Peter Pan Goes Wrong at Lyric Theatre

To make people laugh is arguably one of the hardest and trickiest feats for most writers, actors and directors, comparable to facing a dragon. Last night, the Mischief cast and crew slew the dragon. The walls of Lyric Theatre – the oldest on Shaftesbury Avenue – trembled with laughter. Courtesy of an incredibly talented cast, and the twisted pleasure derived from watching things go wrong. Especially if it’s a play within a play.

The premise is quite simple: Cornley Productions, a small theatre company, has put on a play, Peter Pan. An adaptation of the classic tale that, just like its protagonist, will never age. However, between love triangles, fumbled lines and props not quite working right, the cast and crew soon show their true colours. The intimate setting allows the audience to participate in the mayhem, encouraging a connection between performers and spectators, which becomes a part of the show itself.

Matthew Cavendish shines in his role as Max, the aspiring Peter Pan stuck in a crocodile costume, which he eventually seems to grow fond of, proudly proclaiming “I’m a crocodile!” in act two. His comedic timing and expressive delivery bring a charming and truly endearing quality to the character, making the audience sympathise with his dreams while still laughing at his misfortunes. Poor Max is in love with Sandra (Charlie Russell), who has had a not-so-secret liaison with Jonathan (Greg Tannahill), who plays Peter Pan. As this hilarious predicament causes much pain and laughter, they all shine in their individual performances, entirely too believable as the characters navigate the tangled web of love and theatrical mishaps.

The brilliance of Peter Pan Goes Wrong lies in its ability to blend chaos with precision. The Mischief team has mastered the art of physical comedy, and everything on stage is executed effortlessly and with impeccable timing. From malfunctioning props to actors missing their cues, the play-within-a-play concept adds an extra layer of hilarity as the characters struggle to maintain the illusion of a seamless performance. Act one is perhaps the more memorable of the two. While act two is equally enjoyable, it carries less momentum, as by then, one has already guessed what is going to happen (and go wrong).

The set design deserves special mention, serving as an integral part of the humour, and becoming a playground for disaster. Trapdoors that refuse to open, flying wires that malfunction and a crocodile on a skateboard with a mind of its own all contribute to the escalating comedic pandemonium.

Overall, Peter Pan Goes Wrong is a side-splitting, laugh-out-loud production that transcends age barriers, bringing joy to both adults and children alike. Mischief has masterfully crafted an evening filled with light-hearted fun, physical comedy and absurdity, all woven into this delightful disaster of a play.

Benedetta Mancusi
Images: Pamela Raith

Peter Pan Goes Wrong is at Lyric Theatre from 23^rd November until 14^th January 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.