Rehearsal shot of John Pfumojena who plays Peter Pan. PICTURE: STEVE TANNER
It’s curtain-up on the newest theatre in Hammersmith & Fulham, with a magical retelling of the story of JM Barrie’s ‘Peter Pan’ at the Troubadour White City Theatre.
Originally staged at the National Theatre, and directed by the Olivier award-winning Sally Cookson, the show involves aerial acrobatics and live music, and opened at the new theatre in White City Place in the former BBC Media Village on 20 July.
The show is the centrepiece of a festival of children’s theatre which also includes ‘Aliens Love Underpants’, ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show’, ‘Little Baby Bum Live’ and ‘Monstersaurus!’
The Troubador White City is the latest artistic venue to emerge in the borough’s thriving arts scene.
“This is a fantastic addition to our borough as we strive to make H&F one of the leading destinations for the arts in the country,” said Cllr Andrew Jones, H&F Cabinet Member for the Economy and the Arts.
It coincides with the council’s Arts Strategy (pdf 627KB) which aims to give more residents from a wider range of backgrounds the opportunity to experience and participate in cultural activities.
New theatre in H&F
“We’re hugely excited to be launching the first summer season at Troubadour White City and can’t think of a better way to start than with four shows to entertain and enthral the next generation of theatregoers,” said Tristan Baker of the theatre.
“The space has been designed to meet the needs of modern audiences and is perfect for families, with comfortable seating, generous toilet facilities, increased leg room and a spacious and welcoming foyer.”
It is appropriate that Peter Pan is the first main show at the new theatre space as author JM Barrie set his century-old story about a boy who could fly, and who never grows up, in west London.
The Troubadour White City Theatre has two flexible spaces, including a 1,200-seat theatre.
Shows alternate through the three-month festival, with performances from 20 July to 1 September.
It includes ‘Little Baby Bum Live’, which is a new show based on YouTube’s largest education channel. ‘Monstersaurus!’ is the tale of a young inventor who creates monsters (suitable for 3+), ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show’ celebrates one of the iconic figures in children’s literature, while ‘Aliens Love Underpants’ is based on the bestselling children’s book.
Get more information, listings and ticket prices at the Troubadour White City Theatre website.
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