Peter Pan at the Rep 30th November-19th January 2019

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Peter Pan is one of my sons favourite stories.  I've read it a lot over the years, seen the film and been to pantomimes.  I felt like I knew the story really well, but last night I was proved wrong. 

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Peter Pan *reimagined at the Rep is a very different take on the story.  It's set on a council estate in Birmingham, complete with Brummy accents and name checks of local areas.  Wendy and her brothers have been separated from their mother and are living with a foster parent.  Life suddenly changes for the children when one night Peter Pan comes flying into their lives and persuades them to come to Neverland.     A great adventure then begins for the children where they meet terrifying mermaids, a motley crew of lost children, a crocodile and of course the terrifying Captain Hook who is played magnificently by a woman.

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This was an outstanding performance of the story.  The acting was fantastic.   Tinkerbell was a real highlight dressed from head to toe in glitter and sparkle.  She spoke like a bad tempered minion, moved like an acrobat and sang like an angel.  Rap and hip hop music were used brilliantly throughout the show.  The dance off between the lost boys, Peter and Wendy was spectacular.     

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What I loved most about this adaption is the fact it picked up on some very important contemporary themes including the loss of youth, unhappiness and the role of a mother.  These poignant themes have been lost over the years in Disney films and pantomimes.  This is not to say that there wasn't humor involved.  In fact my son roared with laughter at large sections of the show.

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This was a rel treat to see and as the lights came up at the end of the show my son asked when we could see it again.  Praise in deed!

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For more information and to book tickets follow the link.

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Disclaimer: I received 3 tickets from The Rep in exchange for a review. All content, opinions and views remain my own.