News: Theatre Peckham Announced PAN! For The 2024 Festive Season

Theatre Peckham has announced the world premiere of PAN! Peter’s Come Out To Play, a brand new festive show for 2024 conceived by actor and writer Geoff Aymer and Suzann McLean MBE, CEO/Artistic Director of Theatre Peckham.

Based on J.M.Barrie’s Peter Pan, this new contemporary retelling sets the much loved children’s novel to original music by British Composer Jordan Xavier, with a new book and lyrics by Geoff Aymer.

PAN! asks audiences to open their minds and imaginations and view the world with childlike wonder as they remember how much fun it is to play. At the heart of PAN! lies Peter’s refusal to grow up, driven by the memories of his life in Peckham. The tropical Neverland becomes a symbol of freedom and escape for Peter and his lost boys, where they can revel in the job of music and dance while evading the pressures of adulthood.

Previous Theatre Peckham festive shows have included new takes on Rapunzel set in a hairdressers in Peckham, Scroogelicious a remix of A Christmas Carol, and The Wonderful inspired by Frank L Baum’s The Wizard of Oz.

Geoff Aymer, writer said “It was Suzann who made the initial suggestions, and I immediately thought it could work. We wanted to set Neverland on a tropical isle, and play on the word Pan, to incorporate the steel pan into the music within the show.”

Suzann McLean, director said “I’m super excited to bring PAN! to Theatre Peckham. We’re taking you to the enchanting world of Neverland. Picture a tropical paradise with the sweet sounds of the steel pan filling the air. It’s going to be an amazing experience! At Theatre Peckham, we’re all about empowering young people and PAN! is a perfect example of that. Our talented academy students will be showcasing their skills alongside seasoned professionals, giving them an incredible opportunity to shine and grow as artists. For all those who are looking for an extraordinary journey into pure magic and joy Theatre Peckham is going to be the place to be.”

Theatre Peckham, praised for its commitment to nurturing young talent, brings together a diverse cast of young performers who will mesmerise audiences with their energy, passion and raw talent. Performing alongside a cast of professional actors, gives young people the opportunity to share their own stories and hone their skills both on and off stage. This adaptation not only celebrates the magical world of Peter Pan but also explores universal themes of friendship, identity and the bittersweet journey of growing up.

Full casting to be announced.