BREAK A LEG: Members of H’Arts, the Healesville branch of the Yarra Valley Youth Theatre Group, are in final rehearsals for the staging of the latest production Every Little Hook and Nanny.By DION TEASDALE
IF YOU have ever wondered what happened to Peter Pan, his girlfriend Wendy and nemesis Captain Hook, a new production being staged at Healesville’s Memorial Hall might give you some answers.
The Healesville branch of the Yarra Valley Youth Theatre Group, H’Arts, will stage its third production, Every Little Hook and Nanny, at the hall this weekend.
Written by Australian playwright Eve Old the play is a satirical look at the story of Peter Pan and Captain Hook, set 16 years after the original story.
H’Arts artisitc director Michele Fawdon said the show, which was staged by the Warburton branch of the youth theatre group a few years ago, was chosen because it required a young cast and involved an array of interesting characters.
“The play follows the adventures of Peter Pan and Wendy’s daughter and her nanny, and the adventures of Captain Hook and his son Woody,” Ms Fawdon said.
“It is full of classic characters and the story has lots of comic twists and turns.
“It is a lively, entertaining production that is lots of fun for the whole family.”
Ms Fawdon said the production, which features a cast of 25 young people between the ages of 13 and 17, represented six months of dedication and hard work.
“This is a great opportunity for the community to come along and support the young people of the Yarra Valley in their achievements,” she said.
Ms Fawdon said the production, which has received funding from the Yarra Valley Arts Council and Healesville Lions Club, was also about teaching young people technical theatre skills as well as providing an important social outlet.
“Being involved in the production teaches young people communication skills, team work, artistic expression and the basics of theatre and is a very valuable social outlet for young people in the Healesville area,” she said.
Every Little Hook and Nanny will be staged at Healesville Memorial Hall on Friday, 12 and Saturday, 13 August at 7.30pm.
Tickets, on sale at the door from 6.45pm, cost $12 for adults, $8 for concession, $5 for children or $25 for a family pass for two adults and two children.
