Sunday, March 2, 2014.

THERE’S been a fair bit of ‘tinkering’ in this glorious adaptation of JM Barrie’s hugely popular classic tale and to the delight of the young, and those still young at heart, the fairy dust continues to work its magic.

Not only is there an addition to the original 1904 title - we’ve definitely got Wendy right at the core of events. There’s even an extra Darling brother – Tom, who sadly dies, a mother who wants more out of life, and on top of that a fairy carrying not only a few extra pounds but a rumbustious attitude to match.

Playwright Ellie Hickson was commissioned by the RSC back in 2011 to take a fresh look at this well-loved story and her interpretation is set to join an incredibly successful list of family productions for the festive period such as Matilda, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Robin Hood.

She wanted this to be Wendy’s story and for the play to be about family loss, alongside the coming to terms with grief. The original adventure theme is still at the heart but Wendy’s determined to throw off the ‘motherly’ apron strings and neither is she prepared to be a ‘damsel in distress.’ She’s Hickson’s heroine, more so than Peter Pan, as she tries to ensure Tom is well cared for in Neverland, the place where Lost Boys will never grow up and where human faith can be restored by the strength of imagination.

Mrs Darling is also breaking out of her Edwardian chains. Like her daughter she seeks emancipation and is assertive to the point where her husband fears she has joined the Suffragettes.

Tinkerbell, now shortened to Tink but somewhat broadened in bulk and mischievous comedy, provides hints of an Essex girl you wouldn’t mess with, especially when asking - ‘Are you saying I’m fat?!’ Charlotte Mills ensures her character is as brilliantly outrageous as her pink tutu and tights, and some of her comments are too. Such as when she calls Wendy ‘a skinny arse.’ Fiona Button is also as bright as her name suggests and what a feisty all-action Wendy she is. Oodles of nervous energy exudes in all her gestures - the facial expressions and movement. She also splendidly sword fights Captain Hook and his pirates with help from Tink and Tiger Lily, played with a nice hint of aggression from Michelle Asante.

The pirates all ensure their swashes are properly buckled. They’re quite a frightening bunch too led by Guy Henry’s captivating Captain Hook – stylish and swaggering. His nemesis, Peter Pan, is played with considerable verve and athleticism by Sam Swann, as he reveals a boy incapable of growing up.

The RSC’s festive productions usually offer a unique interpretation of old festive favourites. They tend to steer away from pantomime traditions while still ensuring there are dollops of fun and there’s no shortage here. There was even one splendid moment of mirth as the Pirates sneaked up on Martin (James Wilkes) and a little voice piped up – ‘They’re behind you!’ He responded splendidly with the query - ‘They’re behind me, aren’t they?’ There’s a whole host of humour but moments of poignancy too ensure there is an emotional depth to the proceedings.

Overall Hickson’s version of this children’s favourite – with all the roles played by adults - strikes the right blend and balance to appeal to both children and adults. Hats must also be raised to director Jonathan Munby and designer Colin Richmond whose ideas ensure there is a fine flow and feel to the production.

The sets are exquisite with some spectacular moments as we fly through the night skies, sail the seas on a ghostly pirate ship and head underground into the Lost Boys hideaway.

Here’s the perfect occasion to allow your imagination to run riot on a night when you can believe you are part of the RSC’s ‘awfully big adventure’.

The classic tale is on , from Tuesday, December 10, 2013 until Sunday, March 2, 2014.