When we think of theatre, we usually expect a well-rehearsed, well-equipped and flawlessly decorated performance. But what if we told you there is a play where everything just goes wrong? We’re talking lamps falling from the ceiling, people catching fire, actors “messing up” their lines, props failing, and just pure and utter chaos. ‘Peter Pan Goes Wrong’ is just that and so much more, bringing a whole new meaning to organised chaos.
‘Peter Pan Goes Wrong’ is produced by Mischief, the multi-award-winning company responsible for the global comedy phenomenon, ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’, as well as the BBC One television series, ‘The Goes Wrong Show’. Audiences can go see it at the Theatre Royal Glasgow between March 4 and 9 before the show moves on to Woking.
Written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, ‘the play is a highly physical comedy packed with finely-tuned farce and Buster Keaton-inspired slapstick, delivered with cheeky humour, involving the audience and pretty much a non-existent fourth wall. The audience then witnesses the cast dealing with technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes as they attempt to present J.M. Barrie’s much-loved tale of ‘Peter Pan’.
The fourth wall is broken down way before the performance even starts, invoking reactions from spectators in the most Brechtian way. The audience gets involved from the very moment of walking into the theatre, where the actors are out and about, dealing with stage fright, technical difficulties and just causing general mayhem walking in between the seats.
One could even argue Antonin Artaud’s techniques were well-utilised, as shocking elements that invoke all sorts of emotions (yet mostly laughter) are continuously present. Moreover, I was even wondering if some scenes were actually improvised!
Visitors can expect the unexpected at ‘Peter Pan Goes Wrong’, where creativity meets anarchy, and comedy meets turmoil in the most hilarious way possible.
If this sounds intriguing, you can book your tickets here!