Stratford Shakespeare Festival – J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan

Reviewed by Paula Citron

On the visual level, Stratford’s Peter Pan is a delight. Designer Carolyn M. Smith has created imaginative sets and costumes which hold a lot of surprises.

Michael Therriault’s characterization of Peter Pan is masterful, conjuring up the boy’s complicated psyche at will – at once insensitive and needy, blustery and fragile. Paul Dunn as John and Stacie Steadman as Michael also give good performances.

In short, director Tim Carroll’s production has a lot going for it, but it just doesn’t gel. The sailors under Tom McCamus’ Capt. Hook (he also plays Barrie during the scene changes), and the Lost Boys, seem to be sleepwalking through their roles. I never got a sense of inner passion. Sarah Topham as Wendy can’t be heard.

My assessment – absolutely take any young person you know to see the play, but if you are an adult on your own, there won’t be enough to hold you.

Peter Pan continues at the Avon Theatre until Oct. 31.

Peter Pan
Stratford Shakespeare Festival
Written by J.M. Barrie
Directed by Tim Carroll
Performed by Michael Terriault, Tom McCamus Sara Topham, Paul Dunn and Stacie Steadman
Avon Theatre, Apr. 16 to Oct. 31