Shakespeare must be worried that J. M. Barrie’s iconic story of ‘Peter Pan’ is starting to be adapted even more than any of his own famous plays. It’s now the turn of the world-renowned RSC to put their slant on Barrie’s well-known tale.

Ella Hickson’s version has Wendy at the forefront as she navigates the death of younger brother Tom and attempts to find him in Neverland. Most of the original plot and characters remain but here Wendy is a strong-minded young woman who tackles the worries of mothering, romance, grief and family life. Putting Wendy in the driving-seat is a welcome shift that allows new emotional weight in this well-written script. There are sprinkles of modern references too and it’s a humorous adaptation, wonderfully directed by Jonathan Munby. 

The visual storytelling is strong with Colin Richmond’s beautiful set design encompassing many playful and inventive elements. The nursery may be laden with toys and furniture but it’s generally shadowy and bleak. This makes the reveal of Captain Hook’s glorious pirate ship in the second act even more astounding, as well as the flying & sword-fighting sequences which are choreographed eloquently and executed perfectly.

Hannah Saxby is a resilient yet vulnerable ‘Wendy’. If slightly whiny at times, she is a strong central character and gives a commanding performance to match. Daniel Krikler’s ‘Peter’ has a good blend of swagger with a childish playfulness and there’s also impressive performances from Tom Xander as ‘Curly’ and Harrison Claxton’s outstandingly compelling Crocodile. Toby Stephens as Hook & Mr Darling brings a much-needed evil pantomimic villain to the piece for the audience to sneer and boo.

Whether this is the correct adaption of a family-friendly adventure for children is questionable. The near three-hour running time is a little excessive and over-complicated dialogue could be reduced. Christopher Shutt’s booming sound design was also too loud for a youngster in front of me.

For anyone curious to visit Neverland through a new lens, this is an intelligent and imaginative heartfelt retelling of a much-known classic. It’s certainly a spectacle, as you’d expect in the magnificent Barbican theatre space. For those that like their Peter Pan a little more Disney and traditional, this probably isn’t for you.

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