Greenwich Theatre's Presents Pantomimed PETER PAN: A NEW ADVENTURE

THE voices of 12 local primary school children will feature in all 75 performances of Greenwich Theatre's hot-selling pantomime Peter Pan: A New Adventure, which starts its flight fantastic on Friday, November 18.

The children, from Charlton Manor primary school, learned and recorded Rainbow Connection by Paul Williams over three days under the tutelage of the pantomime's perennial musical director Steve Markwick.

"The children did ever so well," said Steve. "We went to the school on the Tuesday and recorded it two days later in the hall, despite everything that's going on in that amazing school.

"I think the song first appeared in the Muppet movie and has been covered umpteen times. There's a lovely version by the Carpenters. It's a tricky little song but the children got it all. We tried different combinations and we'll choose the one we like the best."

Steve was sworn to secrecy over the song's place in the panto but the idea of incorporating a song sung by local children came from Andrew Pollard, the panto's writer, director and dame, Long Joan Silver. "We've never had children in the panto before" said Steve, "and we couldn't cope with a team of 10 or so children, but this was a lovely way of getting children involved because they'll be heard in every show.

"This is our 11th panto in a row at Greenwich. It's a part of all our lives now and we all love it. I think the show has a style that people recognise and seem to enjoy, which I really like. We stick to the story but always try to freshen things up, and the Charlton Manor children will play their part this year."

The school's music teacher, James Davies, said: "I think it's brilliant, especially as the children will get to see it and hear it themselves.

"We've always got all kinds of projects going on at Charlton Manor, including the cookery for every child and the TV and radio. The children singing the song can see that what they do in school can also have a creative and very enjoyable use in the real world."

Singer Yusuf, aged 10, said: "We were chosen by Mr Davies and I'm really excited that we will be able to go to see the pantomime." Lenay, also 10, added: "I enjoy singing so I really enjoyed it. I've got loads of ambitions but I really want to be a singer."

FOR full details, including times and ticket prices, of Peter Pan: A New Adventure go to www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk or call the box office on 020 8858 7755.