Tim Maddren The Adventures of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell Interview

Tim Maddren 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 Tim Maddren, Peter Pan

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

Tim Maddren: It's Peter Pan! The best Panto of them all - you couldn't keep me away from auditioning. I'm so proud to be a part of it.


Question: What do you enjoy most about playing your role of Peter Pan?

Tim Maddren: The flying. But also the story has such a great message to tell for al ages - if you remain that fun child-like you forever, anything is possible.

Question: How are you similar to your character of Peter Pan?

Tim Maddren: I'm in desperate need of socks at the moment. So the other day I went out to go buy some socks and came back with a radio controlled plane.


Question: Can you tell us about Peter Pan's costume?

Tim Maddren: Flight ready, green and with the coolest set of green boots!


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

Tim Maddren: We have a mountain near where we live. I run up that mountain as much as i can and I surf heaps.

On a two show day I will be using my voice for over four hours all up and will have to do it again the next day. So keeping my voice fit is very important. Luckily I'm currently performing in my one man show so that will keep my voice show-ready until rehearsals.


Question: Do you have any pre-show rituals?

Tim Maddren: Pranks. I always love playing pranks on people - especially hiding in the wings and scaring them just before they go on. But don't tell anyone.


Question: What's it like to work with Todd McKenney?
Tim Maddren: An honour. Todd is the legitimate, top class professional performer. I have looked up to him for many years. Not only can he sing, act and dance at the highest level but he does seems to do it in a no fuss, down to earth way - I respect that. As HOOK he will be a formidable enemy.


Question: What do you enjoy about travelling whilst performing?

Tim Maddren: I've travelled a lot over my time as a professional performer. None more so than when i was in Hi-5. This now means I have friends everywhere I go. Spending time with those friends again is the best part about touring. This time I get to show off my son Banjo to them all.


Question: And, what makes travelling whilst performing difficult?

Tim Maddren: It used to be finding a good coffee, but that's no issue now. For me, the performing part on tour is the easiest. I know have a baby so travelling with prams, change mats, porta-cots, toys, teddy bears, radio controlled panes etc. is the hard part.


Question: What inspired your love of performing?

Tim Maddren: I caught the bug in my first show in NZ. I was ten and played Gavroche in Les Miz. The show bug bit me hard and I don't think it will ever let me go. I especially love live performance.

For me, Pantomime is one of the best forms of live performance. Come and see the show and you'll see why. Pantomime is hilarious and so much fun for both performers and the audience. I don't say that as a pitch, I genuinely believe it. It is also surprisingly different from a musical.


Interview by Brooke Hunter