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Review: Peter at the Starcatcher at the Capitol Theatre

Review by Carly Fisher


Whilst fans of musical theatre have known this for decades, right now, the idea of a prequel is perhaps at its hottest with Wicked proving how exciting it can be to see the ‘before’ of some of our favourite characters. Adapted from Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s 2004 novel Starcatcher, theoretically this show about how Peter Pan came to be should have been able to follow the exciting prequel trend and grab audiences both young and young at heart. 


For me, however, Peter and the Starcatcher falls short of that exciting ‘behind the scenes’ look at the making of Peter Pan. The story feels, at times, chaotic, and whilst the cast does its best to navigate the narration, it is ultimately a very clunky script that one struggles to feel transported by. 


The cast is expert and their commitment to their characters and to the physical, as well as script-based, demands of this show is admirable. Each completely throws themselves into quick changes, accent work, music, dance, movement work, and more. Often they are asked to create the scene, as much as they are asked to be part of it - for example, as Molly and the boys move through the boat with only some circulating planks of wood behind them to represent the ship. There is not a word delivered without it being packed with intention and in a script lacking in power as this one is, I commend the cast for covering this as well as they did. 


This is a play with music and those moments that called on the musical talents of this very well rounded cast were undoubtedly some of the highlights. The accent work was also strong, especially when delivered by Lucy Goleby as Mrs Bumbrake. 


Perhaps the show fell short for me this time (I have seen it before, off-Broadway, some years ago) because it really felt like a kids show that had just missed the school holidays. For parents who are ready to challenge their children with a show that graduates them from Disney musicals, but guides them into the next stage of their theatre journey, this is the show! It has a pantomime feel and the many kids in the opening night audience seemed to squeal with delight at many of the jokes and well executed scenes, particularly led by Colin Lane as Black Stache. Lane truly stood out as the star of this show with excellent comedic timing and a great rapport with the audience.


Olivia Deeble as Molly is definitely a standout throughout the production. However, it will come as no surprise that it is generally Paul Capsis who steals the stage - even when in the back corner, the commitment to comedy is masterful and the transitions between characters great to watch. Alison Whyte as Lord Aster was an exciting and unexpected choice for me - Whyte is a very strong and commanding actor on stage and exudes this into a very ‘British’ Lord Aster. 


Liesel Zink has created some interesting movement work to guide the narrative and often to compensate for the minimal set (which I have to say, really works for this show - it really didn’t need a more comprehensive set) and the cast throw themselves into it all. 


Perhaps it is that the venue of this show felt misguided to me. Undoubtedly our most beautiful theatre, the Capitol Theatre for me is not synonymous with this style of pantomime. It is a theatre where you are very aware that you are the audience, not that you are part of the show, because of its grandeur. I think perhaps at the State or the Royal, I would have had some different feelings, or at least expectations of this production. Choosing the right theatre for the right show is absolutely essential in my opinion, and I do feel that sometimes, because we are so lacking in options in Sydney, producers are not given the option to put their show in the space that would best fit it. I have to assume that that is what happened here, otherwise, it was just a weird choice. 


I am not a fan of pantomime which is where this show lost me the most. But many people are and if you like a light night at the theatre and want to see some great performers on stage, this may be just the show for you. If you grew up with Peter Pan as I did and know the story well, you’ll definitely enjoy the little drips of clues as to how the ‘boy’ became the ‘Peter Pan’ we all know and love - that is, after all, the highlight of a prequel. 


I wouldn’t see it again which for me, a repeat attender, is the ultimate marker. However, I’m glad I got to see this extremely strong Australian cast take on this show - for that it was well worth it! And really, there is nothing better to me than hearing kids laughing and engaging in theatre - that is why shows like this are so important, to bring in that next generation of audiences who will love theatre the way we already do. Take your kids and challenge them to grow their expectation of plays and musicals - I hope they love it! 

Image Credit: Daniel Boud
Image Credit: Daniel Boud


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