A win for the Lost Boys

Fri 15 Dec 2017

The juvenile ensemble are always an important part of our pantomime, and this year, the girls have been joined by the boys, who play Peter Pan’s troupe of Lost Boys. We spoke to some of them about their experience.

“It’s one of the best things that I’ve ever done.” It’s safe to say that nine-year-old Hudson Trindall is enjoying being part of The Marlowe pantomime. He’s playing one of the Lost Boys, who found their way to Neverland after being lost by their parents, and now live a life of adventure with Peter Pan. And it’s been an adventure for the boys playing our Lost Boys as well. Twelve-year-old Joseph Dean says: “It’s such a pleasure to be here, it’s great fun. “

The lost boys are played by three teams of eight, with one team on stage per performance, as the number of performances each child can take part in is limited by law. Each group, of course, is firmly convinced that they are the best performers. (In the great tradition of the panto audience competitive singalong, we’re going to declare it a draw).

The boys make their first entrance of the panto running onto the stage from the auditorium, singing a song called Revolting Children: “That was great,” says Joseph – who plays lead lost boy Tootles – about his opening night, “I remember standing off stage just thinking, ‘What happens if I mess up?’ And I was so scared. And then when I got into the auditorium I was fine, I walked through singing, and got up on stage and I was so excited, so much energy from the crowd because they were all clapping. I just loved it.”

It was quite a moment for eleven-year-old Harry Gregory as well: “It felt amazing just seeing all those faces, and in my head I thought ‘They’ve come hear to see me.’” This entrance is also Harry’s favourite part of the show: “You get all this adrenaline when you see the crowd, and you’re thinking ‘Is there anyone I know here?’. It’s just that burst of energy as you come through the doors, it’s like a new part of my soul!”

Joseph says: “I like standing off stage and just watching things, like the ghost gag bench, or the synchronised swimming scene. Ben Roddy is so funny. The whole thing is so enjoyable I couldn’t pick just one bit.” Hudson’s favourite bit is: “being boinked on the head by the pirates. It’s really funny being passed down the line.” (Editors note: no children are harmed in the performance of this scene).

Away from panto, both Joseph and Hudson attend drama clubs throughout the year – Harry hasn’t so far, but he’s enjoyed his experience with Peter Pan so much that he’s now going to join one. While of course there aren’t any Lost Boys in Cinderella (next year’s pantomime) all of the boys would “definitely” want to be in panto again if the chance came up. They’ve obviously all become close to each other, with Joseph saying The Marlowe and his team are, “like a second home and a second family.”

The Lost Boys will be appearing in Peter Pan until Sunday 14 January. Catch it while you can!

Top image: The Lost Boys, the green team, with Joseph back row, far right, Harry front row, far left and Hudson front row, far right.