Wendy & Peter Pan bring a timeless tale into the 21st century with a sprinkling of magic pixie dust
J. M. Barrie‘s play Peter Pan, opened at London’s Duke of York’s Theatre in 1904, instantly becoming a huge success. So much so, that there has been a revival in London, just about every year since.
In 2023, Mischief Theatre created their own spin on the show ‘Peter Pan Goes Wrong‘ which played at the Lyric Theatre and in 2017 there was even an ‘arena spectacular‘ of the show at London’s Wembley Arena!
Now, sailing into London’s Barbican Theatre, is a reimagining of the story by the Royal Shakespeare Company, told for a modern day audience.
Ella Hickson’s retelling introduces a new addition to the story – a brother (Tom played by Alexander Molony), who dies at the beginning of the play.
Experiencing loss, Wendy is transported into the world of Neverland, in the hope of finding her brother, with the help of Peter Pan and The Lost Boys. But in a world of eternal youth, where death is seen as an adventure, does she have the strength to truly believe in magic and save her family?
Breaking away from the Disney stereotypes, the character of Wendy is brought in to the 21st century, putting her strongly at the forefront of the story, breaking down barriers of what is expected of her as a woman. Cooking, cleaning and sewing may be what is expected of her – but what if she doesn’t want to play mother – what if she wants to be the one who fights Captain Hook?
Mrs. Darling’s story is also modernised. Played delightfully by Life of Pi writer Lolita Chakrabarti. Inspired by the suffragette movement, she goes on her own empowering journey of strength.
Joe Hewetson is brilliantly hilarious as Martin the camp Cabin Boy, who may or may not be secretly in love with Captain Hook (played by Toby Stephens) and Harrison Claxton slithers around the stage, pocketwatch in mouth as Crocodile.
Daniel Krikler as Peter Pan, is perfectly cast. A cheeky childish chappy, who never wants to grow up (or face the consequences of their actions). Hannah Saxby as Wendy Darling, does a great job as the only girl in the family, grappling with her sense of identity.
Charlotte Mills as Tink, is a glorious new take on the prim and perfect fairy character we are used to seeing in this story.
Kwaku Mills as Michael Darling, is a giggly spectacle of joy and Fred Woodley Evans as John Darling, is a bundle of energy.
The set design is beautiful. From the Edwardian style child’s playroom to the pirate ship that moves around the stage, each piece moves around to fit the jigsaw puzzle of the stage.
Wendy & Peter Pan is full of innocence and magic and a reminder that you can do anything you want in life if you just believe.
★★★★★
West End Wilma
Wendy & Peter Pan is playing at London’s Barbican Theatre until 22 November 2025
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