Jaime Hadwen The Adventures of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell Interview

Jaime Hadwen The Adventures of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell Interview

The panto is back! Bonnie Lythgoe Productions brings The Adventures of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell to the State Theatre, Sydney from 7-16 July. Starring Australia's favourite Todd McKenney as -Captain Hook', this world premiere will feature sumptuous glittering sets, spectacular effects, gorgeous fairytale costumes, fantastic song and dance numbers, infectious and riotous comedy, magic and bags of audience participation. Don't miss out!

Two weeks ago Producer Bonnie Lythgoe announced that one of Australia's favourite (and hardest working) performers Todd McKenney will play Captain Hook in the World Premiere of The Adventures Of Peter Pan & Tinker Bell.

Today Bonnie is thrilled to announce the wonderful cast who will join Captain Hook are Tim Maddren as Peter Pan; Jaime Hadwen as Tinker Bell; Katrina Retallick as Mrs Darling and -Mimi the Magic Mermaid; Robyn Loau as Tiger Lilly and sharing the role of Smee will be Mark Jones and Kev Orkian.

2017 promises to be a big year for panto in Australia as it will be the first time ever that Bonnie Lythgoe Productions will present their world class pantomime outside of Sydney with the show opening on 23 June at the Gold Coast Arts Centre playing to 1 July. Peter Pan will then fly into Sydney's State Theatre from 7 to 16 July then up and away to Melbourne landing in the Comedy Theatre from 21 to 30 July.

This enchanting story will feature sumptuous glittering sets, spectacular effects, gorgeous fairytale costumes, fantastic song and dance numbers, infectious and riotous comedy, magic and bags of audience participation.

In March Bonnie and Todd will hold auditions on the Gold Coast to cast the Lost Boys. The roles of Wendy, Michael and John Darling will also be announced at this time.

The Adventures of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell

Gold Coast Arts Centre
23 June – 1 July
From $40.50 to $61.50
Groups 6+ $51 / Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children) $178
www.theartscentregc.com.au or 07 5588 4000

State Theatre, 49 Market Street, Sydney
7 - 16 July

From $62.75 to $77.75

Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children) $281.00
Ticketmaster.com.au or 1300 139 588

Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
21 – 30 July
A Reserve $79.95 / B Reserve $59.95
Ticketmaster.com.au or 1300 11 10 11
www.ozpanto.com

Interview with Jaime Hadwen, Tinker Bell

Question: Why did you decide to audition for The Adventures of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell?

Jaime Hadwen: To be honest, I was approached by Bonnie about playing this role.


Question: What do you enjoy most about playing your role of Tinker Bell?

Jaime Hadwen: I like that Tinkerbell is more of a complex character than meets the eye. On the exterior, Tink is a cute fairy who will go to any length to help Peter. What we forget is that she is independent, opinionated, stubborn and most of all sassy!

Question: How are you similar to your character of Tinker Bell?

Jaime Hadwen: I am similar to Tink in that I would do anything for those I care about. I wish I could fly though. That would be a childhood dream come true!


Question: Can you tell us about Tinker Bell's costume?

Jaime Hadwen: I have only worn the costume once so far, for a photo shoot... and let me just say that you will hear Tink coming from a mile away.


Question: What's the preparation like, for a show of this size?

Jaime Hadwen: We will only have two weeks rehearsal for this show. Which is incredible. We are usually handed our scripts a few weeks earlier than that so we have time to digest our lines and be as prepared as can be for the first day of rehearsals. However, I have already began my preparation for this role and show. Tink will be roller skating on the stage. Though I do have the basic skills already for this character, i want to add some of her characteristics and the idea of 'flight' into my skating. Which is why I am already preparing for this as I will be in skates for the entire show.


Question: Do you have any pre-show rituals?

Jaime Hadwen: I seem to have a different ritual for each show to be honest. There will always be different skills required for different shows. This show will be similar to Xanadu in that I will need about 10-15 mins of skating before the show on the stage. I love doing my hair and makeup for each show. Usually put on some good music to get the energy flowing and a good solid vocal warm up.


Question: What's it like to work with Todd McKenney?
Jaime Hadwen: This is the first time I have worked with Todd, and I hope it won't be the last. He will bring a particular style and professionalism to this Pantomime which will be amazing to witness. I know I will learn a lot from Todd, and his experience. He already gave me some guidance and assistance with a few things during our first photoshoot. I am very much looking forward to being on tour with Todd McKenny and learning all that I can from him.


Question: What do you enjoy about travelling?

Jaime Hadwen: I love seeing new places and working with new people. Also, this tour is travelling to Queensland, which is where I am from. I am thrilled that more of my friends and family will be able to watch Peter Pan and Tinkerbell this year. As last year Cinderella played only at the State Theatre. Though I am so grateful to all my friends and family who came down to Sydney to see Cinderella. Your wish has been granted. Bonnie is now bringing the show to you!


Question: What makes travelling whilst performing difficult?

Jaime Hadwen: Being away from the people I love. It is hard being on tour. I always miss my bed and my friends, but travelling is also a huge part of the entertainment industry. Especially in Australia.


Question: What inspired your love of performing?

Jaime Hadwen: You know what, I don't quite know. I don't ever remember a point in my childhood when I knew I wanted to "be an actor!" I think if you ask my parents, they would say that I was always putting on shows and plays around the house, and making them pay $2 for a ticket! I think a part of me could be a great producer. They always allowed me to perform and take classes and lessons and allowed me to do whatever I wanted to do when I grew up, as long as it made me happy. So, perhaps they inspired my love for performing! They both love their jobs too! I think I just knew that there was never anything else that made me this happy.


Question: What's a typical day like, for you?

Jaime Hadwen: My day can change at an instant, and it does. I have many jobs. If I am not in rehearsals for a show I am usually buzzing around like a busy bee. I babysit all the time. Mostly for families who work in the industry too! Sometimes I can have 1,2 or 3 of 11 children running around with me. I love babysitting. I think it is a wonderful job! I also work at Fitness First as a receptionist. On weekends you can sometimes find me dressing up as a fairy or a Disney princess at a child's birthday party. I perform the Fairy Wishes Move and Groove show with my best friend Courtney as pirates, mermaids, elves, fairies, pixies or Alice in Wonderland. But at the end of the day, I always try to make time for exercise, a singing lesson once a week and good quality time with those I care about.


Interview by Brooke Hunter