Rating : Three stars
A NEW AUSTRALIAN TAKE ON A CLASSIC TALE – Based on the original Disney production and the Tony Award-winning Broadway show, this adaptation offers a fresh Australian perspective on a well-known and beloved story. At its heart, it serves as an origin tale for Peter Pan. Given that premise, one might expect familiar narrative beats and connections to the classic tale. However, these links took time to emerge, with Act Two providing the clearest moments of revelation.
From the outset, the production hinted at the magic this wonderful venue fosters. The lighting design by Ben Hughes played a key role in setting an atmosphere of mystery and enchantment, offering glimpses of the Dead Puppets’ signature touch. Indeed, one of the production’s highlights was the way lighting and integrated effects transformed space, place, and mood with remarkable effectiveness.
The puppetry, used at various scales, was particularly impactful in key moments—most notably when the ticking crocodile first appeared as a shadow before revealing itself as an impressively large and menacing creature.
The cast brought great energy to the performance. Alison Whyte delivered an extraordinary portrayal of a father figure to the young protagonist, a girl full of promise who ultimately guides the unnamed boy toward becoming Peter. Olivia Deeble, as Molly, was a dynamic and athletic leader of the orphan boys, embodying her apprentice Starcatcher role with determination and enthusiasm.
Yet, despite the production’s technical achievements and lively performances, the storytelling at times felt overly dense. When the show called for visual spectacle, music, or character-driven moments, it sometimes became weighed down by exposition. Peter Helliar’s comedic presence occasionally felt misplaced, detracting from rather than enhancing the action. Additionally, the staging too often relied on actors standing in a static line, diminishing the sense of adventure.
The costumes, designed by Anna Cordingley, were vibrant and a definite highlight, while the clever set changes effectively adapted to the demands of a touring production. The onstage band and effects team added enjoyable layers to the experience. However, despite its fast-moving entrances and exits, the show still felt long at times.
As the production continues its run, I hope the ensemble will settle into a more fluid rhythm. At times, the show seemed to pause for the puppetry rather than fully integrating it into the storytelling. That said, I sensed the beginnings of an engaging chemistry between Otis Dhanji as the Boy and Molly Starcatcher, which, if developed further, could help draw the audience in.
While the younger audience members were clearly delighted—many others laughing heartily at the humorous asides—this reviewer found the mix of cabaret, songbook, light show, and technical wizardry somewhat disjointed. There were sweet puppet moments (especially the cats and dogs) and pleasant musical numbers, but rather than a cohesive journey, the production felt like a series of standalone moments.
CAPITOL THEATRE – Sunday 2nd February – short season
Cast
John Batchelor Alf / Teacher
Paul Capsis Slank / Hawking Clam
Olivia Deeble Molly
Otis Dhanji Boy / Peter
Morgan Francis Prentiss
Lucy Goleby Mrs Bumbrake
Ryan González Grempkin / Sanchez / Fighting Prawn / Mack
Colin Lane Black Stache
Pete Helliar Smee
Benjin Maza Ted
Hugh Parker Captain Scott
Alison Whyte Lord Aster
James Haxby Offstage Cover
Erika Naddei Offstage Cover
Natasha Veselinovic Offstage Cover
Annie Silva-McKnight Musician
Luke Volker Musician
Creative Team
Written by RICK ELICE
Music by Wayne barker
Director and Designer David Morton
Musical Director and Additional Music by James Dobinson
Movement Director Liesel Zink
Lighting Designer Ben Hughes
Costume Designer Anna Cordingley
Sound Designer Matthew Erskine
Casting Director Michael Topple
Creative Producer Nicholas Paine
Associate Director Matt Seery
A DEAD PUPPET SOCIETY, GLASS HALF FULL PRODUCTIONS,
JONES THEATRICAL GROUP AND DAMIEN HEWITT PRODUCTION OF
PETER AND THE STARCATCHER
A PLAY BY RICK ELICE
BASED ON THE NOVEL BY DAVE BARRY AND RIDLEY PEARSON
MUSIC BY WAYNE BARKER
Commissioned and originally produced by Disney Theatrical Group.
Originally produced on Broadway by Nancy Nagel Gibbs, Greg Schaffert,
Eva Price, Tom Smedes, and Disney Theatrical Group.
PETER AND THE STARCATCHER
is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International Australasia Pty Ltd.
Venue Information
For information on location, parking and public transport please visit https://www.capitoltheatre.com.au/visit/.