Wendy & Peter Pan – All the Magic for All the Family

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Wendy & Peter Pan soars into the Barbican, reworking J.M. Barrie’s timeless story with a powerful fresh perspective that is at once deeply moving and delightfully uplifting.

Ella Hickson’s sharp and spirited adaptation flips the classic story on its head, placing Wendy firmly at the centre of the adventure. What begins in the familiar warmth of the Darling nursery soon spirals into the extraordinary, with a fever, a disappearance, and a family plunged into grief. Wendy played by Hannah Saxby, desperate to mend what’s been broken, finds herself whisked away to Neverland, a world of pirates, fairies, and lost boys.

There she embarks on a journey not just of discovery, but of courage, compassion, and selfhood. Hickson’s version celebrates Wendy as more than a motherly caretaker. She is a dreamer, a fighter, and a girl determined to write her own story.

“I am Wendy Darling; I am brave and strong and I’m going on an adventure -Who’s with me?”

Under Jonathan Munby’s direction, the production balances swashbuckling spectacle with genuine emotional depth. Colin Richmond’s inventive design transforms the stage into a kaleidoscopic playground, while Oliver Fenwick’s atmospheric lighting and Shuhei Kamimura’s evocative score transport audiences straight into the heart of Neverland.

It is rare to find a family show that truly speaks to everyone: children, parents, and anyone who has ever longed to stay young at heart. This RSC production manages just that. It is funny, fearless, and deeply moving. Laughter ripples through the audience as familiar scenes unfold with wit and warmth including the captivating yet utterly despicable Hook played by Toby Stephens, while quieter moments bring a lump to the throat.

An affinity with Wendy’s yearning to be carefree, even as the world around her falls into chaos, echoes in the knowing chuckles of many mothers in the audience.

We all loved the exciting jump scares, big bangs and explosions along with the brilliantly quotable dialogue and comedic timing from Smee played by Scott Karim, Martin the Cabin Boy played by Joe Hewetson and Tink played by Charlotte Mills.

At its heart, Wendy & Peter Pan is a celebration of imagination and a reminder that joy, adventure, and a touch of recklessness should not be reserved for boys alone. The RSC captures the magic of flight and the ache of growing up in equal measure, leaving audiences spellbound.

A theatre experience as rare as pixie dust, full of heart, humour, and the timeless wonder of Neverland.

Despite its awesome production value, this performance is a fleeting one. Catch it before it’s gone!

Tuesday 21 October 2025 through Saturday 22 November 2025

Evenings: 7:00 pm. Matinees: Thursdays at 1:30 pm, and Saturdays at 1:30 pm. (Includes special performances)

Captioned performance: Saturday 8 November at 1:30 pm

Relaxed performance: Saturday 15 November at 1:30 pm

Audio-described performance (with touch tour at 11:30 am): Saturday 22 November at 1:30 pm

• Approximate duration: 2 hours 45 minutes including one interval.
• Recommended for ages 7 and up.

Ticketing & booking info

• Tickets start from around £28 (subject to availability). Concessions available.

https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2025/event/royal-shakespeare-company-wendy-peter-pan

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