Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *

Cast: Rhys Rusbatch, Mariah Gale, James Corrigan, Darrell D’Silva, Paul Kemp, Charlotte Mills, Douggie McKeekin, Simon Carroll-Jones, Cavan Clarke, Sam Clemmett, Adam Gillen, Susan Hingley, Jack Horner, Rebecca Johnson, Arthur Kyeyune, David Langham, Jordan Metcalfe, Mimi Ndiweni, Dodger Philips, Laura Prior, Patrick Toomey, Lawrence Walker, Harry Waller, Jay Webb, Dan Wheeler.

This the second time out for Jonathan Munby’s Wendy and Peter Pan which has just finished its season and remains indicative of the R.S.C.’s continued policy of broadening its appeal without compromising quality. The play is neither musical nor pantomime and yet it incorporates the best of both formats and discards arguably the more irritating features that come with the story.

Mr. Munby’s treatment is Shakespearian in essence; the familiar themes of adventure, young love, loyalty and deception are reminiscent of the Bard himself and they are also familiar foundations of plot in so-called ‘classic literature and certainly a cornerstone of J.M. Barrie’s timeless allegory.

Ella Hickson’s script is comedic without trivialising the original book. It would be easy to major on the spectacular special effects which adorn this piece, the lifting of the floorboards for example to create a crescendo of colour was unexpected and audiences couldn’t fail to be impressed by its execution. It is in the acting however what binds this lively production. James Corrigan who plays John Darling stood out as a generous actor, he delivered his own lines with perfect timing and movement, yet allowed the more animated characters, Peter Pan,(Rhys Rusbatch), Wendy (Mariah Gale) and Hook (Darrell d’Silva) strut their stuff in the time honoured tradition.

There were of course sword fights, frantic flying and cacophony or glorious noise that would be expected at a Peter Pan event and it would impossible to go to Neverland without any wonderful mayhem going on! Douggie McKeekin is another one to look out for, resembling and acting like a young Colin Welland, McKeekin played the buffoon without resorting to slapstick.

In the quieter moments, the interchange between major players was intriguing. D’Silva’s Hook was more suave than sly, his best interaction happening with Paul Kemp’s Smee. Charlotte Mills’ Tinkerbell is definitely not what an audience might expect, and arguably could have audiences asking if she was the fairy from Hell as she portrayed more than ever could be captured in the pouting offering supplied by many another fairy.

The phrase ‘national treasure’ is often attributed to celebrities these days. The R.S.C. in Stratford- Upon-Avon is one such and long may its celebration of classical drama continue. With shows like Wendy and Peter Pan, the treasure will continue to sparkle.

Keith Thompson