Original Peter Pan script used for Playbox show

Chris Lockley as Captain Hook and Paris Eyeington as Peter Pan. Photo / Supplied

There are times when we'd all like a friend like Peter Pan to help us enjoy the simple pleasures of childhood.

Hamilton Playbox and director Lorna Ashton are working hard to make that idea come true in the stage production of Peter Pan set to open on July 7.

Peter Pan is a work of fantasy built around the Darling family of London and the magical
boy who can fly and never grows up. Pan lives an endless childhood of adventure on the
mythical island of Neverland,

"The play is a fantasy like a never-ending dream and an adventure full of quirky characters like the Lost Boys, the crocodile, Tinker Bell, Tiger Lily, Captain Hook and lots of pirates," Ashton said.

Pan leads the Darling children to Neverland where he introduces them to the Lost Boys.

This bunch of scallywags live in trees and huts and seem to be in a constant state of battle with the dastardly Captain Hook, his hapless sidekick Smee and their crew of no-goods.

Ashton said the Playbox version of Peter Pan is the original stage play.

"Playwright J.M.Barrie gave the copyright, and its right to earn royalties, to the Hospital for
Sick Children in London in 1929. When it expired in 1987 the British Government passed
an act so the rights would remain in the ownership of the Children's Hospital. While the hospital gets the royalties we don't have to pay to perform the play in New Zealand."

One of the conditions of the royalty-free deal was that the play must remain faithful to its original script.

The lead of Peter is taken by Paris Eyeington, 15, recently seen in High School Musical and
The Witches for Playbox who is partnered by his sister Jessica, 13, who plays the part of
Wendy, the eldest of the Darling children.

Captain Hook is played by Chris Lockley in his first lead role for Playbox following minor parts in Oklahoma for Musikmakers in 2017 and Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors for
Playbox the year before.

Ashton, who has worked in theatre since the early 1980s, said she wanted to direct another show which included adults and children after recent successes with Charlie & the Chocolate Factory and Witches.

The Playbox production of Peter Pan, directed by Lorna Ashton can be experienced at the Riverlea Theatre, 83 Riverlea Rd, Hamilton, July 7 to 21.

Tickets available online at www.iticket.co.nz or through the theatre 07 856 5450, two matinee performances, Thursday night special family prices. Dinner available Friday and Saturday, children's and adults' menu. www.playbox.org.nz for details.