Peter Pan (NHB Modern Plays)

Chasing his runaway shadow, a mischievous young boy who will never grow up crash lands through an open window and meets a headstrong young girl who is desperate to be an adult.

With a sprinkle of fairy dust, they take flight on a whirlwind voyage over pirate ships, through mermaid lagoons and into the heart of Neverland.

Adapted from J.M. Barrie's perennial favourite, this enchanting new version by Evan Placey, with songs by Vikki Stone, premiered in 2023 at Rose Theatre, Kingston upon Thames, directed by Lucy Morrell. It was commissioned by the Rose to be performed by twenty members of the Rose Youth Theatre alongside four professional adult actors. It offers rich opportunities for other theatre companies who want to keep their audiences hooked with a magical, musical classic.

'Delightful and enchanting… cleaves close to JM Barrie's beloved original… serves up fun, games and entertainment in bucketfuls' – Time Out

'Ample charm and an excellent hero… retains the period sweetness of JM Barrie's original' – Telegraph

'Evan Placey is loyal to Barrie's original sentiments. The script successfully balances the important messages of the story with the playfulness of the piece… there is so much to enjoy… Music and lyrics by Vikki Stone add to the energy of the evening… Real festive family fun' – Reviews Hub

'Sweet and sentimental… focuses on themes of family, belonging and taking responsibility for the people you love. Adapter Evan Placey has lightly tweaked the familiar text, bulking up Wendy's story by adding a believable conflict between the headstrong teenager and her loving but overwhelmed mother… Vikki Stone's catchy, contemporary songs help to drive home the show's sweet message about embracing a found family and following your dreams' – The Stage