The Lost Boy Peter Pan at the Pleasance Theatre

A charming musical adaptation of the classic Peter Pan story by JM Barrie, The Lost Boy Peter Pan, written and directed by Alexandra Spencer-Jones, is an original, joyful, energetic production. With a soundtrack of popular music – including the Beatles, Harry Styles, Take That, the Beach Boys, Scissor Sisters, Lenny Kravitz and Foo Fighters – this timeless tale of a boy who never grows up is reworked as a very stylish contemporary fable.

With happy pandemonium, indulgent rapture, and animated intoxication, Peter Pan sings and romps through the piece in his quest for the ideal mother as he finds his Wendy Darling and her siblings and whisks them off to Neverland. The atmosphere of the work is one of liberation and the notion that one can be level-headed and yet free; that to retain the child within us is not a bad thing, but is actually a gift.

The idea this narrative brings to mind is: What happens to us when we become adults? Do we become bogged down by mundane materialism, duties, conformity – compartmentalising our lives, losing our youthful wonder and enthusiasm? Is that living? And how do we retain latitude, independence and passion while still being responsible?

There is a wildness to this version that suggests anarchy and revolutionary rebellion while also invoking notions of compassion and the importance of loyalty and growing up in the right way – by maintaining the best of youthful innocence and liberty while incorporating a sense of bonded engagement with others.

With a live band, the rock numbers are terrific and add much charisma to this dynamic show. The actors are all superb, especially Toby Falla as the Lost Boy, Hanna Haines as Wendy, Wesley Lineham as a rollicking Captain Hook and Georgie Parker as Tinkerbell, Tiger Lily and Tootles.

Combining excellent writing, directing, set design, performances and music, The Lost Boy Peter Pan is a lovely, innovative, positive, highly entertaining show that will appeal to both children and adults.

Catherine Sedgwick
Photo: Richard Davenport / The Other Richard

The Lost Boy Peter Pan is at the Pleasance Theatre from 29^th November 2017 until 7^th January 2018. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.