A wacky and fun-packed stage version of Peter Pan is sending audiences into a frenzy of laughter and convulsive delights in Birmingham.
Peter Pan Goes Wrong is now playing at The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham.
The concept of this slapstick Mischief Theatre production is simple. Anything that can go wrong does go wrong, and the mayhem that ensues has the audience in stitches right from the get go as people take their seats and the surreal comedy begins right in the aisles as cast members rush around with electric cables to repair the faulty lights.
The improvisational and immersive capers sets the tone for the thrilling show, and the laughs keep coming from every angle.
Those who are familiar (and who isn’t?) with J. M. Barrie’s oft-told tale are in for a huge surprise as the story unfolds in a manner that injects anarchic energy into the classic story. By breaking the fourth wall, this comedy becomes a play-within-a-play as cast and crew members bicker and argue about the right way to adapt and stage Barrie’s 1904 play Peter and Wendy.
All of Barrie’s iconic characters are present and correct, and they dive straight into the madcap adventure without a moment’s pause as the story moves from the Darling children’s bedroom to Captain Hook’s ship in Neverland.
The set designs by Simon Scullion have to be seen to be believed. Scullion’s decision to employ collapsible sets, with a revolving stage, is a masterstroke of theatrical genius. The revolving stage becomes a focal point for much of the irreverent comedy which sizzles and flares like a kinetic firecracker.
The cast engages with the delicious chaos and the audience responds on cue to the visual and verbal acrobatics that this comedic carnival delivers with aplomb. Everyone seems to get involved, even the stagehands get embroiled in the storm of mishaps as doors fly open, walls collapse, costume changes get mixed up, spotlights and sets malfunction, lines get mangled and cues missed, and tempers flare up which leads to more comedy and drama.
All of this quirky energy is directed by Adam Meggido who expertly orchestrates the technical aspects of the show to be in perfect harmony with the performances of the cast. Meggiido steers and sails the show smoothly across a stormy ocean of mirthful chaos.
The comic timing and physical prowess of the various characters is superb, especially Tinkerbell and Captain Hook. Jamie Birkett, who plays multiple characters in the show, makes the audience warm to her interpretation of Tinkerbell. She is dangled from on high, she whizzes and hovers over the sets, crashes into cast members and scenery, and she manages to dances too, and all the while she smiles through the nonstop shenanigans.
Jack Michael Stacey, who plays Chris the director of the show-within-a-show, also takes on the role of Captain Hook. Stacey is thoroughly oily and villainous in both roles.
This rollicking show is able to juggle riotous comedy with tender and charming moments, and keeps the audience entertained from beginning to end.
Peter Pan Goes Wrong is full of witty and inventive magic that will grip and thrill young and old.
Verdict: ★★★★★
Peter Pan Goes Wrong is now playing at The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham until Saturday 23 March
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