It didn’t ever seem fair to me that while her brothers were off gallivanting round the enchanted island of Neverland, getting in trouble and general swashbuckling silliness, Wendy never really had much fun. Ella Hickson’s adaptation of J.M Barrie’s 1911 classic, has given a refreshing and contemporary lease of life to the piece. In the timeless tale of growing up, Wendy and Peter Pan’s juvenile adventures prove that playtime isn’t just for the boys.
One of those Lost Boys having the fun is, University of Nottingham alumni Douggie McMeekin, who plays the breakfast loving, big hug giving Curly. Whilst at Nottingham, McMeekin studied Physics and in his fourth year was elected as Student Union Activities Offer. The award winning Nottingham New Theatre harboured his interest in acting. The New Theatre gave him the opportunity to realise his potential, which he reached in performances at The Sunday Times’ National Student Drama Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Hickson’s adapted text is perfectly fitted to her esteemed set designer Colin Richmond’s work, whose diverse portfolio is arguably one of the most spectacular currently in the industry. Together with the Royal Shakespeare Company Barrie’s enchanted escapade takes children and parents alike on an unforgettable journey. The show is on from December 3rd to January 31st at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Wendy, Peter, Captain Hook, Tink and of course the Lost Boys are certain to make this season’s theatrical festivities even more magical.
Watch this space for the full interview with Dougie McMeekin, where the LAMDA graduate shares his experiences at drama school, the importance of surrounding yourself with friends and what to do when you’re an actor out of work. In the meantime you can find a quick fire question round with the lost boy himself…
What has been your best and worst moment on stage?
Best: Uncle Vanya at LAMDA.
Worst: At Edinburgh Fringe Festival I accidentally said my own name on stage.
What was the hardest character you have had to say goodbye to?
None really, it’s easy to say goodbye to a character when you’ve put everything in to it.
What would you put in Room 101?
Negativity…and snakes.
Your 3 Desert Island discs?
- Dire Straits – Romeo and Juliet
- Bob Dylan – Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright
- Bruce Springstein – Thunder Road
What’s your favourite word?
Puddle.
If you could attempt any other profession other than your own what would it be?
Beach inspector.
Aaron Tej
Image: Manuel Harlan
For information about RSC’s ‘Wendy and Peter Pan’, see here
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