A theatrical spectacle that's more sugar rush than substance, Ella Hickson's feminist take on JM Barrie's classic tale, Wendy & Peter Pan, has failed to age well. At its core, this production remains a tame portrayal of Wendy, who feels more like a damsel in distress than a strong-willed protagonist.
The play's attempts to reimagine the narrative have resulted in a messy and disjointed story that struggles to find its footing. When Wendy suddenly forms an alliance with Tink and Tiger Lily, it comes across as forced and unconvincing, feeling like a hastily added marketing ploy rather than a genuine character development. The usually feisty Mrs Darling is reduced to a minor afterthought, wrestling with her marriage and suffragette ideals in a way that feels tacked on.
Meanwhile, Peter Pan's inner turmoil has been transformed into a cringeworthy case of teenage angst, with the boy who refused to grow up now appearing to be struggling with his own adolescence. His unrelenting infatuation with Wendy is more awkward than adorable, and it's jarring to witness this supposedly ageless character succumbing to hormonal pangs.
The production's visuals are undoubtedly impressive, with dazzling lights, aerial work, and a Jolly Roger that soars majestically across the stage. However, these technical wonders can't compensate for the overall lack of coherence and focus in the storytelling.
The accompanying music, designed by Shuhei Kamimura, is a generic and overly familiar "buccaneer action film" score that fails to leave any lasting impression. The choreography, while effective in slowing down the frenetic pace, can't salvage the overall sense of chaos and disorganization that pervades the show.
Minor characters like Smee and Tiger Lily manage to bring some much-needed charm to the proceedings, but it's not enough to redeem this overwrought and soulless production. Even Captain Hook's iconic villainy feels watered down, reduced to a panto baddie caricature. The film-like finale, complete with a "They're behind me!" moment, is a stark reminder of the show's reliance on tired pantomime tropes.
Ultimately, Wendy & Peter Pan feels like a spectacle that's more concerned with dazzling the audience than engaging them with substance or depth. It's a shame, given its promising premise, but this production has failed to live up to its full potential.
The play's attempts to reimagine the narrative have resulted in a messy and disjointed story that struggles to find its footing. When Wendy suddenly forms an alliance with Tink and Tiger Lily, it comes across as forced and unconvincing, feeling like a hastily added marketing ploy rather than a genuine character development. The usually feisty Mrs Darling is reduced to a minor afterthought, wrestling with her marriage and suffragette ideals in a way that feels tacked on.
Meanwhile, Peter Pan's inner turmoil has been transformed into a cringeworthy case of teenage angst, with the boy who refused to grow up now appearing to be struggling with his own adolescence. His unrelenting infatuation with Wendy is more awkward than adorable, and it's jarring to witness this supposedly ageless character succumbing to hormonal pangs.
The production's visuals are undoubtedly impressive, with dazzling lights, aerial work, and a Jolly Roger that soars majestically across the stage. However, these technical wonders can't compensate for the overall lack of coherence and focus in the storytelling.
The accompanying music, designed by Shuhei Kamimura, is a generic and overly familiar "buccaneer action film" score that fails to leave any lasting impression. The choreography, while effective in slowing down the frenetic pace, can't salvage the overall sense of chaos and disorganization that pervades the show.
Minor characters like Smee and Tiger Lily manage to bring some much-needed charm to the proceedings, but it's not enough to redeem this overwrought and soulless production. Even Captain Hook's iconic villainy feels watered down, reduced to a panto baddie caricature. The film-like finale, complete with a "They're behind me!" moment, is a stark reminder of the show's reliance on tired pantomime tropes.
Ultimately, Wendy & Peter Pan feels like a spectacle that's more concerned with dazzling the audience than engaging them with substance or depth. It's a shame, given its promising premise, but this production has failed to live up to its full potential.
I went to see this show and I have to say, it was pretty underwhelming for me... The visuals were definitely something else, I'll give them that 
, but the story just felt all over the place. I mean, Wendy's supposed to be a strong feminist lead, but she ended up feeling like a weak character to me... And don't even get me started on Peter Pan's "teenage angst" 
. It just didn't feel true to his character at all. The music was okay, I guess, but it didn't add anything new or interesting to the show. Overall, I'd say this production fell flat for me... 
I'm so underwhelmed by Wendy & Peter Pan! The plot is all over the place and it feels like they're trying too hard to be 'cool' 
. I mean, what happened to the feisty Mrs Darling? She's just a minor character in this mess! 
And don't even get me started on Peter's awkward teenage angst 
. The only thing that's impressive is the lights and aerial work, but even those can't save it from being a shallow production 
. I wanted to be invested in the story, but instead I was just checking my watch 
. It's a shame because the premise had so much potential! 
smee and tiger lily were cool 
wish they did more with Mrs Darling's story 
overall felt like it couldve been better 
I mean, I get it, they're trying to give the classic tale a feminist twist, but honestly, it just doesn't land for me 
The visuals are straight fire tho 
, love how they incorporated aerial work and all that jazz 
But at the end of the day, it's all about the storytelling, and this one's got some major missteps 
And don't even get me started on Peter Pan's awkward teenage angst 
anyway, i went to see a play last week and its sound system was super loud 
, how do u guys adjust ur hearing when it gets that loud?
the whole thing just feels like a mess, like they threw a bunch of different ideas together and hoped something would stick 
wendy's supposed feminist twist is basically just her being more annoying because she wants to vote 
the music and choreo are total waste of time 
. I mean, what happened to the boy who refused to grow up being cool? The only thing that saved this show from being a total disaster was the impressive visuals and choreography, but even those couldn't make up for the weak storytelling 
, but the story is just so...off 
.
the story feels like a mess and the characters are all kinda meh 
. 1 star from me 
. Instead, we get a messy and disjointed narrative that tries to cram in too many ideas at once 
But overall, this production just feels like a shallow spectacle that prioritizes flashy visuals over substance 
.
But, for me, it's all about the storytelling and the characters. This production just feels like a mess, with too many plot twists that don't really add up. Wendy is supposed to be this strong-willed protagonist, but she comes off as more of a damsel in distress instead 
. I mean, can't they find a better way to make his character work? The music and choreo are cool, I'll give them that, but it's not enough to save this production from feeling like a shallow spectacle