Theatre Review: Peter Pan Goes Wrong at the Alexandra Theatre Birmingham

AD: This Press Night Review refers to the 2024 Touring Production of Peter Pan Goes Wrong at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham*

I’m a huge fan of Mischief Theatre, having seen “The Play That Goes Wrong”, “The Comedy About A Bank Robbery” and “Peter Pan Goes Wrong” previously. Would I find their childish, slapstick humour funny once more? We headed to the Alexandra Theatre to find out. And readers – spoiler alert – it’s still hilariously funny.

Starting off in a small 50-seat theatre in London, it’s been an incredible ten years for Mischief Theatre Company. And “Peter Pan Goes Wrong” is everything you expect from a Mischief Theatre production. Missed cues. Comedy falls. Fluffed lines. Malfunctioning props. It’s perfectly executed mayhem.

Think Of Happy Thoughts And You’ll Fly

Even before the official curtain-up, the “stage crew” are making last-minute adjustments. Those audience members seated early and encouraged to help. It’s clear that Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are – once again – putting the amateur into amateur dramatics. They’ve moved on from Mousetrap-style murder mysteries, and are now performing an ambitious production of J.M Barrie’s Peter Pan. Which, as serious “Director” Chris Bean (Jack Michael Stacey) frequently reminds us, is NOT a pantomime. Oh yes it is, the audience remind him right back.

Cornley’s actors may start with enthusiasm and vigour, but their production soon starts falling apart at the seams. Anything that can possibly goes wrong does. The behind-the-scenes crew find themselves accidentally taking centre-stage. No-nonsense “Stage Manager” Trevor (Jake Burgum) is even forced to step in for our leading man for a scene or two.

Technically the show (the real show) is wonderful, with precise timing being crucial, particularly during an ingenious succession of ever-quickening revolving sets towards the end of the show. Designed by Simon Scullion, we are taken from the Darling’s bedroom to a tropical lagoon, a magic glade and onto a pirate ship. And also a hilarious “underwater” scene. The special effects are, well, budget to say the least.

This amount of comedy, slapstick and energy is physically demanding yet the cast (the real cast) expertly meet all the challenges. They manage to make a slick show look like complete carnage thanks to Adam Meggido’s direction and a skilful backstage crew making sure every prop and scene change fails at exactly the right time. They rightfully get their chance for the audience’s appreciation at the final curtain.

I Do Believe in Fairies

We’re watching a spectacularly professional cast playing a spectacularly amateur cast playing much-loved Peter Pan characters. Keep up. Trying to navigate the cast list in the programme is like trying to do a cryptic crossword after a few G&Ts.

Understudy Consuela Rolle plays over-acting Sandra, who plays an enthusiastic Wendy. Jack Michael Stacey is permanently frustrated “director” Chris Bean. And Mr Darling. And a snarling Captain Hook. Who is NOT a fan of pantomime-esque audience interaction. In fact, many of the cast play Cornley performers that play multiple roles. Matthew Howell plays Robert, who takes on the parts of an incomprehensible pirate, Peter Pan’s shadow, and Nana the Dog, as well as being assistant director. And Annie (played by Clare Noy for this performance) has some rapid costume changes between being Mrs Darling, housemaid Lisa and a feisty Tinkerbell. Rosemarie Akwafo, playing a stage-fright-struck Lucy, playing Tootles, deserves a special mention too, as does Jean Luke Worrell’s gloriously camp Francis, trying to hold the story together as the glitter-sprinkling Narrator.

But Theo Toksvig-Stewart, playing Max, playing Michael Darling/the Crocodile, is a particular audience favourite. Max plays up to the crowd from the start, saves the day and gets the girl. And the audience love it. There are pockets of the auditorium in contagious hysterics. I’m not sure whether that contributed to the medical emergency in the dress circle in the second act which momentarily had the audience wondering whether it was part of the show.

All It Takes Is Faith, Trust And A Little Bit Of Pixie Dust

Despite seeing it before, and anticipating some of the funniest gags, Peter Pan Goes Wrong still feels fresh. Those that have seen any Mischief performances before will recognise signature jokes which run through all of their productions, but each new cast brings a new spin to the routines. If I were to nitpick, some of the gags are laboured a little too long to wring every last bit of hilarity out of them. But if you get the opportunity to see a Mischief Theatre show live, make sure you do. After all – what could go wrong?

Peter Pan Goes Wrong is at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham until Saturday 23rd March 2024. Purchase your tickets here. The tour continues until April 2024, please see the ‘Peter Pan Goes Wrong’ website for full details and ticket information

Production images by Pamela Raith

*Why is this post marked AD? I was invited to attend Press Night in exchange for an honest review. You can trust that I will always be honest and truthful on A Brummie Home and Abroad, and being an invited guest will not influence my opinion in any way.