REVIEW: Wendy & Peter Pan – Barbican

🎭 Wendy & Peter Pan
📍Barbican Theatre
🎟️ Gifted
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ella Hickson’s reimagining of J.M Barrie’s classic, Peter Pan, places Wendy at the core of the story, exploring her journey in Neverland. Originally produced by Bunkamura Theatre and Leeds Playhouse, Wendy & Peter Pan has enchanted its way around the globe – from Japan to the UK!

This adventurous production transforms a familiar tale into a coming-of-age story, exploring family, loss, navigating emotions and what it means to grow up. Having only watched the modern Peter Pan film, this adaptation was a total treat!

Colin Richmond’s set design is beautifully detailed and feels quite grand, making the most of the Barbican stage. The production certainly captures the magic of Neverland, with its enchanting design elements. There were video projections and impressive aerial stunts, with characters flying in the air. I also loved the revolving ‘Jolly Roger’ ship, where most of the action took place. The great thing about the Barbican theatre is that most seats have a good view of the stage, even from the back of the stalls! So it didn’t feel like we missed any of the action.

At over two and a half hours, it seemed like a lengthy watch for younger audiences, but Hickson’s witty script and pacy direction kept us entertained. The humour is sharp and playful, with the Lost Boys stealing scenes through their perfect comic timing, especially Curly, Slightly, and Tootles (Tom Xander, Max Lauder and Kyle Ndukuba). One particularly sassy Lost Boy had the audience laughing as he quoted famous movie lines (‘You can take my life, but never my freedom! and ‘No one puts Baby in the corner!’). I initially struggled to connect with Tinkerbell. This interpretation was more feisty than the usual Tinkerbell we’ve seen in films.

Lucy Hind’s choreography for the Shadows was another standout; the contemporary routines were precise and very expressive, adding to the wonderful storytelling. Daniel Krikler shines as Peter, capturing the character’s boyish charisma, while Hannah Saxby was brilliant as Wendy, full of warmth and determination. Her brothers, John, Michael, and Tom, offer a new angle to the story, especially as we learn the origins of the Lost Boys.

Toby Stephens is fantastic as the witty yet villainous Hook, alongside his amusing sidekick, Smee (performed by Scott Karim). Hook might be the villain, but he asked some valid questions; “Why does Peter need a mother but never have to grow up?”. This tied into the production’s themes on the different expectations for girls and boys. Why can the boys cling onto childhood, but the girls are forced to ‘grow up’? There’s a sequence in the show as Wendy reflects on this, and it’s like a lightbulb moment for her and the audience.

Hickson’s modernised dialogue that featured slang and references to Snapchat amused the younger audience members, as well as the audience participation, which kept the energy high. It was refreshing to see a show that was accessible for all ages, as it explores difficult issues such as grief and dealing with our emotions. The second half sees strong character development and relationships between the characters, making this more than just a ‘retelling’. This production is a compelling reflection on growing up, loss, and the importance of finding joy in even the smallest of things. Beneath all the fun and fantasy lies a beautiful message that is sure to resonate with many.

With imaginative staging, playful humour, and wonderful performances, Wendy & Peter Pan captures the magic of a classic while offering a fresh perspective that’s both moving and full of joy!

Wendy & Peter Pan plays at Barbican until 22 November. You can book tickets here