'˜Flying' for young actors

Rehearsals are about to begin for Bexhill-on-Sea’s East Sussex School of Performing Arts’ (ESSPA’s) production of JM Barrie’s much-loved play, Peter Pan.

A brand new imagining of Peter Pan with a specially written musical score by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, the production demands the principal characters fly whilst in full song.

In order to prepare the children for roles with such unique demands, ESSPA took some lucky pupils to the Hanger Arts Trust in London, home of AirCraft Circus, to learn how to fly.

The Hanger Arts Trust is the home of many aerial circus performers involved in such productions as The Lord of the Rings, The O2 Spectacular and numerous other stage and film sensations. The children were sponsored for their circus training by family and friends.

‘Flying’ required the children to climb into harnesses that hold their full body weight and which can be awkward and uncomfortable. Even with the inevitable bruises, everyone had fun; even the teachers had a go.

Now, armed with their new experiences (including knowing how many somersaults each can do in the air and what kind of protective underwear is necessary) all are now masters of flying and have gained valuable insights that will see them through the challenges the production has in store for them.

Performances of Peter Pan will take place at the De La Warr Pavilion in February.

PICTURED: Andy Rose (Peter Pan)