Jane (Amaka Okafor). Photo credit: Steve Tanner
A much loved children’s classic comes to the National Theatre, London. The enchanting story of Peter Pan. We sent along Ali Clifford, blogger at Incredibusy and her family to enjoy the show and report on her findings. Over to Ali…
No doubt you have all heard the J M Barrrie story of Peter Pan… but you probably haven’t seen such a delightful a version of the tale as the production devised by Sally Cookson currently showing at the National Theatre in London.
A summary of the story, if you HAVE missed it… Peter Pan, the ‘boss’ of the Lost Boys, misplaces his shadow during a visit to the London home of Wendy, Michael and John Darling – Wendy helps Peter to re-attach his shadow, and in return she is invited to Neverland – where Tinker Bell the fairy, Tiger Lily and the vengeful Captain Hook, await.
Mrs Darling (Anna Francolini) and Mr Darling (Felix Hayes). Photo credit: Steve Tanner
We took the family, two boys 12 and 14, who were engaged, amused and entertained throughout – Fascinated by the acrobatics, the ‘fairy string’ trapeze wires, bungee ropes and counterweighters on ladders at the side of the set that allowed the characters to ‘fly’.
The sets, from the very simple ‘Edwardian London’ bedroom and rooftops – to the staging of the urban graffiti ‘home’ of the lost boys were enchanting.
Wendy (Madeleine Worrall) and the lost boys. Photo credit: Steve Tanner
The costumes and styling are just wonderful, yes, I totally fell in love with Mrs Darling’s ballgown frock and chuckled at Mr Darling, perpetually dressed in underpants and a tailcoat. And Peter Pan himself, Paul Hilton reminiscent of a Rik Mayall performance ‘Drop Dead Fred’ in characteristics as well as the green suit and sneakers he wears.
Michael (John Pfumojena) & Mrs Darling (Anna Francolini). Photo credit: Steve Tanner
An all adult cast – and as in all the best Pantos, genders are reassigned (and species, ‘Nana the Dog’ played brilliantly by Ekow Quartey – who frankly we wanted to see more of) with unexpected and delightful characterisations of Captain Hook (Anna Francolini) a fabulous performance with a leer full of menace flashing her monstrous silvery teeth in her black wig and platform heels.
Captain Hook (Anna Francolini) and pirates. Photo credit: Steve Tanner
Tinkerbell (played by the tutu-and-Doc-Martin-boots-wearing diminutive Saikat Ahamed with a thick unintelligible accent) – the boys loved the character.
Tinker Bell (Saikat Ahamed) and Peter Pan (Paul Hilton). Photo Credit: Steve Tanner
We LOVED everything about it… A brilliant adventure, poignant, funny, and ultimately reminding us all that we really don’t want to ever grow up.
The National Theatre is in one of our favourite parts of town, the Southbank. A hop and a skip from Waterloo station, and in the (almost) shadows of the London Eye, it’s a lovely place to hangout and take in the passing pedestrian and river traffic. The National Theatre is itself a stunning building inside and out, and allows excellent views of the stage from wherever you are seated.
If you are looking for a great place to take the family – spend an afternoon on the Southbank, and take in a show – Peter Pan is highly recommended – suitable for children around 7 and up – and with half price tickets for under-18s: Monday – Friday evenings and all matinees too (excluding tickets under £30).
The show by J. M. Barrie is a co-production with Bristol Old Vic and is playing from now until 4th February 2017. For more information, visit https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/peter-pan
Peter Pan will be broadcast to cinemas across the country on Saturday 10th June 2017 as part of National Theatre Live. To find your local cinema go to:
http://ntlive.nationaltheatre.org.uk/
Home page image credit: Ali Clifford, Incredibusy
