Brace yourselves – the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society is back with another rip-snorting, hilarious (albeit it unintentionally so) production.
If you saw The Play That Goes Wrong in 2017, you’ll know exactly what you’re in for. Peter Pan Goes Wrong follows the same constructs – the CPDS has returned, having put the disaster of their previous production behind them, to put on an amateur production of Peter Pan. Their budget is bigger, with a generous donation from a cast member’s wealthy uncle, so things should be in place for a smoother, less eventful production than last time… But alas. Even with more money and the best intentions, the show falls hilariously to pieces.
If you did see this production’s 2017 sister, you’ll be familiar with the gags and set-ups that make it so side-splittingly funny. But set in the world of Neverland, there’s a fantastical, magical element that the previous show didn’t have. Therefore, there’s more potential scope for things to go wrong. People will fly, leaving no doubt that someone will get smacked in the head and hang limply from the ropes. There are magical creatures to bring to life and many more technical elements to execute. When it was a 1920’s murder mystery play, the comedy was that much funnier because it was so unexpected in a straightforward Agatha Christie-style setting. With Peter Pan we’re already prepared for the fun and fantastical, waiting to see how it will play out.
That aside, Peter Pan Goes Wrong is still an impressive feat of technical coordination and comedy genius. Expect lots of big laughs and some incredibly chaotic physical choreography, jumbled up with some fabulous character work. The indomitable Luke Joslin is as hilarious as ever in his various characters, and George Kemp and Francine Cain both delight in their roles. Jay Laga’aia tugs on our heart strings as easily as those of his ukulele, and on opening night Jordan Prosser’s Max had us in the palm of his hand.
Technically, the show is a marvel. Mishap after mishap comes at us like rapid-fire from the moment we take our seats. Some gags work better than others of course (the overly-long accidentally played audition tapes and confidential recordings result in unwelcome dips of energy) but ultimately this is chaos on clockwork, and the revolving stage is a true spectacle.
If you need a bit of a laugh in this challenging time of Trumps and Berejiklians, violence and assault, buy yourself a ticket.
Alana Kaye, Theatre Now Sydney
Peter Pan Goes Wrong
by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields
13 Feb – 3 March 2019
Tuesday 7pm
Wednesday / Thursday / Friday 8pm
Saturday 2pm & 8pm
Sunday: 1pm & 5pm
Venue: Sydney Lyric Theatre
Theatre Company: Mischief Theatre Company
Duration: N/A
WARNING: If you laughed yourself silly during THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG you may become incapacitated with hysterics this time
Having murdered Agatha Christie in THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG the Polytechnic Drama Society have set their sights on J.M. Barrie and gleefully present the triumphant disaster Peter Pan Goes Wrong from London’s West End – landing in Sydney on 13 February.
Nominated for an Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, Peter Pan Goes Wrong turns the J.M. Barrie classic, Peter Pan, into ‘a joyous masterclass of physical comedy and general disaster’ (London Evening Standard).
Leading the cast of incredibly talented actors is JAY LAGA’AIA along with seven of the actors who had audiences in stitches in The Play That Goes Wrong – DARCY BROWN, FRANCINE CAIN, ADAM DUNN, LUKE JOSLIN, GEORGE KEMP, JORDAN PROSSER and TAMMY WELLER. All have been silly enough to sign on again with The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society where they will once more battle against technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes on their way to Neverland with hilarious and disastrous results.
Experiencing theatrical mayhem for the first time will be CONNOR CRAWFORD who recently appeared in Assassins at the Hayes Theatre and Sydney Opera House and TEAGAN WOUTERS who starred as Nicola in the national tour of the musical Kinky Boots.
Peter Pan Goes Wrong is co-written by Mischief Theatre company members Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields and includes highly physical comedy packed with finely-tuned farce and Buster Keaton-inspired slapstick, all delivered with split-second timing.
“A dizzying, dazzling display of meta-theatrical brilliance” The Stage, UK
“I don’t think I’ve heard laughter this loud or this continuous in the theatre” London Theatre, UK
“a joyfully silly show that unpacks itself like a festive treat” Timeout, UK
Peter Pan Goes Wrong is directed by Adam Meggido, with set design by Simon Scullion, lighting by Matt Haskins, costumes by Roberto Surace, sound design by Ella Wahlstrom and songs composed by Richard Baker and Rob Falconer.
Peter Pan Goes Wrong is a hoot” The Age
“A side-splitting farce for the whole family” The Herald Sun
“Bloody hilarious! And I think I’ve developed a bit of a crush on the crocodile” Mix FM, New Zealand
“An absolute must see” Whatsonstage.uk “Irresistibly funny” Financial Times, UK
Ticket Prices
Standard Tickets $94 -$120
