By Hannah Thomas
Wendy takes centre stage in magical new take on Peter Pan
This high-flying re-telling of Peter Pan, a joint production between the Sherman and Theatr Iolo, has Wendy right at the heart of the story.
All is not well at home, and the prospect of a parental split fills Wendy, the eldest of the Darling children, with dread. When the free-spirited Peter Pan, ‘Lord of the Lightning and King of the Fairies’, offers escape to Neverland, both Wendy and brothers, John and Michael, jump at the chance.
Now the adventure truly begins! Exciting aerial acrobatics, supported by NoFit State Circus, see the gang fly off to meet the mischievous Tinkerbell and the Lost Boys. There is song and play and non-stop fun, even with Captain Hook glowering from the sidelines.
But what Peter and the Lost Boys really want is a mother, and this is one of the running themes in the show – how can you be a good mum while doing your own thing, and what does it mean to be a grown up. Wendy ponders this as she becomes somewhat put upon by the others.
This edgy context adds pathos, however there are plenty of laughs for all. The grown-ups will enjoy the knowing quips, such as time-keeping being ‘an essentially patriarchal practise’, while the visual, physical action delights younger audience members.
The cast is superb. Rebecca Hayes plays Peter with a swagger, capturing the essence of this boastful, mixed-up boy, and Owen Alun is hilarious as Tinkerbell, speaking a Minion-esque mix of Spanish, French, Welsh and Italian. We feel for Wendy, played with passion by Emily Burnett, while Alex Murdoch and Keiron Self bring both Hook and Smee to vivid life.
Author Catherine Dyson perfectly captures the speech patterns of the modern-day teen in her wonderful script, with plenty of ‘totallies’, ‘no offence’ and ‘kinda of sad’, and the story cracks along at speed, thanks to Lee Lyford’s direction.
Lynwen Haf Roberts plays Nibs and is also Musical Director, with an on-stage band adding variety and drama.
The sets and costumes are fantastic. Spectacular set pieces include the lagoon scene with the mermaids (and their shiny, swaying tails), along with Hook’s comeuppance at the hands of Time and the Crocodile.
At the end, there is resolution and acceptance, and we get a snapshot of the future for the Darlings. Whatever your family looks like, there is peace and wonder to be found in simply spending time with each other.
The show received a standing ovation, with my ten-year old daughter telling me she would love to see it all again – no better compliment!
Photos by Mark Douet
Peter Pan is on at The Sherman Theatre Cardiff until 6 January 2024. Get your tickets here