PETER PAN
The House, Birmingham Rep
Wednesday 18 November – Saturday 17 January 2027
Box office: birmingham-rep.co.uk, 0121 236 4455
Press Night: Tuesday 24 November at 7pm
Directed by Joe Murphy
Adapted by Phil Porter
Original music by Ruth Chan
Birmingham Rep has released a teaser snippet of a song from its forthcoming festive production of Peter Pan, J M Barrie’s much-loved children’s story, which plays in The House between Wednesday 18 November 2026 and Sunday 17 January 2027. Watch the teaser of the song here.
The song, Why Would I Do That? is performed by Amber Sylvia Edwards, who plays Wendy in the show, and Emmy Stonelake, who plays Tinker Bell. Further casting to be announced shortly.
This new production of Peter Pan is adapted by Phil Porter, with original music by Ruth Chan, and is directed by The Rep’s Artistic Director, Joe Murphy, fresh from his success with Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Why Would I Do That? is composed by Ruth Chan with lyrics by Phil Porter. The video also features Christopher Mundy, the production’s Musical Supervisor and Orchestrator, on piano.
Peter Pan is the classic story of the boy who never grew up and his adventures in Neverland with Wendy and the other Darling children, not forgetting Tinker Bell, The Lost Boys and Hook. Bursting with imagination, this faithful re-telling of J M Barrie’s beloved tale looks set to delight audiences afresh this festive season.
Joe Murphy, Director and Artistic Director of The Rep said:
“I can’t wait for audiences to experience Phil Porter’s joyous new adaptation of JM Barrie’s unforgettable children’s story. It’s got everything you could want from Peter Pan. We’re setting it in the original late Victorian/Edwardian period, and alongside all the iconic characters – Peter, Wendy, Tinker Bell, The Lost Boys, Hook and a crocodile – there will, of course, be flying, genuine flying.
“Our composer, Ruth Chan has written over 20 original songs with Phil, which are sure to bring a smile and maybe a tear to theatregoers of all ages. And I love the character and strength of Wendy, who experiences her own coming-of-age story, growing in confidence and maturity as the play progresses.
“I really hope this production will delight everyone, especially all those young people who, as is often the way, will be getting their first taste of theatre during this magical time of year.
“All in all, it promises to be an enchanting, festive feast not to be missed.”
Amber Sylvia Edwards plays Wendy. Hercredits include The Tempest, Macbeth (RSC), Wild Rose (Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh), The Good John Proctor (Jermyn Street Theatre), Tina (Aldwych Theatre); Orphans (National Theatre of Scotland); and Dirty Dancing (UK Tour). Film credits include: I Swear and Elegancia.
Emmy Stonelake plays Tinker Bell. Theirprevious Birmingham Rep credits include Sweet Henry V. Other theatre credits include: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (RSC/Unicorn), Beauty and the Beast (Storyhouse), Twelfth Night (Shakespeare’s Globe); OG Prince of Wales, A Christmas Carol (Sherman Theatre); Tell Me How It Ends (Liverpool Everyman); The Fair Maid of the West (RSC); Pride and Prejudice *Sort Of (UK Tour); Film and Television includes: Dreaming Whilst Black (BBC Three/Showtime) and The Diplomat (BBC/Alibi).
Joining Phil Porter, Ruth Chan and Joe Murphy on the creative team are: Hayley Grindle (Set and Costume Designer), Christopher Mundy (Musical Supervisor and Orchestration), Zoe Spurr (Lighting Designer), Ella Wahlström (Sound Designer), Helena Palmer CDG (Casting Director), Ellie Collyer-Bristow CDG (Additional Casting), Josh Sood (Musical Director), Alexandra Whiteley (Assistant Director) and Phoebe Bath (Production Manager). Full casting to be announced shortly.
To book simply visit Birmingham Rep at birmingham-rep.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0121 236 4455 (Monday to Friday from 12pm to 6pm. Saturdays 12pm to 6pm, or 4pm if there is no evening performance scheduled).