Peter Pan Goes Wrong – Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Lisa Harris
Peter Pan Goes Wrong is a real treat for all the family. With an exciting blend of pyrotechnics, special effects, quick changes and a hilarious script you will be kept on your toes, and also the edge of your seat, all night!
With a very impressive interactive set, the talented cast take you to Neverland and back in just over two hours. It cannot be overlooked that the precision to pull off a show such as this is astronomical. Timings down to the second, intense stunt work and meticulously choreographed set movements and SFX – the show is a marvel.
The entire company gave their all to the production, but there were a couple of standout performances. Jack Michael Stacey’s interaction with the audience during the second act had the entire venue roaring with laughter. His comedic timing and improvisation really allowed for a wonderful scene in which the fourth wall was totally broken, and the audience was involved. Clark Devlin and Theo Toksvig-Stewart, playing Dennis and Max respectively, brought the charming and endearing brothers to life – maintaining a perfectly rehearsed relationship and loveable characters throughout. Jake Burgum, as Trevor, captivated the audiences long before the show itself began as he weaved his way through the stalls – and it isn’t possible to gloss over his exquisite contributions to the second act. Finally, it wouldn’t be right to overlook Jamie Birkett and her flawless multi-rolling, sometimes with quick changes of mere seconds. Her characterisation was polished to a near perfect degree.
Peter Pan Goes Wrong is a real treat and comes highly recommended. Part pantomime, part comedy and part acrobatic wonder – this show really does have something for everyone.
If I was to be picky, I’d say that the first half was stronger than the second, but it is picking and almost feels unfair to mention really. The energy that goes into the final scenes from all cast members as the stage revolves and the production collapses around them is something to behold in itself.
I’ve read this show described as “riotously funny … a feast of sumptuous silliness … a stream of failures you won’t want to end” and I wholeheartedly agree with all of them.
When the show ended the audience rose to their feet in appreciation of the energy and quality of the show we had just witnessed. Throughout I’d heard those around me gasp in horror, laugh uncontrollably, saw the shoulders shaking and witnessed the face palming.
For a great night out that’s definitely not a panto (“oh yes, it is …), that is full of belly laughs, on point, precision timed catastrophic slap stick humour and line delivery then treat yourself to this show, you honestly won’t regret it. Unless of course, you are looking for a serious traditional theatrical representation of J M Barrie’s much-loved tale of Peter Pan. In which case, this is not for you, what it is however, is an awfully big adventure!
Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House is a stunning building without a bad seat in the house. The staff are friendly, and the venue is clean and well maintained. We sat in row F in the Stalls, the seats are comfortable and there is plenty leg room, everyone has a splendid view of the stage here.
Although rated guidance age 8+ I may disagree with this and put it a little bit older. There is a very small amount of swearing, but mainly I’d say you do need to be just a bit older to appreciate all the humour and innuendos.
Rating: 5/5
Buy tickets here: https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/whats-on/peter-pan-goes-wrong-2024/
Price: £30-45