“Peter Pan Goes Wrong” on its UK Tour to Sheffield Lyceum is a comedic masterpiece that flawlessly blends chaos and charm, delivering a side-splitting experience that had the audience in stitches from start to finish. At the heart of the hilarity are a stellar cast of phenomenal performers who give the entire show their all.
Jack Michael Stacey’s portrayal of Chris is a comedic tour de force, characterised by his impeccable physicality and quick wit. Stacey’s ability to seamlessly blend scripted dialogue with adlibs adds an extra layer of spontaneity to his performance, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats with laughter. His adlibs are particularly impressive, showcasing his sharp improvisational skills and his knack for turning unexpected audience interferences into comedic gold. Whether he’s tripping over props, flubbing lines, or engaging in hilarious interactions with his fellow cast members, Stacey’s Chris is a joy to watch, commanding the stage with boundless energy and infectious charisma.
Matthew Howell shines as Robert, bringing a perfect balance of earnestness and absurdity to the role. His deadpan delivery and impeccable timing make him a comedic powerhouse, eliciting uproarious laughter with every dry remark and exaggerated gesture. Howell’s chemistry with Stacey and the rest of the cast is palpable, creating moments of comedic magic that leave the audience wanting more.
Jean-Luke Worrell’s portrayal of Francis adds yet another dimension of hilarity to the production. Having seen Worrell steal the show in Cludedo last year, his performance here reaffirms my belief that he is one of the best comedy actors on the scene. His larger-than-life personality and expressive physicality make him a scene-stealer, garnering laughs with every exaggerated movement and facial expression. Worrell’s comedic instincts are razor-sharp, allowing him to effortlessly land every joke and punchline with precision.
But it’s not just the standout performances of Stacey, Howell, and Worrell that make “Peter Pan Goes Wrong” a must-see. The entire ensemble cast, including Jake Burgum, Ciara Morris, Theo Toksvig-Stewart, Clark Devlin, Jamie Birkett, Gareth Tempest, and Rosemarie Akwafo, deliver stellar performances that contribute to the overall brilliance of the production. Each member of the cast brings their unique talents to the stage, creating a dynamic and cohesive ensemble that keeps the laughs coming from start to finish.
Behind the scenes, the creative team deserves accolades for their ingenuity and skill in bringing the production to life. From the intricate set design to the clever use of props and special effects, every aspect of the production is expertly crafted to enhance the comedic experience for the audience. Supported by a phenomenal script from Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sawyer and Henry Shields, an ingenious set design from Simon Scullion, clever sound design Ella Wahlstrom, the production shines in a pin-point precision mapping of muck-ups.
In conclusion, “Peter Pan Goes Wrong” is a theatrical triumph that delights audiences with its blend of chaos, comedy, and charm. With standout performances from Jack Michael Stacey, Matthew Howell, and Jean-Luke Worrell, supported by a talented ensemble cast and a creative team firing on all cylinders, this production is a testament to the enduring power of live theatre to entertain and inspire.
Peter Pan Goes Wrong runs at the Sheffield Lyceum until 24th February where it will continue its UK Tour.
Photos throughout from Pamela Raith.
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