A theatre has installed state-of-the-art wire-flying technology to put on a show raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital (Gosh).
Park Theatre in Finsbury Park, which launched in 2013 with high-profile patrons including actor Sir Ian McKellen, is staging an adaptation of J M Barrie classic Peter Pan over Christmas.
The author gifted the copyright to his bestselling work to the children’s hospital in 1929 as a gesture of support, and it has since received royalties when the work is staged, as well as from sales of books and products. Park Theatre’s management has decided to additionally donate five per cent of all ticket proceeds directly to Gosh.
Merlin actor Alexander Vlahos will star as Captain Hook alongside Nickcolia King-N’Da as Peter Pan.
The show features the original text and sees characters zoom across the stage airborne using the flying equipment usually seen only at the large West End theatres.
Vlahos said: “You can’t have Peter Pan without flying, so, it’s brave and thrilling that the Park Theatre is attempting it.
“It looks as magical as it should — I’m just grateful that Hook remains permanently grounded.”
He added: “Christmas is all about children, and by donating to Gosh we’re helping in a small way to put a smile on their faces. I’m sure J M Barrie would want it this way.”
Co-star King-N’Da said: “After feeling a little nervous but still excited that first time I took flight, I couldn’t help but feel a little like a superhero and just had a permanent grin on my face.”
The show will run from tomorrow until January 5.
For tickets and more information see parktheatre.co.uk
