Peter Pan at the Bloomsbury Theatre, London Review
Peter Pan
Bloomsbury Theatre, London
11-14 December 2014
Reviewed by Emma Rogers
Peter Pan comes home – JM Barrie’s story of the boy who never grows up is showing in London at this new production at the Bloomsbury Theatre. You’ll be pleased to know that this isn’t the panto version of the classic story, but a more faithful adaptation of the book, complete with songs and pirates and a dancing Tinkerbelle.
Everyone knows the storyline of this children’s classic. Three children are woken by Peter Pan in their bedroom, are whisked off to the Neverland with the boy who won’t grow up, and Wendy becomes foster mother to the Lost Boys, who are constantly at odds with the pirates and Captain Hook. The production works very well with the likes of a puppet for Nana the dog, an online, wheelie crocodile and even the flying is accomplished by Peter, Wendy and the boys. The overall quality of the set is excellent – you forget that this is a one week production with the lavish sets that are changed frequently. You’ll also notice the live orchestra – a real treat.
The lovely Tinkerbelle is introduced to us by three spirit dancers, who each carry a blue light representing the mischievous fairy. It’s very cleverly choreographed so that you see both the light, and the wispiness of the dancers to represent Tinkerbelle. Wendy, John and Michael are also faithful to the story, played by appropriately aged children and done so very well. George Stills plays both Mr Darling and long-suffering Smee. Has there been a Smee character who HASN’T been beaten-up, tripped up and tricked as much as the character of Smee? He was the character who elicited most laughs throughout the night! Great performances were also seen by Abbie Minnock who plays Wendy and Ben Fuiava who makes light work of the melancholy Captain Hook. The many parts of the pirates and Lost Boys are played with gusto and have the appropriate humour throughout the 2½ hour show.
This is a great production for the whole family to see, without the usual Christmas panto theme and more like the original book than any other Peter Pan production I’ve ever seen. The children will enjoy music and flying effects and the songs, although not laborious, are sprinkled throughout. A fabulous night out for the week before Christmas and one that will be both enjoyed, and remembered.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £15.50 to £25.50, £55 to £75 family ticket (plus £2.50 booking fee).
Peter Pan is at the Bloomsbury Theatre in London until 14 December 2014. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 020 3108 1000.
Bloomsbury Theatre. 15 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AH | 020 3108 1000