Pitlochry Festival Theatre premieres new adaptation of Peter Pan and Wendy this Christmas

Pitlochry Festival Theatre will premiere a new adaptation of Peter Pan and Wendy this Christmas.

The new take of J.M. Barrie’s classic novel Peter Pan will run at the venue from 18 November – 23 December 2022.

The show is adapted by the wonderfully inventive and imaginative Janys Chambers (North and South, Pitlochry Festival Theatre) and directed by the theatre’s Associate Director Ben Occhipinti.

One starry night, bedtime stories come alive for Wendy Darling and her younger brothers John and Michael when they meet Peter Pan and Tinkerbell and fly with them on a magical journey to Neverland – ‘second star to the right and straight on till morning.’

They find themselves on a thrilling adventure far from home where they make friends with the Lost Boys, meet the evil pirate Captain Hook and his motley crew, and encounter a very noisy crocodile.

Making up the cast are Fiona Wood as Wendy, Robbie Scott as Peter Pan, Colin McCredie as Captain Hook, Deidre Davis as Mrs Darling; Patricia Panther as Tinkerbell, Ruairidh McDonald as John; Stephanie Payne as Michael; Euan Bennet as Tootles and Nanna and Delme Thomas as Slightly. The cast will also play ensemble roles.

Wendy & Peter Pan is designed by Anna Orton, with music directed by Robert Hiley, lighting by Simon Wilkinson and sound by Matthew Tomlinson. The production’s movement director is Lesley Hutchison, with fighting directed by Robin Hellier and the aerial adviser is Mark Gibson.

Playwright Janys Chambers said: “I was thrilled to be asked by Elizabeth Newman to do this new adaptation of Peter Pan and Wendy for Pitlochry Festival Theatre. This is a tale full of child-centred fun. How can any child resist the idea of a boy flying in through their bedroom window at night, teaching them to fly – really fly! – and then taking them off to have adventures involving desperate pirates, a fairy that sounds like bells, enigmatic mermaids and ticking crocodiles?

“My adaptation of Peter Pan and Wendy is funny – but it also has the emotional depth to it that Barrie’s story suggests. It’s the two together – comedy and emotion – that make the magic in any play.”

Director Ben Occhipinti added: “I can’t wait to bring Janys Chambers’ beautiful adaptation of Peter Pan and Wendy to the stage. It’s one of my all-time favourite stories. I’ve always loved the imagination and excitement of the iconic story and I know that with the brilliant team of artists on board it’s going to be a treat for all the family with songs, humour, and plenty of aerial magic!! I can’t think of a better story to be telling this year to remind us of all the importance friendship, adventure, and empathy”

For more information and tickets, visit www.pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com