AudioBook Review – Peter Pan Audible Original

Title: Peter Pan (Audible Original)

Author: J.M.Barrie

Genre: Children’s Fiction

Goodreads Rating: 3.68

My Rating: 3*

Source: Audiobook

Synopsis:

Journey to Neverland in a new Audible Originals drama of J.M. Barrie’s magical masterpiece.

This enchanting adaptation of the enduring story of the boy who never grows up, produced in association with Great Ormond Street Hospital, stars Rupert Everett as the villainous Captain Hook and Adeel Akhtar as his right-hand man Smee. Beloved by both children and adults alike, the entire family will be transported to a world made of faith, trust, and pixie dust.

This Audible Original Drama of Peter Pan takes listeners on a magical adventure with Peter, Wendy, Michael and John as they arrive in Neverland and take on Captain Hook with the help of Tiger Lilly and Tinker Bell.

The story begins at home in London during The Blitz and Mary Darling is planning to evacuate her children to the countryside. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when a familiar face from her childhood returns…the one and only Peter Pan, the mysterious boy from Kensington Gardens. Intrigued by their mother’s friend, Wendy, Michael and John seek Peter Pan out, resulting in them being whisked off to Neverland and setting up home with Peter, Tinker Bell and The Lost Boys.

As Peter and his gang come up against the wickedly evil Captain Hook their friendships and relationships are put to the test – can Wendy be honest with Peter about how she really feels, and will Michael and John return home without their sister?

Performed by: Adeel Akhtar, Mariska Ariya, Catherine Bailey, Rupert Everett, Neil Frost, William Harper, Gerran Howell, Simon Kane, Mack Keith Roach, Rocco Padden, Richard Reed, Maya Shepelev, Louis Suc, Harry Tuffin and Eleanor Worthington-Cox.

My Review:

I remember watching the animated Disney film when I was very young and loving every minute of it. I have since watched a few remakes and went on to buy the illustrated version of the book which is still sat on my bookcase unread (don’t worry I’ve already given myself a slap on the wrist!) When this audible original popped up I thought why not give it a go.

I enjoyed the retelling of this classic story and thought the dramatised version was good, the use of music in between the scenes was very effective. I found myself giggling at Peter Pan and the Neverbird’s conversation as well as Captain Hook and Smee. I was quite surprised that I liked Captain Hook the best, I don’t usually get along with the ‘villain’ in most books. I think the actor that played him did a brilliant job of bringing the comedic side to light.

Wendy and the lost boys on the other hand were, in my opinion, very irritating. Again, the may be due to the voices but I found them very whinny and that spoilt some of the listening for me. Wendy was also quite dramatic and sometimes over the top, this will probably appeal to children but as an adult listener it was a bit much for me.

Overall I enjoyed the listen but think it would probably appeal more to the younger generation.

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