BACKSTAGE AT MIDSUMMA with Dean Robinson | Peter Pan: A Twinkle in time
- TW
- 10 hours ago
- 3 min read
In today's Backstage at Midsumma, we speak to Dean Robinson, writer and performer of Peter Pan: A Twinkle in Time to Explosives Factory in the first week of Midsumma!
Melbourne, are you ready to fly back to Neverland? Peter Pan was the original Twink, but will he still be a Twink when the boy who won’t grow up, grows up? Peter Pan has left Neverland and began to finally grow up, but in this world of social media, online dating and beauty standards, how will he fit in? A one-man comedy show by a former Twink, Peter Pan: A Twinkle In Time is the brainchild of performer Dean Robinson. And with a raft of performances and glowing reviews under his belt, he is bringing his hilarious new show to Midsumma Festival.
Q: Take us back to the start. When did this show first drop into your head? How did it get to where it is now?
I’ve had the idea I’ve wanted to do something with Peter Pan for years now, I find him to be such a interesting and iconic character that everyone has some form of a relationship with, whether that’s through the original Disney film, or the 2003 Jeremy sumpter film, or Robin Williams in Hook or soooo many other adaptations.
But I wasn’t sure what my perspective was and what was my way in, and one day I just realised that Peter really is the original twink, young, slim and kind of an asshole. So I decided to explore that and coupled with my own feelings and reactions to aging and the idea of ‘Twink Death’ it all just started to blossom.
Q: What will people find in your show that they won't find anywhere else in Midsumma?
Well you’re definitely find twinks plenty of other places in Midsumma, but I am not sure you’ll find such an exploration of peoples perspectives of aging and growing out of the desirable range as much elsewhere, all peppered through lots of jokes and comedy. And where else will you see Peter Pan singing a Cher song?
Q: What will surprise audiences about this work?
I think no matter whether you are a part of the queer community or not you will find some connection and joy through this show, it absolutely touches on subjects we all consider and goes on a journey through many young adults end up going through. The show has plenty of surprises built in too, which many costume changes and audience participation and plenty more moments that will definitely surprise.
Q: You're on a blind date. Nervously, you walk into the bar. Across the smoke and pool tables you see them - there they are. Your exact target audience member, personified. Can you describe them?
They are in their early 30s, they are likely a gay man, they probably once considered themselves a twink, they absolutely watched glee and are more chronically online than what’s good for them. And they should have a f*g hag with them and they should be dragged along too.
Q: What has been the most memorable moment in the process so far?
I think when I first put on my official Peter Pan costume I really started to see the whole character and world really come together.
Peter Pan: A Twinkle in Time plays 20-24 January at Explosives Factory.
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