CAST members of Blackpool panto Peter Pan were flying high at the weekend, trying out their new £15,000 harnesses and flying gear for the first time.

Grand Theatre audiences will see up to four people 'flying' across the stage at once when the panto about the boy who doesn't want to grow up begins tonight (Thursday, December 11).

Principles Sophie McDonnell (Peter Pan) and Sarah Craven (Wendy) were both flying for the first time on Saturday, along with one or two Lost Boys.

"It's really exciting. It's a lot easier than I thought it would be. It's something really spectacular," said Sophie.

Sarah added: "We each only have one wire so we can't do roly polys, but you do have to be quite fit and quite aware. The harnesses are not the most comfortable things ever. But the effect is really magical."

Lee Stephenson of flying effects company Freedom Flying said that for every 'flying' performer there are two backstage operators -- one to lift and one in charge of travel.

But it's the performer's responsibility to be on the right mark at the right time, not forget their choreography, lines or songs, he said.

"Just swinging someone around on a rope is not going to amuse anyone. The whole idea is that the audience isn't focusing on the wire but on the performer," he said.

Watching the flying rehearsals, company manager Bob Priestley said: "Because it's the company's first Peter Pan it's been a learning experience for everybody.

"It's a big cast, there's lots of costume changes and we're making them as lavish as possible.

"The first time, sometimes the only time, that children visit the theatre is to see panto. We wanted to make it a magical show."