Pan (Monday 20 April) pays homage to the book’s author, J.M. Barrie, who was Rector of the University from 1919 until 1922.

The exciting production, involving a large cast of students and young people from local schools and youth groups, will take place in the grounds of the Castle ruins, providing one of the most dramatic backdrops for any piece of community theatre ever held in Scotland.

Festival Organiser Philippa Dunn, said, “Peter Pan is one of the highlights of On The Rocks, and a really unique project for the University and the town. With J.M.Barrie as our former Rector, it’s also a really special and personal project, and should be a magical performance.”

The cast of children aged between 9 and 18 were selected from the local area to take on the roles of Peter, Wendy, the Lost Boys and pirates; while older adults were auditioned for the roles of Captain Hook and the Darlings.  For those who wanted to work behind the scenes, University students hosted a 2-week youth theatre programme over the Easter holidays for budding set designers and costume makers.

Peter Pan takes place in the first full week of the On The Rocks, which showcases the very best in Scottish student talent in the arts.  Run entirely by St Andrews’ students on a limited budget, it is hoped that the festival will eventually become one of the highlights of the Scottish arts calendar.   The event already has the support of James Bond star Sir Sean Connery and fellow St Andrews¿ honorary graduates Dame Judi Dench, Dame Helen Mirren and Joanna Lumley, as well as former students Crispin Bonham Carter and Siobhan Redmond.

Tickets for On The Rocks are available to buy online at www.ontherocksfestival.com or in person at the OTR Box Office, Students¿ Association, St Mary’s Place, St Andrews, open daily 10am-6pm.

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS:

 

 

 

For further information contact Philippa Dunn at [email protected] / 01334 462700 / 07828 066734

 

 

 

Publicity images from the show are available in advance from the Press Office – contacts below.

 

 

 

 

Issued by the Press Office, University of St Andrews
Contact Gayle Cook, Senior Press Officer on 01334 467227 / 462529, mobile 07900 050 103, or email [email protected]
Ref:  Peter Pan 170409
View the latest University press releases at www.st-andrews.ac.uk


Category Student experience

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