A distinctly English story was sprinkled with some Spanish fairy dust at the Garrick today, when Peter Pan – El Musical was launched to the press. The production, which has already been a huge box office hit in Spain, will be thinking happy thoughts as it flies across European skies to transfer to the Garrick between 28 March and 27 April.
At the launch this morning, the gathered press were treated to a taste of the enchantment to come with performances from Miguel Antelo (Peter Pan), Miguel Angel Gamero (Captain Hook/Mr Darling), Isabel Malavia (Wendy) and Christina Fargas who, in addition to adapting and directing the production, also plays Mrs Darling.
The Spanish influence was not immediately apparent in the costumes, which will appeal to all fans of a traditional Peter Pan. Hook was the classic vision in plush red velvet, black curly wig and dark sunken eyes, while Peter Pan was the recognisable green-clad scamp. The production promises stunning sets to go with the costumes, which include a pirate galleon for the cast of 25 to perform on.
When the production was originally staged in its native Spain in 2002, it cost around £2 million. The intercontinental transfer will cost production company Theatre Properties around £1 million. While they do not expect to recoup that outlay in the production’s short four-week season, the company hopes it will forge new friendships and contacts, building a reputation that will help them in the future.
Speaking at today’s launch, a spokesperson for the production said: “It is a great challenge for us bringing this production to the West End. We don’t come here to make comparisons with English companies or musicals, we are just bringing the best that we have in Spain to show it here in London.”
Peter Pan – El Musical is performed entirely in Spanish. It will feature English surtitles, but representatives of the show are convinced that its striking visual nature will make the text translation unnecessary.
In addition to brightening the lives of audience members with its colourful tale, Peter Pan – El Musical will help the lives of many children as a share of the production’s box office profits, more than £170,000, have been donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital.
MA