Teesside Uni graduates’ animation startup brings Peter Pan to life on stage

A startup founded by Teesside University graduates is bringing the world of Peter Pan and Neverland to life on stage.

Blue Lint Studios, founded earlier this year by Phil Cornforth and Stuart Whitlock, is handling the animation for Peter Pan – An Arena Spectacular as it prepares to launch at Wembley and Birmingham Arenas this Christmas.

Starring comedian Bradley Walsh and former EastEnders actor Martin Kemp, the show will recreate author JM Barrie’s famous children’s story with a cast of over 100 performers.

Blue Lint’s work on the project includes the creation of animations and graphics to be shown on giant screens forming the stage backdrop.

Phil, who co-founded the company after the firm he previously worked for went out of business, said: “Two days after being made redundant I spoke to Jon Conway, the producer of the Peter Pan show, who I had done some work for in the past, and following a meeting shortly after we agreed to form a partnership.

“This is a really exciting project to work on. Our animations form the basis of the show and help tell the story. The first thing the audience sees is one of our fly-throughs and it helps set the scene.”

He continued: “Ever since being at University I’ve always wanted to work for myself. I like having my own vision for the business and how things should be done, which you can’t always do if you’re working for someone else.”

Phil and Stuart set the company up with the help of the Teesside University-based DigitalCity Fellowship scheme, which offers entrepreneurs financial and mentoring support.

The director of Teesside University’s business hub The Forge, Laura Woods, commented: “We are delighted to have been able to give Phil and Stuart the support they needed to get their business off the ground.

“The Peter Pan arena show promises to be a spectacular event and it’s fantastic that it will be Tees Valley-based expertise which will be helping to bring it to life.”

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