Director's Note
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Peter Pan Goes Wrong is not just a retelling of a classic story—it is a celebration of live theatre, chaos, and the joy of things going spectacularly wrong. Written as a sequel to The Play That Goes Wrong (produced here at Hale Centre Theatre in 2021), the play once again follows the well-meaning but woefully ill-fated Cornley Dramatic Society as they attempt to mount another production. Their latest misadventure becomes a love letter to theatre itself—messy, ridiculous, and undeniably magical. Thirty years ago, I donned the Peter Pan tights in a local theatre production. One fateful evening, the crew determined it wasn’t safe for Peter and the Darlings to fly due to a rigging concern. Panic and adrenaline took over as we sang “I’m Flying,” leaping from furniture while empty lines and hooks dangled uselessly above us. The audience was in hysterics. Though frustrating at the moment, it has since become one of my favorite theatre memories. A reminder that there is beauty in imperfections. This production embraces failure as entertainment and reminds us that sometimes the most unforgettable performances are the ones that don’t go according to plan. Life never goes as planned, and that’s what makes it such an adventure! “To live would be an awfully big adventure!” 
-Ryan Simmons, Director |
