Northern Stage
Reviewed by Georgie Cossins.
This year the classic tale of Peter Pan has come to the Northern Stage in true make-believe style. Commemorating the 150th birthday of J. M. Barrie, the Northern Stage are appropriately celebrating with their brand new adaptation of Peter Pan, showing until the 9th January 2010. Erica Whyman’s (director) configuration of a centralised stage with the audience sitting on both sides is wonderfully dramatic immersing them into the magical world of Neverland, with their experiences shared opposite one another.
The story follows Wendy Darling and her brothers who are taken to Neverland by Peter Pan where they get to have real adventures and live their fantastical bedtime stories, duelling with Pirates, saving the Indian princess and of course playing with the Lost Boys. Through the theatre we share the children’s adventure, travelling from their bedroom with the loveable large dog, Nana, to a land of shimmering mermaid lagoons and stubborn fairies, in the place where children don’t have to grow up, a place where they can have fun always… Neverland!
What was particularly spectacular was the disconcerting ticking crocodile that slithers around the stage impressively. As well as, of course the scene where the children charmingly learn to fly, adding to the magical realism of the show and creating an atmosphere of wonder from the audience.
If you are looking for something to reminisce your childhood and put you in the mood for Christmas, this is the perfect resolution.
