Peter pan

Peter Pan

The performance was quite unique compared to other versions of Peter Pan. The show helped us to see the serious side of this story whilst keeping the childish fun included. A lot of symbolism is used throughout the play.

The set design was very urban and creative; The set change was very magical so to speak for example when we were travelling to the lost boys’ secret hideout the curtain descended into a small hole in the floor at rapid speed to create the illusion that it disappeared. The orchestra was part of the ensemble and was seen on the set, at all times.  Lighting was used to show travel, time, conflict and celebration. The set was not about deceiving the audience, it was about being honest and encouraging the audience to use their imagination. Ribbon was used to create the illusion of water rising as Peter excepts his death.

The props were used very cleverly, for example Peter’s shadow was very imaginative and baffling. The puppeteers used their body parts to bring structure and reality to a simple piece of green cloth. The robe that Wendy wears shows maturity and the fact that she grew up, it is a very powerful statement.

The costumes were very similar, for example the lost boys all wore hats to show that they all part of a tribe. Mr Darlings costume was a waste coat and Pj bottoms re-instating the fact that there are two sides of the story, serious to playful and adult to child. Peter Pan’s costume shows that he is an adult portraying a child.

The acting was very diverse but brilliant. The way that they showed the characters was very different, for example the house dog nana is seen as a human to help us see her perspective whilst in their world she is a dog. The acting mirrors the real world and teaches you that you have to love and grow like Wendy did in the story. The way that the actor’s showed movement was brilliant, for example John swimming underwater. The mermaids dancing felt like showgirls which relates to the time Peter Pan was written. Throughout the play, the adults acted a vulnerability which was both child- like but also said that growing up being an adult offers a vulnerability too.

Captain Hook resents youth as she enjoyed it and now hates adulthood which has resulted in here becoming evil and bitter. Hook gives you the impulse to protect your childhood and keep it safe even though nobody can stay there. Peter had a bad mother that never showed him love therefore he does not understand it leading him to an avoidant attachment style. Wendy changes tone when telling the lost boy’s, a story, this shows that to her it is not a game anymore and she is growing up.  By saying that the window will always be open Wendy is saying that no matter what happens she will always be there and love her.

Throughout the play we are shown there is two worlds, one adult and once child and that they may always be entwined and together.

The event made me feel like I wanted to go back to being a kid. I am 13 years of age and sometimes it is hard to be here, especially following covid. I lost my goodbyes at primary school and my last year at primary and now it feels I have to grow up and the adult world is coming. It was nice to remember my “play” and I guess I missed that. It made me feel scared at times of how dark adults can be and that adults carry a lot of pain which then makes them make wrong choices. I think what I took away is that my imagination will always be there whether I am a child or an adult and that’s a great thing to have. It was also nice to see that Wendy chose to grow up and was ready for it. I am looking forward to doing adult things and making those choices too. Both children and adults have a place, they both should be valued and shared.