Peter Pan – Dir: Carl Bland & Ben Crowder. ASB Waterfront Theatre – October 8-26

0

PETER PAN is back for the school holidays in this new adaptation about the mischievous little boy who flies towards the “second star to the right and straight on ’til morning,” to reach his beloved Neverland.

Do you believe in fairies?  One could easily write an essay on the background of J.M. Barrie and his much-loved story, diving into our protagonists bit by bit, analysing all of the Freudian themes …. but I digress, let’s go to Neverland!

Peter PanAuckland Theatre Company and Nightsong present this adaptation of the children’s classic. Written by Carl Bland, he co-directed with Ben Crowder the adaptation of J.M. Barrie.  (The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up, often known simply as Peter Pan, was written Mr. Barrie as a play in 1911.)

As a fan of this story, I have fond childhood memories of watching the 1953 Disney animated film and the 1960 performance by Mary Martin, which featured many of the same storylines. The 1991 movie Hook also offered a beloved take on Peter Pan and has become a cult classic. This cherished tale has endured across generations.

The Darling siblings along with the audience get swept away into Neverland, and are faced with pirates, mermaids and Lost Boys.

Peter PanA fair few of the cast members debuted with Nightsong and Auckland Theatre Company with this show.  Angus Stevens stood out with an entertaining performance of John, as well as Lotima Nicholas Pome’e with a gorgeous solo number.  Some seasoned actors lit up the stage, Jennifer Ludlam as Captain Hook/Mr. Darling and Andrew Grainger as the likeable Smee.

The infamous crocodile slithered across the stage, bringing an exciting energy with a delightfully whimsical design.  The costume design by Elizabeth Whiting brought a modern twist to this classic tale of Peter Pan, featuring bright colours that offered fresh interpretations of each character. The meticulous attention to detail was particularly evident in the design of Tiger Lily, portrayed by Tess Sullivan, showcasing the extensive research and thought that went into her look. I would have loved to see that design up close. However, while Tiger Lily’s costume stood out, the outfits of other characters felt somewhat uninspired. Junghwi Jo’s portrayal of the jealous Tinker Bell added an intriguing twist; as an emo fairy, she spoke quickly but had a unique way of communicating in a language only Peter could understand.  A nice touch.

Peter PanThe dialogue however was uneven at times, with missed cues and some falls on stage, making it feel choppy. It lacked a natural flow. The script took an intriguing direction, but then struggled to find balance, seeming to oscillate between being interactive for the kids in the audience, and appealing to a more mature crowd. For instance, when Wendy flew off stage and flipped the bird at Tinker Bell, it felt awkward and inappropriate given the young audience present.

As we left the theatre, I asked the children around me if they enjoyed the show.  Each one lit up with a huge smile. “Yes!” they replied enthusiastically, and near unanimously.  Outside, they were playing pirates or pretending to be Tinker Bell. And ultimately, that’s what the show is all about: inspiring kids to embrace their imaginations and play freely.

Some stories never grow old. This is one of them.  Because “all children, except one, grow up.”

Xoxo Ms. Peach

Peter Pan is presented by Auckland Theatre Company & Nightsong

ASB Waterfront Theatre – October 8-26

Tickets and more info here.

Photos courtesy: Andi Crown

 

 

Miss Peach
Latest posts by Miss Peach (see all)