An entirely new production of Peter Pan in Kensington gardens, which premiered in May 2009 and is running until August, received rave reviews by the top newspapers in Britain.
Peter Pan was thought up by J.M Barrie while walking through Kensington gardens. The author later commissioned a bronze statue of Peter Pan in Kensington gardens, so the production is a sort of home coming for the well-loved character. The first reenactment of Peter Pan premiered in 1904 and was met with so much acclaim that it ran until the Second World War. Indeed, it seems there is some element of reality to the story, as the character of Peter Pan has not faded from people’s minds or aged in over 100 years.
For people who are used to the classic story, there is a surprise awaiting them. Peter Pan is being shown in a large marquee in Kensington gardens and the Darling children fly around on coat hangers and Nana the dog and the ticking crocodile are played by puppets. Cinematic projections of the fantastical Neverland complement the already magical surroundings of Kensington gardens and the Serpentine Lake.
Peter is played by Ciaran Kellgren who makes the role his own with his good looks and boyish charm and Abby Ford gives a new edge of red-headed intensity to the role of Wendy. Captain Hook is made real by the energetic Jonathan Hyde. The band of motley pirates, quirky modern costumes and soaring music accompaniment complete this performance of Peter Pan and make it a must see for any Kensington or west London resident.
Last year, Barrie’s house became a dream for every Estate Agent in Kensington when it went on the market for £6.75m. It is believed that Barrie wrote the Peter Pan stories in this South Kensington home, which is directly opposite the gardens. It was in Kensington gardens that JM Barrie met five boys who inspired his stories and whom he later adopted after the death of their parents.
The new production of Peter Pan in Kensington merges the old and the new to bring a magical show to Londoners which both adults and children can enjoy with equal awe.