Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens Theatre Review
Hit Family Show JM Barrie's Children's Play to Tour UK Canada & USA
Aug 21, 2009
This thrilling cutting-edge production of Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens with its virtual images, punk TInkerbell and bare-chested Peter attempts to transport Barrie's immortal play into a 21st-century extravaganza. Does it work? That depends on the audience.
Peter Pan Best Exciting Show for Children
Those who come with memories of the purist productions of Barrie's poignant masterpiece may not be thrilled. However, theatregoers who are willing to accept a Peter Pan that takes them on an extraordinary sensory adventure virtually flying to Never Land with Peter and the Darling children will find it a truly uplifting experience.
Excited kids clasp their parents hands as they enter the gleaming new theatre pavillion in Kensington Gardens in anticipation of watching Peter Pan whooshing through the air in the vast 360-degree purpose-built white theatre tent.
Peter Pan Magical Family Entertainment
Above is a complex array of tracks supporting the actors on wires who moves back and forth smoothly and seemlessly twisting and turning as they fly against images of London and the setting sun, allowing the audience to soar in the air with them.
However here is the contradiction of this Peter Pan that is somewhat bemusing: aspects of 21st-century sexuality seem to have infiltrated the innocence of JM Barrie's original play. Perhaps this could be considered somewhat expedient to meet the demands of the contemporary consumer? Tiger Lily's tribal fertility dance before the innocent Peter Pan leaves him cold but certainly raises the temperature of the male members of the audience.
JM Barrie's play, though written for children, has dark undercurrents which appear very explicit in this production which is not helped by Tanya Ronder's adaptation which sacrifices a little too much of the heart and soul of the spiritual journey of JM Barrie's masterpiece. Could this be in order to serve the production's visual magic?
The Cast of Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens
Peter Pan as interpreted by Ciaran Kellgren has a kinetic energy and feral spirit that fascinates the audience; at times it is reminscent of the late Michael Jackson. Itsxaco Moreno's Tinkerbell is positively mesmeric; an incredible mixture of grimaces and grace with her continental shrugs and gamine appearance. Seizing the moment, unafraid she drinks the poison intended for Peter and the audience gasping in time honored tradition are urged on by Peter to chant the mantra "I do believe in faries."
The grown-ups respond with even more enthusiasm than the children, insisting that they play the game. All around mother and fathers hiss at their kids to believe in fairies and the tent vibrates with the sound moving up several decibels.
Mr Darling, played by the excellent Jonathan Hyde, who doubles as Captain Hook is bravely unsympathetic in both roles, as he should be. His Darling is selfish and immature and forever seeking the respect of his family The ejection of Nana the family dog who guards the nursery is executed with a violent ferocity. His Captain Hook is an equally insightful portrayal; a monster more melancholic than menacing, brandishing his metal claw which appears finally as a symbol of impotence.
Wendy, the opposing force that draws Peter away from the feisty fairy, is a thankless role at the best of times; however, Abby Ford manages to give her a competent reality, especially in the last scene where she has become a mother and burdened with all the responsibiities of parenthood.
Perhaps the most lovable character in this production is Nana the dog who pupeteer Mohsen Nouri under the direction of Sue Buckmaster engenders with a most endearing canine personality.
Peter Pan's Brilliant Production Team
Ultimately the success of the evening belongs to the technical wizardry of an incredibly accomplished group headed by director Ben Harrison whose mix of past and present theatrical staging is to be greatly admired together with William Dudley's organic set, costumes and 3D projection design setting a new standard in modern theatre escapism.
Benjamin Wallfisch lends a powerful score, Fleur Darkin's choreography in the air and on the ground is spectacular. Lighting Mark Henderson and sound Gregory Clarke seemlessly serve the story. The roll call of contributions of this fabulous production is enormous, but let it be said without each and every one it could never have happened.
Lastly congratulations must go to the operators commanding scores of computer programs hiding discreetly in what appears to be a shed in the rear of the auditorium.
Peter Pan runs at the Kensington Gardens Theatre till 13th September, 2009. Tickets are from £22.50 with discounts for chidren. The production moves to the O2 centre for six weeks only celebrating Christmas from Ist December until January 10th prior to opening in San Francisco in May 2010 for the start of a 20 month tour. The dates and venues to be announced in September 09, 2009.
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