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SCMP Reporter

It's going to be a high-flying experience for Peter Pan and his friends who will bring their adventures to  the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (APA) next week.

Presented by Hong Kong-based Faust International Theatre, the legendary musical will be performed by a 120-member cast comprising local students and artists.

Experienced teenage actor Michael Lin from King George V School will play the title role of

Peter Pan - the boy who refuses to grow up.

Rob Wellington, a chemistry teacher at Chinese International School, will play Peter's  sinister rival, Captain Hook.

Faust's Peter Pan is adapted by Ben Munroe from playwright JMBarrie's original about the boy who invites Wendy Darling to Neverland to be the mother for his band of Lost Boys.

They are joined by Wendy's brothers, John and Michael, and the youngsters embark on a series of adventures.

These include the near-death of the fairy Tinker Bell, and a climactic confrontation with Captain Hook. In the end, Wendy decides that her place is at home, and brings all the boys back to London. Peter remains in Neverland.

Munroe's version is slightly different from Barrie's.

'In the original, the dog Nana does not go to Neverland but this time it will,' said  Michael, 13, whose  mother - a dance teacher - urged him to try out  acting.

The Year Eight student  played the  role of Artful Dodger in Faust's sell-out musical Oliver! last year.

'I am really happy playing Peter Pan but, on the other hand, I have a great responsibility as the principal actor,' Michael said.

Elise Ng-Cordell, also 13, from West Island School, enjoys her role   as Wendy. 'The best thing about the show is that I get to fly on stage,' said the Year Nine student.

'I will be pulled up by wire to four metres from the ground. I'm really excited about it.'

Although Jamie Hansen does not have to remember any lines, he has a tough job as the dog Nana. During a rehearsal on Tuesday, he spent most of the time crawling and jumping around like a dog.

And, of course, he needs to bark.

'I base it [the role] on Gollum from the Lord of the Rings. I've also been to a dog show and observe the animals,' said the Year Seven student, who has previously played a faun (half-human, half-goat) and

a cat.

'I prefer character acting which relies on body movements and facial expressions,' he said.

Peter Pan will be staged from January 28 to February 5. Performances start at 7.30pm, with additional 2.30pm shows on January 29, 30 and February 5. Tickets from $160 to $688 are available at HK Ticketing outlets at the Convention and Exhibition Centre, APA, Fringe Club and Tom Lee Music stores. There will also be a preview at 7.30pm next Thursday. Tickets range from $130-$250. For bookings, call 3128 8288 or visit www.hkticketing.com



Peter Pan