28/09/2026
We are delighted to share our NODA Review for Peter Pan this weekend.
Based on J.M. Barrie's classic tale, Peter Pan is one of the most beloved and frequently performed family favourites of all time, delighting audiences for over 60 years and now adapted for young performers.
Peter and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night and, with a sprinkle of pixie dust, begin a magical journey across the stars that none of them will ever forget. In the adventure of a lifetime, the travellers come face to face with a ticking crocodile, a fierce Indian tribe, a band of bungling pirates and, of course, the villainous Captain Hook.
Featuring the iconic songs and a rousing book full of magic, warmth and adventure, Peter Pan. is the perfect show for the child in all of us... who hasn’t dreamt of soaring high and never growing up. Many of Theatre Factory’s Juniors aged between 5 and 9 years will never have trodden the boards before and I’m sure will never forget this quality experience.
The audience were met with a very impressive set; three beds centre stage for Wendy, John and Michael Darling’s nursery (cleverly struck from the scene later when tipped up on end with wheels) plus the first of many excellent back projections, a large window with a superb moonlit London backdrop, surrounded by stars, with 4 stage flats depicting attractive well-lit trees. The opening full company number was led by Oli Davison (Mr Darling) and Aurora Brown (Mrs darling) who maintained a mature personality throughout. Their three children John (Isla Hemming), Michael (Lydia Parsons) and Wendy (Soraya Wharf) worked well together; Soraya demonstrating great expression and potential.
When Peter and Tinkerbell arrive at the nursery they provide a strong presence; Peter (Alfie Marshall - Round at the performance I attended, shared with Betsie Wood) created a positive character, spoke well with some good stage-craft (repeating a line which had been smothered first time by the enthusiastic audience) and Amelia Fortey as Tinkerbell provided great characterisation and mischievous expression, immediately taking a dislike to Wendy. I liked their number with the children flying high in the clouds, with some great background projection.
Jonny Hale was excellent as Capt. Hook. I particularly liked the speed at which he delivered his lines and sang well. I enjoyed Tommy Foxall as Mr Smee who spoke up well and Freddie Betteridge as CROC who both must have had fun playing their characters. Rosa King as Tiger Lily and Natasha Thompson and Ottilie Teale as the two narrators provided good links and great support.
There were some very good musical moments including Wendy singing about the house she would like, four mermaids with attitude; Neave Sheridan, Winnie Anderson, Imogen Taylor and Isla Thomas and the pirates stating ‘You’ve done it again Mr Smee’. Scenes on the Jolly Roger ship and those with the Lost Boys were very effective. I liked Soraya’s story to the Lost Boys explaining that Mr & Mrs Darling must be sad that the children had disappeared and Amelia’s expressive prevention of Peter drinking the poisoned tonic.
There were numerous other roles well played by the company and the occasional support from Seniors added some guidance for the youngest. Having said that I never cease to be impressed by the youngsters singing to recorded music and fulfilling the varied choreography with such confidence. Costumes, sound and lighting complimented this production and the creative team, led by Director Leanne Cook, Vocal Coach Sarah Stone and Choreographer Nikki Parsons.
Peter Pan is a dream come true for groups looking to bring magic to their stage and to entertain countless families, and entertained we were. So many of the youngsters showed great potential and it will be fascinating to see them grow.
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