The Rose Theatre Kingston’s captivating retelling of J.M Barrie’s timeless classic, Peter Pan, was a delightful experience from start to finish. From the phenomenal set design, the impeccable direction of Lucy Morell and of course mesmerising performance from the cast, this adaptation, written by Evan Placey, truly brings the beloved tale to life in a magical way that captivates both young and old this Christmas season. 

The Rose Theatre’s rendition of Peter Pan transcends the boundaries of age, the skilled cast seamlessly blend the magic of Neverland with the relatable theme of growing up, creating an immersive experience that resonates with both children and adults. In reimagining the classic story of Peter Pan, this production offers a fresh perspective on the enduring appeal of the beloved tale. Infusion the narrative with a modern flair whilst saying true to the essence of Barrie’s original work, the production breathes new life into a story that remains dear to the hearts of audiences across generations. 

The portrayal of Isla Griffith as Wendy was perfectly executed. Her dedication to the role, spellbinding voice and interpretation of the character, brought Wendy to life beautifully. The younger members of the cast alternate performances, but without a doubt the alternate cast will display the same range of talent and commitment to their performances. The brilliant incorporation of puppets, by Judith Hope, add a thrilling element to the performance, bringing the crocodile expertly to life. 

Michelle Bishop challenges the traditional template of Captain Hook, delivering an outstanding performance of both villain Captain Hook and Mrs Darling. Alongside Michelle as Mrs Darling, is Dominic Rye as Mr Darling who expertly captures the ill-tempered nature of the character. Dominic Rye also takes on the role of Smee in this production, and manages to seamlessly alternate between the opposing nature of the two characters to deliver a heart-warming performance of Smee. 

Complementing the stellar performances is the stunning set design, which transports the audience to the mysterious world of Neverland. The attention to detail and imaginative use of stagecraft enhances the storytelling, making the production a marvel of theatrical magic. 

Overall, the Rose Theatre Kingston’s production of Peter Pan is a must-see for anyone seeking an enchanting and emotionally resonant theatrical experience. With its captivating performance, mesmerising set design, timeless storytelling and exclusive new music written by the award-winning Vikki Stone, this adaptation is a testament to the enduring magic of Peter Pn and the power of live theatre to transport audiences to fantastical realms. The production runs from the 1st of December to the 7th of January and a limited number of tickets are still available.