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Peter Pan transforms Kensington Gardens into Neverland
09.06.09
The first production of Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, the place it was set, opens tomorrow.
The play's official first night follows previews which have played to packed houses.
Despite JM Barrie calling the book “Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens” it had never been staged in the park.
Directed by Ben Harrison, it stars Ciaran Kellgren, 23, as Peter, Abby Ford, 30, as Wendy Darling, and Jonathan Hyde doubling up as Mr Darling and Captain Hook.
Prince Charles and Camilla will attend a royal gala premiere on 17 June.
Barrie originally bequeathed royalties from the work to Great Ormond Street Hospital but funds from the gala will go to the Prince's Foundation for Children and the Arts, which helps disadvantaged children.
The £2.7 million production uses 360-degree computer generated video to conjure up the backdrops and 10 projectors on screens that are five times the size of Imax.
Producers are hoping to transport the audience on a swooping journey past the Royal Albert Hall, Buckingham Palace, Nelson's Column, St Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London.
The show takes place within a giant tent and designer William Dudley is taking inspiration from landmarks in the park to create the staging.
Neverland is on an island which appears to lie in the Round Pond and Captain Hook's ship is inspired by the design of the Italian Gardens.
It will run until 30 August.
For more log on to: www.visitlondon.com/peterpan
