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Peter and the Starcatcher – the production set to leave Sydney audiences spellbound!
Smash hit Broadway production Peter and the Starcatcher opens at Sydney's Capitol Theatre this January and February. But what is it actually about...
Were you always left questioning where Peter Pan came from? What was Wendy’s origin story? Have you ever wanted to learn more about the mysterious world of Neverland? Peter and the Starcatcher is for you!
Winner of 5 Tony Awards®, this hilarious, swashbuckling prequel to Peter Pan was originally developed by Disney Theatrical Group, written by Rick Elice (known for Jersey Boys, The Addams Family) with music by Wayne Barker. The Australian production has been reimagined by Australia’s Dead Puppet Society, acclaimed for creating visually astounding worlds!
What is Peter and the Starcatcher about?
This play is the prequel you didn’t know you needed! Before Neverland there was an island. Before Captain Hook, a moustachioed pirate. Before Wendy, there was her mother, Molly. Before Peter, a nameless orphan.
Based on the compelling novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, the story follows a young orphan who becomes Peter Pan. We get to experience his thrilling adventures with Molly Aster, a spirited “Starcatcher” as they work together to protect themagical starstuff from the sinister pirate Black Stache.
The first act of the play is set on two ships; “The Neverland” and “The Wasp”. In the second act the characters have ended up a mysterious island. The humorous and heartwarming tale is perfect for fans of adventure and fantasy, this story captures the magic of childhood and the power of friendship.
What do they mean by ‘Reimagined’ version ?
The show has been reimagined by David Morton and Nicholas Paine from Dead Puppet Society. After witnessing the Tony Award winning play, Morton and Paine asked for the rights from Disney to create their own reimagined version here in Australia!
Dead Puppet Society is an international design-led theatre company established in 2009 by David Morton and Nocholas Paine. Furthermore, they are considered one of Australia’s most ground-breaking production houses, Dead Puppet Society is known for combining timeless craftsmanship with cutting-edge technologies and collaborating with world class arts companies and creatives to produce large-scale design-led theatre works that shake up genres, incorporate contemporary forms of puppetry, and push the boundaries of live performance. Recent box office hits include The Wider Earth, Ishmael, Laser Beak Man and Storm Boy.
Their highly anticipated version of Peter and the Starcatcher blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, traversing oceans of mystical mermaids, and lands of curious creatures. From the starstuff butterflies to the giant 12m crocodile, all the puppets and props you see on stage have been designed and crafted in Brisbane by a team of 16 fabricators and makers to bring the magic of Neverland life.
Embark on a spectacular journey with 15 actors and musicians, 100 characters, 90 puppets, and 60 costumes onstage. Escape to the fantastical world you never knew existed before Neverland with Peter and the Starcatcher – because you’re never too old to never grow up.
Who are the Cast?
The show includes a star-studded ensemble cast. Otis Dhanji, known for his roles in Netflix’s The Unlisted and Aquaman stars as Boy/Peter. Comedy legend Colin Lane from the duo Lano & Woodley plays the menacing Black Stache. Shining as Molly the Starcatcher is television star Olivia Deeble, famous for Home and Away, More Than This and Secret Society of Second Born Royals.
The cast also features comedian Pete Helliar as Smee, Ryan González (Moulin Rouge! The Musical, In The Heights) as Fighting Prawn, Paul Capsis (La Cage aux Folles, The Rocky Horror Show) as Slank and Hawking Clam, Hugh Parker (The Office, The Family Law) as Captain Scott, Alison Whyte (Death of a Salesman, Groundhog Day The Musical) as Lord Aster.
Rounding out the company, which brings over 100 characters to life in this fantastical and adventurous production, are John Batchelor, Morgan Francis, and Benjin Maza. Offstage covers include James Haxby, Erika Naddei, and Natasha Veselinovic. Adding to the magic are on-stage musicians Annie Silva-McKnight, James Dobinson, and Luke Volker.
So, what are you waiting for? This is your chance to see Neverland like never before! Peter and the Starcatcher runs at the Sydney’s Capital Theatre from 31 January to 16 February 2024. Tickets are on sale now.
