CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

Director: David Sidwell

Musical Director: Sam Cleaver

Choreographer: Ashleigh Gibson

Production Designer: John Harding

St Peter's School, Cambridge

4-9 April 2025

Based on the 2002 DreamWorks film starring Leonardo Di Caprio and Tom Hanks, Catch Me If You Can is a musical comedy set in the 1960s about con artist Frank Abagnale Jr. Frank’s antics catch the attention of FBI agent Carl Hanratty. A game of cat and mouse ensues as Frank ducks and dives through various careers, always a step ahead of the FBI.

The cast was made up of eleven principals, twenty-three in the ensemble, nine dancers and sixteen backing vocalists. Catch Me If You Can has a majority of male principal parts and whether by design or good fortune, St Peter’s had enough talent to fill the roles admirably.

Stefanie Hack and Sarah Hughes created an entirely appropriate cohesive makeup look and a couple of stunning up-dos that were period specific. Their team had a busy time with the numerous headpieces, several requiring quick changes. At one point, the dancers were in the aisles, and this allowed the audience to see their superb makeup in detail.

Former student and Australian-based Rose Sidwell curated an astonishing number of costumes. The dancers had multiple changes including sparkly shift dresses, Britney inspired flight attendant outfits, and Vegas style showgirl couture. Sidwell’s attention to detail was most obvious in the shoes. From Frank’s patent leather Oxfords to the FBI agents scuffed loafers, and matching jazz and dance heels for all the dancers, it could not be faulted.

Choreographer Ashleigh Gibson was blessed with a troupe of well-trained dancers who were able to perform her nifty work. The cast were well rehearsed, moved confidently across the stage, and gave a joyful and energetic performance throughout.  

Aaron Chesham of ACLX delivered a refined lighting design that enhanced the features of the cast, set, choreography and the sixties. Large Hollywood style mirror lights surrounding the set pieces were an inspired choice that enriched the overall composition.   

Musical director Sam Cleaver was able to assemble some of the country’s leading musicians alongside many talented students. The band covered a variety of genres such as swing, Motown, and pop. Set on a platform at the back of the stage, the band was partially visible, as was Cleaver who conducted and occasionally boogied. As the cast sang, crooned, belted and projected, their diction and breath control were excellent.

John Harding who was responsible for last year's extraordinary pirate ship based the Catch Me If You Can set around a revolving platform. This allowed for multiple interior scene changes and a huge array of sixties style wallpaper*, furniture, and art. Large panels framing the revolve were able to be lit in various configurations adding dimension and depth. Another of Harding’s strengths is his ability to add detail to set pieces with a paintbrush. Notable elements included the FBI office furniture and the bar. A revolve does not look effective unless the actors freeze during a scene change. The cast using the revolve did not even bat an eyelash until out of sight. Bravo!

The amusing pre-show announcement was a glimpse into what was to come. In David Sidwell’s 20th production for St Peter’s, he created another theatrical masterpiece in less than a school term. In a musical about a guy who lives his life without a dull moment, the same could be said of this production. Sidwell used the venue to its full potential with cast entering and exiting via the auditorium doors as well moving them up and down on the stage stairs. The cast appeared unified and excited to perform. Sidwell created moments and vignettes within scenes that allowed the cast to delve into their characters and render authentic interactions with each other. He no longer needs to open his little black book to assemble a production team, there is a line out the door. Sidwell gathered his troops and delivered a sophisticated musical within a school that values the Arts. In the show programme, Sidwell said of the students “their relentless pursuit of excellence consistently leaves me in awe”. That is how I feel about your work, Mr Sidwell.

There is a sprinkling of seats left at each of the remaining performances. St Peter’s production of Catch Me If You Can is an absolute delight thanks to the combination of extremely talented students and a professional production team who create theatre for a living. Heavens to Betsy, Catch Me If You Can is terrific.

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Photos: Mark Hamilton

*The wallpaper in Brenda’s room is the most glorious thing I have ever seen. I desperately need it in my real life.