Review: PETER PAN, Reading Rep

Photo credit: Harry Elletson

The tale of Peter Pan has been told and retold through many different mediums since 1904, when J.M Barrie’s “Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up” first graced the stage. Films, TV series, novels and popular music have all been written about or referenced the character and his magical world, and Chris Cuming is the latest artist to adapt the much loved story.  

As we take our seats, we are greeted by Libby Todd’s enchanting set. It sets the scene for adventure, with magically floating windows and lots of hanging ropes, giving a nautical feel as well as evoking some traumatic school gymnasium flashbacks! There are many references to childhood throughout the piece, including clapping games, wooden sword fights and much loved teddy bears, Todd’s set design, complete with hidden trapdoors and secret passageways, creates a space where Peter and the Lost Boys can let their imaginations run wild.  

We meet Wendy (Holly Burns), John (Eugene Evans) and Michael (Joe Swift) with their much loved dog Nana, beautifully portrayed by an umbrella puppet. All three give delightfully stylised performances of children, creating comical and touching moments that any siblings would recognise as the love/hate relationships of childhood. Amy Ambrose and Jak Ford Lane play their long-suffering parents well, but really shine when we meet them in Neverland, embodying their comical roles of Hook and Smee respectively. The professional cast is completed by Marley Lockhart as Peter Pan. 

This is Reading Rep’s first production to include a local “Rep Company” of young actors, who auditioned to be part of the production. This includes students from Reading College, Reading University and the theatre’s Young Company. The Rep Company are well integrated with the professional company, taking on the roles of the Lost Boys, engineering the puppets and contributing to the few musical numbers. Of the six Rep Company performers, Sam Francomb and Sharae Williams really shine and draw the eye.  

A few short songs are woven into the piece and add a pleasant extra dynamic, and the lighting design by Jack Weir enhances the fantastical world of Neverland. Some of the costuming choices do feel slightly slapdash, and don’t really seem to tie together, but this doesn’t mar the overall aesthetic of the show. 

This gentle adaptation of Peter Pan is a delightful piece of family theatre, and Reading Rep’s ongoing commitment to affordability and accessibility means that it really can be enjoyed by all.  

*** Three stars.  

Reviewed by: Sarah Brown 

Peter Pan runs until 29 April, with further information here.