HCYT Brings Classic ‘Peter Pan’ to Life in East Auckland

The Howick Children’s and Youth Theatre (HCYT) is set to enchant audiences in east Auckland with its lively production of the classic tale, Peter Pan. This adaptation of the beloved story, originally penned by J.M. Barrie in the early 1920s, will take the stage at the Harlequin Theatre from September 13 to 15, 2024.

The storyline follows the adventures of Peter Pan, a boy who can fly and refuses to grow up. One fateful night, he visits Wendy Darling and her younger brothers, John and Michael, through their nursery window. Together, they journey to Neverland, where they encounter The Lost Boys, mermaids, and fairies, while also facing off against the fearsome pirate, Captain Hook. Throughout their thrilling escapades, the children learn valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and the bittersweet nature of growing up.

The cast features talented young performers aged nine to 14, all of whom have extensive experience in HCYT’s major production classes. Over the past eight weeks, the cast has dedicated themselves to rehearsing twice a week to bring this magical story to life.

Director Fiona Bailey expressed her enthusiasm for the show, saying, “Peter Pan is such a fun and lively show, I’m sure it will appeal to all ages.” She highlighted the production’s dramatic sword fights, catchy songs, and vibrant dances, promising audiences a delightful experience. Notably, to provide more opportunities for young actors, the roles of Peter and Wendy will be played by two different actors in each half of the performance.

Performances will take place at 7:30 PM on Friday, September 13, and 1:30 PM and 4:00 PM on Saturday, September 14, with a final showing at 1:30 PM on Sunday, September 15. The production runs for approximately two hours and is suitable for audiences aged five years and older. Tickets are priced at $10 per person. For bookings, interested patrons can email [email protected] or call 09 537 4943.

Short Stories for Children Offers Family Fun

In addition to Peter Pan, HCYT will also present a charming one-hour show titled Short Stories for Children. This performance will feature beloved tales such as The Gruffalo, The Rainbow Fish, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Cinderella, and The Little Red Hen.

The cast for this show consists of drama students aged seven to 13, many of whom will be making their debut performance with HCYT. They have been rehearsing weekly for the past two terms, showcasing impressive dedication to mastering their lines and movements.

To keep younger audience members engaged, there will be opportunities to stretch and sing along during the interludes between stories. Short Stories for Children is suitable for ages four and older, with performances scheduled for 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM on Saturday, September 13, and at 11:00 AM on Sunday, September 14. Tickets are available for $8 each, and bookings can be made via the same contact information as for Peter Pan.

With these engaging productions, HCYT continues to foster a love for theatre in the young performers and the community of east Auckland.