‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ // Arts Centre Melbourne

‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ was whimsical.

Peter and the Starcatcher is a recent addition, to the world of classic fairytales, first premiering in 2009 by Rick Elice. It provides a prequel to J.M. Barry’s Peter and Wendy, or Peter Pan which was first staged in 1904. It is known worldwide for introducing us to the characters Captain Hook, Tinker Bell and Peter Pan. It is a universally loved story that has been adapted by Disney and many others. Elice has enormous shoes to fill by making a prequel to the story.

Peter Pan is an endearing character who has captivated audiences ever since. As we grow up and enter the adult monotony. We long to be children forever. Peter Pan, a perpetual boy who lives in the fantasy island of Neverland has been the escapism of many. Peter and the Starcatcher consists of the events leading up to Barry’s work. It provides the environment which young Peter, then an unnamed orphan who spent his time prior in an English orphanage. He had a deep hatred of grownups and a rough temper. The Victorian era was a time when children of all walks of life were not heard and occasionally seen. They played amongst themselves and created their own imaginary worlds, nevertheless many adults who grew up in these times, usually from the middle and upper middle classes looked back on their childhoods fondly and wanted to remain children forever. Peter just wanted to experience boyhood without the brutality of borstal life, a theme which continues to resonate with the universal challenges faced by children of every generation.

A strength of Elice’s script is that there were no obvious fairytale outcomes. Everything was unexpected in this story, the script took us on a journey of absurdity. The plot of Peter and the Starcatcher changed at every turn yet never confused me. I found this a brilliant writing technique that peaked the interest of children and adults alike. I felt engaged for the entirety of the runtime. One weakness of the script was sone of the language used, particularly the sexual innuendo, I also felt some of the comic evil would be upsetting for the target audience of children. I personally found Peter and the Starcatcher was more suited to an adult audience seeking the nostalgia of older fairytales rather than its target audience of children. 

Energetic casts and creative direction give life to a script. Both shone brightly in Peter and the Starcatcher. David Morton was tasked with translating this script on stage, his direction takes advantage of the many opportunities for onstage improvisation and comedic interludes. I adored the off-script quips and opportunities to participate in the performance. With a large cast and an enormous number of characters, there is never a bad transformation. Peter and the Starcatcher has many examples of musical theatre and some opera, Morton has seamlessly included them so we can witness the versatility of this cast. Brilliant vocals throughout truly complete this performance. Having the orchestra present on stage enhanced the overall character of the piece, particularly the very animated musicians provided a very whimsical touch to the overall composition.

The set and costume design, coordinated by Anna Cordingley contributed greatly to the visual appeal of this performance. We were bombarded throughout by a colourful smorgasbord that popped out of the stage at times. I loved the staging of the boats. Which were two versatile staircases which were transformed into many different arrangements. The set design also merged with the brilliant lighting design, with a twinkly sky and beautiful illuminated stars that fell into the audience. However, puppetry, by Dead Puppet Society was a real showstopper element, especially in the design of the birds and fish, I enjoyed how they were designed and manipulated. I was particularly fond of the crocodile, Mr Grin. The puppet used the same fishing net that was utilised for the backdrops and thus created effective levels and visual continuity. We also were treated to an adorable cat puppet throughout. 

Peter and the Starcatcher is one masterful work. It is a challenging script which simultaneously won five Tony awards and copped negative reviews. It’s a beast of a work which requires a masterful cast and crew to pull off. This performance is fantastic, a visual feast to never forget. If you feel trapped in hustle and bustle and grind, why not spend an evening swept away a night in the starstuff seems fitting. Peter and the Starcatcher is a night of redeeming unforgettable enjoyment perfect for all ages. 

Peter and the Starcatcher runs from the 8th of November until the 1st of December at the Arts Centre Melbourne Playhouse Theatre.