Peter And the Starcatcher, a part-musical Peter Pan prequel, reimagines the origin stories of Peter Pan (Otis Dhanji as Boy, a nameless orphan) and Captain Hook (Colin Lane as Black Stache).
The company celebrates its 15th year in 2024 and Dead Puppet Society’s innovative puppetry throughout – including graceful butterflies, vivid tropical fish and an LED-lit, clock-swallowing croc – brings this playful production to life.
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Leaning into pantomime sensibilities, Peter And The Starcatcher celebrates OTT-ness. The friendship between The Lost Boys is heart-warming. The travelling light sequence that suggests Tinkerbell in the making is an impressive optical illusion.
Colin Lane gets the biggest laughs, his handling of a heckler child’s second interruption – on opening night – is spontaneous comedy gold. But Olivia Deeble – as Molly (Wendy’s mum) – is Peter And the Starcatcher’s shining star, with her dance and acro training utilised to great effect – impressive splits, gymnastic moves and just overall physicality.
Local details, such as a cheeky nod to the price of a glass of vino in the Arts Centre, appear within the script for knowing-laugh opportunities. Expect joyous malapropisms, plus a few things to explain to the kiddies during the car journey home.
Peter And The Starcatcher is at Playhouse, Melbourne until 1 December.
