Ella Hickson's Wendy and Peter Pan at the Barbican gives us a new take on the classic story that's full of imagination, even if it's not perfect all the way through.
The story follows Wendy Darling as she meets Peter Pan in her bedroom and flies off to Neverland. But this version puts Wendy front and centre. She's not just tagging along – she's dealing with growing up, finding her own voice, and pushing back against the rules that hold her down. The show, directed by Jonathan Munby, keeps all the magic of the original story, with pirates, Lost Boys, and the fearsome Captain Hook, while asking fresh questions about what it means to be a girl on the edge of womanhood.
Hannah Saxby brings warmth and strength to Wendy, making her both believable and inspiring as she discovers her own power. Daniel Krikler's Peter Pan captures the character's wild energy and refusal to grow up, though he also reveals the sadness underneath. Toby Stephens is clearly having a blast in the double role of the menacing Captain Hook and Mr Darling, switching between the two with skill and humour. Lolita Chakrabarti brings depth to Mrs Darling, while Charlotte Mills shines as a spirited Tink, making the tiny fairy feel fully alive.
This production is great fun for both kids and grown-ups. The staging, designed by Colin Richmond, looks amazing, with exciting flying scenes that make children gasp with delight, while the clever jokes and deeper meanings keep adults interested too. The design creates a magical world that feels both timeless and fresh, pulling you into Neverland from the moment the curtain rises. The energy from the cast is infectious, and you can feel the joy they're having on stage.
However, the show can feel awkward at times. Some of the modern-sounding dialogue doesn't quite fit with when the story is set, and some scenes go on too long when they could be shorter and snappier. The messages about women's rights, while important, are sometimes spelt out a bit too obviously rather than being woven naturally into the action. A few plot points feel forced, as if they're there to make a point rather than to serve the story.
Even with these issues, this is a really enjoyable show that works for the whole family – something that's hard to find in theatre today. The strong performances and stunning visuals make up for the occasional bumpy moment, and both children and adults will leave the theatre with smiles on their faces and perhaps a renewed belief in the power of imagination.
It runs until 22 November. Tickets: here.
Photos: Manuel Harlan