Peter Pan - The Musical Adventure
The last time a new version of Peter Pan - The Musical Adventure did the rounds, directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, it laboured under patchy reviews. So it’s a somewhat wise move for Pele Productions to revive the award-winning 1954 Broadway show. But despite its impressive credentials, this Peter Pan doesn’t completely fly.
John Henshaw and Brian Capron in Peter Pan - A Musical Adventure at the Lowry, Salford Quays Photo: Ben Blackall
Yes, Barrie intended his boy who would never grow up to be cocky and nonchalant - but EastEnders’ Thomas Law plays Peter Pan like an annoying adolescent. It means it’s genuinely easier to warm to Captain Hook (particularly when the cackling Brian Capron dances the tango) and sidekick Smee - played with panto like jest by John Henshaw. Presumably, that’s not the intention.
In fact, Henshaw’s endearing performance sums up the problem at the heart of a production full of swash and buckle, and boasting a number of fine sets and dance routines. His frequent winks to the audience suggest there’s actually a panto here waiting to burst free, but the constraints of the script mean it’s an oddly passive experience, not aided by forgettable songs. A pity, because this particular version of Peter Pan is only a few tunes and more nuanced acting away from being very good indeed.
Production information
- By:
- JM Barrie
- Composer:
- Composer: Jule Styne
- Management:
- Pele Productions, in association with The Lowry, by arrangement with the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity and Samuel French Limited
- Cast:
- Brian Capron, Thomas Law, John Henshaw
Production information can change over the run of the show.
Run sheet
- Lowry Salford
- December 8 2010-January 11 2011
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