ABBIGAIL Wright, York Theatre Royal’s head of communications, is wearing another hat this autumn, directing the Easingwold Players in Peter Pan.

Flying sequences et al, her production will run at the Galtres Centre, Easingwold, from Tuesday to Saturday, completing her hat-trick of directorial credits for the society, having directed Annie in 2006 and co-directed Oliver! two years later.

Explaining her participation in the Easingwold Players, Abbigail says: “I grew up near Easingwold and have been an active member of the Players for about eight years.

“Every two years the group produces a big family show, allowing our young community to become involved alongside our adult members.”

Abbigail believes productions such as Annie, Oliver! and now Peter Pan are an important part of Easingwold life.

“As I work in the marketing department at York Theatre Royal, some may think it’s odd that I want to spend my ‘spare time’ putting on a production, but I really feel passionate about creating opportunities within my local community for children and adults to enjoy theatre,” she says.

“It’s sometimes difficult after a really busy day to turn up to rehearsals and organise everything with a cast of 40, but it’s also very rewarding and a lot of fun. I’m lucky to be working with a fabulous team of people.”

The Players’ production of Oliver! launched the new Galtres Entertainment Centre in 2006 in a converted sports centre fitted with a permanent stage, rig and retractable seating with a capacity nearing 200.

“It now has a varied year-round arts programme, but Peter Pan will certainly be the biggest community venture the centre has seen, particularly for one reason,” says Abbigail.

“We’re going to fly people for the first time and we spent last weekend rigging the equipment with the help of a professional company, High Fli, from Manchester.”

Five actors will have the chance to fly: Laura Soper as Wendy Darling; Matthew Batten as Peter Pan; Chris Gambles as John Darling; Thomas Lister, the youngest cast member at ten, as Michael Darling; and Rebecca Skinner, in a guest appearance as the Never Bird.

Abbigail has chosen to use the original JM Barrie script. “I loved the concept of ‘bedtime stories’ and the way the real world and the magical world of Neverland blend, so you’re not sure in the end what was real and what was part of a story,” she says.

“This really influenced our set design, a spectacular illustrated set of flats that depict different scenes, the Pirate Ship, the Mermaids Lagoon etc, in the style of a children’s story book.”

The design and illustration have been done by Abbigail’s father, Paul Wright, a former art teacher. “Together we’re working with a huge production team of volunteers, whose commitment and enthusiasm astounds me,” she says.

“Phil Grainger, a local entertainer and entrepreneur, has composed beautiful original music to underscore parts of the show and will be playing live on the performance nights. Our costume and props team have really gone to town, making most of the costumes needed, including a ten foot-long crocodile.”

One of Abbigail’s more unusual decisions has been to use a real Old English Sheepdog to play Nana, the Darling children’s “nurse”.

“We know a very talented, trained dog from Husthwaite, Robin Walton’s sheepdog Drover, who can bring on medicine, check the children are in bed and really join in with the action,” she says.

“It’s a toss up at the moment as to whether the dog or the flying will steal the show, but I’m sure it’s going to be a spectacle for Easingwold to enjoy.”

Tickets for the 7.30pm evening performances and 2pm Saturday matinee can be booked on 01347 822472.