"Peter Pan Goes Wrong" the Side-splitting Comedy Where Everything Does Go Wrong!

"Peter Pan Goes Wrong"

Last year the Mischief Theatre Company from the U.K. brought us the hit comedy "The Play That Goes Wrong". This year they have returned with their follow up hit "Peter Pan Goes Wrong". I was fortunate to be one of the people to fill the Lyric Theatre at The Star in Sydney on its opening night for the Sydney season.

"Peter Pan Goes Wrong" is written by the talented bunch of writers Henry Lewis, Jonathon Sayer and Harry Shields. It is a hilarious comedy about a local amateaut theatre company, The Cornley Polytechnic Drama  Society, putting on stage it's Christmas production of J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan. 

However, anything that can go wrong does go wrong. Sets fall down, the lighting misbehaves, spoken lines are forgotten and mixed up, microphones are left on that should be turned off and wardrobe malfunctions happen throughout the two acts. There are technical hitches galore, and even the flying rig for Peter Pan malfunctions.

These mishaps bring upon laughter upon laughter in the audience. Some audience members reacted with broad smiles on their face, some chuckled, while others laughed out very loudly, as did my son who accompanied me.

"Peter Pan Goes Wrong"

The laughs start even before the curtain rises on the first act. The cast and stage crew interact with the audience as they find their way to the seats. I never knew that a lost hammer could bring about so much laughter. My suggestion is do not be late for the show - enter the theatre as soon as the doors open a half hour before the show starts. 

The various scenes of "Peter Pan Goes Wrong" are on a large revolving stage. The children's bedroom, NeverLand, and the Pirates Ship appear at the appropriate, and inappropriate, times. The biggest malfunction is when the revolve speeds up faster that it should creating havoc amongst the cast. The underwater scene of mermaids and fish was the comedy highlight of the show.

All the well known characters of the Peter Pan story are included in "Peter Pan Goes Wrong" - the 3 children Wendy, Michael and John, their mother and father Mary and George Darling, the Maid, the Dog, Captain Hook, Tinkerbell and the Crocodile.

"Peter Pan Goes Wrong"

The cast is from the London West End production of "Peter Pan Goes wrong". Seven of the cast were in previous disaster "The Play That Goes Wrong" - Darcy Brown, Francine Cain, Adam Dunn, Luke Joslin, George Kemp, Jordan Prosser and Tammy Weller. Newcomers are Conner Crawford, Teagan Wouters and Matt Whitty and Jessie Yates. They all bring their characters to life on stage. A welcome addition is our local Jay Laga'aia from Playschool, Star Wars, Lion King and Wicked fame as the Narrator. 

Some of the cast play several roles in "Peter Pan Goes Wrong"  For example, Jordan Prosser plays Max, Michael Darling, Mermaid and Crocodile, and Tammy Weller plays Annie, Mrs Darling, Lisa, Tinker Bell and Tiger Lily. These multiple roles necessitates quick costume stages. Of course, not all these go smoothly. 

Even though the cast seems to be just a bunch of amateur idiots, they have perfected the art of split second timing to make all the sight, sound and speech gags work at their best. Credit goes to the Producers and Directors for bringing about this with the wonderful teamwork of the talented cast.

"Peter Pan Goes Wrong" is a rollicking fast paced comedy that is suitable for all ages - children, teenagers, adultes and seniors. There is not a dull moment in the show as it is so fast paced. You will find plenty to laugh about in all the mishaps on and above the stage.

"Peter Pan Goes Wrong"

You will need to be quick to book your seats to see"Peter Pan Goes Wrong", as its Sydney Season ends on 3 March before it moves on to Perth where it will be performed 7 - 17 March. It is so popular that some performances are already completely booked out. "Peter Pan Goes Wrong" is a triumphant disaster of a all that a show should and shouldn't be. Don't miss out on seeing it!