Peter Pan – Rose Theatre

Second star to the right, and straight on till morning.

The classic tale, and a firm family favourite, is brought to life once again this Christmas in a new production at the Rose Theatre in Kingston. Following the mischievous boy Peter Pan who refuses to grow up, and happens to fly, the story begins when Peter crash lands into the bedroom of a strong-minded young girl and her brothers, who desperately seek adventure. With the help of a little fairy dust, and countless happy thoughts, they are whisked away into the land of never growing up, Neverland, where they encounter pirates, mermaids and much more.

Bursting with magic from the get-go with the enchanting music and lighting, we are introduced to the story in the classic way in the Darling’s room, narrated by a Gran telling the story to her grandchild on none other than Christmas Eve. The stage is set with the three beds for Wendy, John and Michael Darling, a Christmas tree and the iconic large bay window at centre stage. Featuring light-up stars over the stage and clever staging, the charm of this production is evident from its opening.

We are thrust into the action early into the first Act, with the three children, Peter Pan and Tinkerbell (Peter’s illustrious and confident fairy friend), fly over Christmassy London to Neverland. Particularly impressive in this scene is the use of lighting, puppetry and projection to portray the cast flying in an abstract way, rather than using the obvious choice of invisible wires. Paired with enchanting music, the audience experience a whimsical scene that really lends itself to the spirit of Christmas.

The music and lyrics created by Vikki Stone for the songs are innovative and in-line with the production, particularly the softer numbers when Wendy sings with Peter and the numbers performed by the crew of pirates, bursting with comedic energy and fun. Kaine Ruddach’s Peter Pan solo at the end of Act 1 is both theatrical and full of emotion, exacerbated by the members of the Rose Youth Theatre creating the dramatic waves of the sea with pieces of material. Ruddach has an opportunity to showcase his talent with a wonderful belt at the end of the number, leaving the audience intrigued of Peter’s fate and his sentiment ‘to die, would be an awfully big adventure’. Bradley Charles’ choreography and movement in these moments is particularly special, the members of the talented Rose Youth Theatre getting stuck into the dance numbers.

The use of puppetry throughout is impressive, with both the dog, Nurse Nana and the threatening crocodile being puppets, although effortlessly controlled by the puppeteers who blend into the scene. Tinkerbell is portrayed as a bright ball of light, effortlessly controlled by Ellie Searle, her facial expressions and physicality matching those of Tink. Isla Griffiths’ performance as Wendy is captivating and believable, both her innocence and her gumption captured. Paired with her sweet vocal tone, she makes the perfect Wendy. Michelle Bishop has a wonderful take on Captain Jane Hook, her characterisation and cockney accent making her hilariously funny and a joy to watch, especially her interactions with the young actors and Dominic Rye who plays the wonderfully animated Smee.

Though Peter Pan is a story that has been told countless times, this production manages to portray new and inventive ways to make the magic of the story unique once again. With a faultlessly moving ending and a wonderful dive into your imagination, this performance is a must-see this Christmas.

Peter Pan is currently showing at The Rose Theatre in Kingston until 7th January 2024. More information and tickets can be found at: https://rosetheatre.org/whats-on/19/by-j-m-barrie-in-a-new-version-by-evan-placey/peter-pan  

Reviewer: Maani Way

Reviewed: 7th December 2023

North West End UK Rating: