Theatre Peckham’s Christmas show is an annual treat here at Afridiziak and this year’s interpretation of Peter Pan – Pan! Peter’s Come Out To Play continues to set the bar, high.
With joyful direction from artistic director, Suzann McLean, Pan’s book and lyrics are by Theatre Peckham fave, Geoff Aymer, having also written their three previous Christmas shows The Wonderful (2021), Scroogelicious (2022), and Rapunzel (2023).
Based on Scottish novelist and playwright J M Barrie’s children’s classic, Peter Pan – the boy who could fly but never grew up, this reimagined version is full of Caribbean frivolity and carnival zest. Just like the original story we encounter fairies, pirates and mermaids. Barrie’s fairytale was a tribute to his older brother who tragically died in a skating accident, aged-13. So a central theme is Pan’s desire for eternal youth, shying away and balking at the hint of anyone doing anything remotely adult.
Tyler Ephraim (Pan aka Double P) who trained at the London School of Musical Theatre gave 100 per cent as an energetic – all singing, all dancing Peter Pan, as he bounds around the stage without missing a beat.
Theatre Peckham’s Neverland is filled with vibrant and vivid colours – the theme of choice for costume and set designer, Bob Sterrett in line with the show’s feel-good carnival vibes with composition by Jordan Xavier.
Music transports us to the Caribbean and pays homage to the best the region has to offer through steel pan – first time I’ve seen a pan being played on a stage and it was a joy, there’s also plenty of Soca, soul, and reggae beats and slick and gutsy choreography by Jazz Deer-Olafa.
Throughout this festive show, I loved the excellent use of lighting by Chuma Emembolu – it was particularly atmospheric during some of the musical numbers and the flying scene when they went from south London to Neverland was particularly effective.
Shout out to Adryne Caulder-James (Wendy) a recent graduate from Rose Bruford College for a strong performance as Pan’s sidekick and her tuneful and soulful vocals.
The ensemble cast are made up of Theatre Peckham’s TP academy and you can see they are truly enjoying the experience with much of the humour derived from Tinkerbell aka Tinks – Pan’s bestie and a super cool fairy who is sceptical of Pan’s new friend Wendy and her siblings and uses her own language to communicate.
Having watched three pantomime slash Christmas shows in the last week, my 10-year-old pointed out that there wasn’t a panto dame, but what we did have was of course, a villain. And, the subject of our boos was in the form of Billy Lynch as Hook/Greg, pirate and enemy of Pan. Lynch portrayed his disdain for children with aplomb.
This show is fling your head back, slap your thighs, funny – we actually saw an audience member do this on many an occasion – not only that, of all the shows we’ve seen, this is the one most enjoyed by my daughter. She came out of press night, quoting from the play and a few days later was reminding me of scenes that made her laugh. The youthful cast, accessible dialogue and references to TikTok dances and playground speak, made this a real winner with her favourite character being John who was played brilliantly by Viola Atigah.
So, if you’re looking for a Christmas show to warm your soul as the temperature outside drops, then we highly recommend a trip to Theatre Peckham’s Neverland for some sparkling festive wit and a taste of the Caribbean. No notes.
Need to know: Pan! Peter’s Come Out To Play is at Theatre Peckham until 23 December 2025 | See listing for more information
