at The Pleasance Theatre, London

“[Peter] has, I see it now, classic symptoms of ADHD”

I have never truly thought about what the problem is with Peter Pan – not the story, the child. He bosses everyone around, so cock-sure of himself, so clear about what is right and wrong, what is fun and what isn’t; his boundless energy, temper tantrums and recklessness… He has, I see it now, classic symptoms of ADHD and needs urgent treatment before someone gets hurt!

Thanks to this dark production from Action To The Word, I see the story and the world through Peter’s eyes in a completely new light, akin to The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time.

image courtesy of The Other Richard

The set is minimal – a collection of boxes and ropes/vines. Surrounding the lot are instruments. The tale is told through action, the narrative and contemporary songs ranging from ELO to Barry Manilow and many more. At times, it works. The cast of seven play and sing live, they dance, they act, they tumble. Overall, their energy and sheer exuberance forces the play along, under the direction of the writer Alexandra Spencer-Jones.

The two stand-out performances are from the main duo – Toby Falla’s Peter is a force of nature, but sadly lacking the ‘twinkle’ that the character requires: it is hard to like an annoying brat who is over-caffeinated. His nemesis, Hook, is played with charm and grace by Wesley Lineham, but the script holds him back from entering pantomime villain territory.

Image courtesy of The Other Richard

This, though, is the major problem of the whole production. I left wondering who the show is aimed at. Far too bleak and noisy for most children, but lacking depth for the adults. The Lost Boy Peter Pan does not require audience participation, which for a family show at this time of year is bizarre. Only once are we asked to join in – Tinkerbell eats the poisoned cupcake and collapses into what appears to be a sugar-induced coma. The fourth-wall is dropped and we clap to revive her.

image courtesy of The Other Richard

There are some genuinely tender moments, but too few to make an impact. The final scene could have been a real tear-jerker, but sadly Hannah Haines’ Wendy screamed out (literally!) for Peter and burst the emotional bubble. The whole event has the feel of an anarchic bunch of teenagers forcing themselves upon their relatives and friends – ‘Hey, we’ve got a show and we’re going to perform it for you (by which they mean ‘at you’) – so sit down and shut up and then you can tell us how good we are!’

I’ll be the grumpy uncle at the back who wants to play some party games and have some festive fun … Humbug!

The Lost Boy Peter Pan

Cast:                           Toby Falla, Hannah Haines, Wesley Lineham, Georgie Parker

Joshua Leese, Thomas Fabian Parrish, Olivia Warren

Writer / Director:         Alexandra Spencer-Jones

Inspired by J M Barrie

Producers:                  Action To The Word and Glynis Henderson Productions

Photography:              The Other Richard

Venue:                        The Pleasance Theatre, Carpenters Mews, North Road

London N7 9EF

Tickets:                       www.pleasance.co.uk / 020 7609 1800

Running until Sunday 7th January 2018

From £16 (£12 concessions)

Running Time:            75 minutes (no interval)

Ages:                          3+

Twitter:                                    @ThePleasance, #TheLostBoyLDN

Dark Horse winemaker, Beth Liston, believes that fortune favours the bold. Her pioneering approach to viticulture and wine making champions originality and above all taste and delivers wine that certainly delivers.

I find that wine is suitable in all occasions, pre Christmas shopping, post Christmas shopping, Christmas day planning, Christmas day lunch…. Well, you get the picture. Dark Horse wine is versatile and with the tell tale smoothness of a Californian wine this will certainly suit all of the above.

The Chardonnay was a crowd pleaser at my opening Christmas party this weekend, the toasty, vanilla flavours make this the perfect winter white.

I sampled the Cabernet Sauvignon alongside a Sunday lunch of game pie and I have to say it was delicious. We finished the bottle sat in front of the fire admiring the Christmas tree, feeling very festive. I would highly recommend the red for the table on Christmas day, you will not be disappointed with the velvety smoothness.

I will be adding to my list, to get me through the January sales…

Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon and Dark Horse Chardonnay both available nationwide

RRP £8.50

For more information, please visit http://www.darkhorsewine.co.u

It’s inadequate to call Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation: A Century of Goldsmith’s Art – a book.

It is a work of art in its own right. What a gift to present to someone for Christmas, or any time of year. In fact, keep it for yourself.

In the throwaway world of today, where bling is bought and carelessly discarded, the treasures within this beautifully created book defy any thoughts of ‘throwaway’ anything. This is art that someone has been privileged to wear. Art designed by a craftsman.

Rosa Maria Bresciani Buccellati, the wife of the complicated and gifted Gianmaria, tells us that Gianmaria often said, ‘a jewel is a way of keeping memory alive’ and for her, this book evokes many such memories.

Gianmaria Bucceliati Foundation: A Century of Goldsmith’s Art is an exquisitely illustrated story of the famous international fashion house. It traces the history of goldsmith and jewelry art, in the treasures of the Buccellati Foundation designed by Mario and Gianmaria Buccellati, heirs to the illustrious Italian tradition which flourished during the Renaissance.

Called the ‘prince of goldsmiths’ by Gabriele d’Annunzio, Mario Buccellati created new unique and personal works inspired by Renaissance traditions. He is credited with making the ‘Buccellati style’ famous around the world.

This book reveals the story of a fashion dynasty appreciated by members of ruling houses, popes and intellectuals alike.

Gianmaria had a deep respect for his artisans and for the art of the goldsmith. He believed that beauty is a resource that can never be quickly discarded, and that true beauty is something that not only endures, but remains, forever, timeless.

This book proves the theory.

Length 320 pages. Binding fabric hardcover. Price £70.00

The aim of this remarkable charity to is to provide palliative and end of life care based around the patients and their families – at home – day and night.

I know several who have had their relatives cared for in this way and the Rennie Grove palliative care team has made an unbearable situation, bearable.

Here in Downley, we have one of their charity shops. Under the auspices of manager, Jo, ably assisted by Lucy and a team of volunteers, it is a sight for sore eyes. The window displays are always spot on, and the donated goods are of the highest quality. And the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. I am frequently to be found there, taking a break from writing my latest novel, and poking about, finding gems.

Do not forget to use charity shops this year. People say they can’t afford Christmas, but perhaps they can if they stick their heads into their local charity shops. They are so often Aladdin’s Caves, and while you’re choosing, don’t forget that you are helping those in need.

To donate, or learn more about the charity

http://www.renniegrove.org

As the festive season gets under way this year and more Christmas cards will be sent via email than ever before, many of us are left craving the personal touch. A notification has ‘pinged’ as I type this. letting me know who I am buying for in our family secret Santa, not the traditional start to the festivities.

The old adage ‘It’s the thought that counts’ feels more relevant than ever, so let’s focus less on the mass produced and more on the personal. But how do you find a gift that stands in its own right as well as allowing you to personalise for that special person in your life.

Button & Wilde have the answer, they are offering a new, unique, luxury bath and body range where you can customise, personalise and design your own gift.

Choose from the decadent range of bath and body products; from Hand Butter at £8.99 to the Body Crème £14.99, these are great value for money and are brilliant for that stocking filler or Secret Santa for the office.

The range is Available in six signature fragrances; Wild Citrus Rose, Tarocco Orange & Nutmeg, Wild Fig & Grape, Lavender, Geranium & Chamomile, Sweet Beet Lime & Cedarwood, Infused Citrus Spice.

Once you’ve selected your product, you then design the front label, the options are endless; upload a photo, a pattern, or use one of our templates – then add a personal message. I will be uploading a picture of our cheeky 4 month old daughter Delilah to send to the grandparents.

My favourite bit is that each individual order is beautifully gift wrapped in tissue and comes in a cotton gift bag so looks positively designer. With delivery as quick as the next day you can’t go wrong.

www.buttonandwilde.com