Peter Pan at the Barn Theatre, Cirencester (Live Stream)

Author: J.M.Barrie

Adapted by: Alan Pollock

Director: Kirk Jameson

With so many different versions over the years, Peter Pan has become a festive staple across the country. This new production reigns in the story and strips it back to a compelling story with a beautiful heart.

Alan Pollock’s adaption of J.M.Barrie’s original story is slick and sincere. By framing the piece as a bedtime story told through a video call, there’s already an extra layer of warmth to the production. Pollock’s script whips through the story that many people know in just under one hour. While the adventure on stage is entertaining enough, It is the hints and nods to loss and capturing a memory that stands out.

Waylon Jacob’s has the mammoth job of creating all the characters with nothing more than oddments laying around like teddy bears and an umbrella. Jacob’s voice and body slickly changes for each character while also portraying compelling relationships betten each of them. Jacob’s energy never falters as he gives us a whistlestop tour of Neverland

A special mention for this production goes to projection design Benjamin Collins, the stunning hand drawn images are not just a thing of beauty but add a extra layer to the live stream. Hook’s downfall is particularly a moment where the action on stage blends seamlessly with the designs that are enhanced on top when you watch from home whereas for those watching live at the Barn will see the same images projected onto the back of the stage. It’s these little touches that helps immerse you whether you watch this on stage or on screen.

This new production by the Barn Theatre is stripped back, multilayered storytelling with a beaming heart. While entertaining to watch for the whole family, it’s the nods to family, loss and memories that make this story a genuine and at some points moving production while also a reminder of what you can do with a bit of imagination and belief.