Peter Duncan Director
Peter Duncan began directing pantomimes in the late 1980’s at Hackney Empire. This led to the formation of his own production company, and his first show was David Wood’s Gingerbread Man which was backed by Cameron Mackintosh. He then received support from the Arts council which co-funded a production of Terry Jones’ Erik the Viking which toured venues across the UK.
Alongside his creative output, Peter’s own acting and musical theatre career progressed, and he received an Olivier nomination for his performance in The Card at Regents Park. Peter managed to successfully dovetail his creative and performing work, and won an opportunity to produce Christmas seasons at the Broadway Theatre in Catford. Allowed to follow his own creative ambitions he produced a Caribbean Peter Pan designed by Ali Pretty now of Kinetika, and Robin Hood designed by Mark Tildersley co-designer of the Olympic opening ceremony. At the start of 2000 Peter went on to direct and star in a No 1 tour of Barnum.
As a Blue Peter presenter, Peter was inspired by his overseas filming, and had long held the ambition to make his own films. Having a strong visual sense, and an understanding of the importance of narrative learnt from his theatre experiences, he decided without a commission to take his young family on a worldwide backpacking filming adventure. The BBC funded the post production to make a six part series called Travel Bug. Subsequent series to China and India were commissioned by Five. His relationship with Five continued as he went on to make two series of a slapstick comedy called Demolition Dad collaborating with Daniel Peacock.
In 2004 Peter was appointed Chief Scout and made a film for the Scouts Association about summiting Everest which included Edmund Hillary’s last interview.
In 2009 he produced his own one man show at Edinburgh Festival called Daft and Dangerous.
In recent years he wrote and directed many pantomimes for Oxford Playhouse, as well as continuing to perform himself for other leading panto companies.
In 2016/17 he produced, wrote, directed and starred in ‘Aladdin’ at Poole Lighthouse Theatre.
See heresoneimadeearlier.com for future projects.