PETER PAN GOES WRONG - UK TOUR REVIEW

Last Night (14/3/24) I had the pleasure of watching a performance of “Peter Pan Goes Wrong” at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking - as part of their UK Tour.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong is another play coming from Mischief Theatre, written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields - the geniuses behind ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’. This time, Cornley Polytechnic Society have decided to stable a production of J.M Barrie’s classic ‘Peter Pan’ but as you can guess from the title… not all goes to pan… I mean.. Plan! 

From the off, the piece was very interactive. Throughout the auditorium, crew members were running around giving audience members fun tasks, things to hold and generally just preparing for the show in the most hilarious way! I even spotted Peter Pan himself walking around and asking to sign people’s programmes (I’m not sure that’s the right way around it’s supposed to be, but it worked nonetheless!) 

This is a brilliant aspect of Mischief Theatre’s style as it sets the “goes wrong” tone right from the moment you enter the auditorium. 

The production is designed brilliantly to allow the maximum amount of things to go wrong (and they do!). I did not stop chuckling to myself throughout the play, as the comedy just kept on coming. A fantastically designed set ensured lots of physical comedy as things fall apart, break and get knocked over which gets a lot of laughs. Accurately timed lighting cues, fabulously scripted humour and performers with impeccable comedic timing just add to the chaos and all of these elements are what make this play, exactly what it is, and the show could not be the way it is without each of these aspects working together in perfect harmony! 

Chris Bean, the director, is played by Jack Michael Stacey. Chris also plays the roles of Mr Darling and Captain Hook. Jack Michael Stacey is brilliant as Chris bringing the stern, level-headed director to life, whilst honouring the comedy of the piece and interacting with the audience in hilarious scenes as Captain Hook.

Matthew Howell plays Assistant-Director… sorry.. Co-Director ‘Robert’ who also plays Nana the Dog, Peter’s Shadow and starkey. His portrayal of this character is very similar to that of Henry Lewis in the original productions (that I saw on the Television special). But this is a brilliant factor, because it is familiar and entertaining.

Crowd favourite, Max, is played incredibly, by Theo Toksvig-Stewart - Taking on roles such as Michael Darling, Mermaid and The Crocodile. Toksvig-Stewart plays very well to the crowd, winning them over and receiving thunderous roaring applauses upon his final entrance as the new hero: the crocodile.

Gareth Tempest takes on the role of Jonathan who plays the lead of ‘Peter Pan’ a role in which he really does think he is fantastic. But when the flying equipment goes wrong, Tempest displays fantastic physical comedy as we see him struggle through the air, leaving the audience in stitches.

Ciara Morris is Sandra, the star who performs in the role of Wendy Darling. She performs the role with a lovely sense of humour and character, deeply invested in the role and giving a stellar performance. 

Jamie Birkett plays multiple roles as Annie, who performs in ‘Peter Pan’ as Mrs Darling, Tinkerbelle and Lisa. This leads to many, very speedy, costume changes which often go slightly wrong but for the most part are very impressive and commendable! Birkett’s hilarious portrayal of a number of roles is exciting to watch.

Dennis, who needs to wear a headset to be prompted on lines, is played by Clark Devlin with great character and humour.

Jake Burgum plays the role of stagehand, Trevor, who finds himself in a number of leading moments throughout the play. Each moment left me giggling with laughter at Burgum’s fantastic performance - Burgum’s comedic timing is second to none.

Robert’s niece with terrible stage-fright: Tootles, is played by Rosemarie Akwafo and gives a good, timid portrayal of this shy character who gets her moment at the end of the play to great cheers from an enthusiastic audience. 

Finally, the narrator is played by Jean-Luke Worrell who brings a lovely camp and eccentric character to the stage with a sprinkle of glitter. Worrell guides us through the story, getting many laughs even just from the way they enter and exit the stage.

Overall, if you are looking for a comedy night out, Peter Pan Goes Wrong is a brilliant way to go! Mischief Theatre are fantastic in all that they do and I am looking forward to seeing a number of their other productions in the near future!

Tickets are available for the rest of the run in Woking here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/peter-pan-goes-wrong/new-victoria-theatre/

And the remainder of their tour here: https://www.mischiefcomedy.com/whats-on/peter-pan-goes-wrong/uk-tour/

Reminder, the age guidance for this show is 15+

15th March 2024

Robbie Davies | Robbie’s Backstage Bants