The Lower Schools’ brightest stars travel to Neverland

Last week, marked the unveiling of Peter Pan at the EM Forster Theatre, featuring the Lower Schools’ brightest acting talent alongside students from Hillview School for Girls, Tonbridge Grammar School, and Weald of Kent Grammar School.

This fresh adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s classic sets the story in Britain during World War II, exploring how children caught in the chaos of war use imagination as both escape and survival. Rather than a distant island, Neverland becomes a shared fantasy created by evacuated children facing unfamiliar homes, distant parents, and the ever-present threat of conflict.

Director in Residence Hannah Vowles, said, “And what of Neverland? In truth, it doesn’t matter. What matters is what the children created from it: a world of adventure, justice, wonder, and belief – all things we too often forget to value once childhood slips away.”

“The boys approached the show as a true creative challenge. They engaged deeply with character work within the complexities of the concept, while embracing the demands of fight sequences and flying with focus and enthusiasm. Their commitment was matched by the powerful wartime soundscape and atmospheric lighting, which together created moments of real impact. It’s been a privilege to support their work and see their storytelling resonate so strongly with audiences.”

The legacy of Peter Pan extends beyond the stage. In 1929, J.M. Barrie donated the rights to Great Ormond Street Hospital, ensuring that royalties continue to support seriously ill children receiving vital care.

This gift still benefits hundreds of children and young people treated at GOSH every day. In support of this mission, the theatre and cast helped raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

If you are able to contribute, donations are still open here.