Photo Flash: Bristol Old Vic's Inventive PETER PAN Comes to the National Theatre Tonight

Director Sally Cookson brings her wondrously inventive Peter Pan to the National Theatre after a sell-out, critically acclaimed run at Bristol Old Vic Theatre. Peter Pan will open in the Olivier Theatre tonight 17 November, with press night on Friday 2 December. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the company in rehearsal below!

All children, except one, grow up... When Peter Pan, the leader of the Lost Boys, loses his shadow during a visit to London, headstrong Wendy helps him re-attach it. In return she is invited to Neverland - where Tinker Bell the fairy, Tiger Lily and the vengeful Captain Hook await. Exploring the possibilities and pain of growing up, it's a riot of magic, mischief, music and make-believe.

Anna Francolini will play Captain Hook and Mrs Darling, reinstating the double casting intended by J M Barrie for his original production. The cast also includes Saikat Ahamed, Suzanne Ahmet, Marc Antolin, Lois Chimimba, Laura Cubitt, Phoebe Fildes, Felix Hayes, Paul Hilton, John Leader, Amaka Okafor, John Pfumojena, Jessica Temple, Dan Wheeler and Madeleine Worrall.

Directed by Sally Cookson, with dramaturgy by Mike Akers, set design by Michael Vale, costume design by Katie Sykes, lighting by Aideen Malone, music by Benji Bower, sound design by Dominic Bilkey, movement by Dan Canham, aerial direction by Gwen Hales, fight direction by Rachel Bown-Williams and Ruth Cooper-Brown of RC-ANNIE Ltd, and puppet direction and design by Toby Olié.

Suitable for children aged 7+. Half-price tickets for under-18s. Press night: Friday 2 December, 7pm. A relaxed performance of Peter Pan will take place on Saturday 21 January at 2pm. For tickets and more information, visit nationaltheatre.org.uk.

Photo Credit: Steve Tanner

Anna Francolini (Captain Hook) and Felix Hayes (Smee)

Anna Francolini (Captain Hook)

Anna Francolini (Captain Hook)

Benji Bower (music)

Benji Bower (music)

Ekow Quartey (Nana, Tootles)

Felix Hayes (Smee, Mr Darling) and Mike Akers (Dramaturg)

Felix Hayes (Smee, Mr Darling)

Jessica Temple (ensemble), Phoebe Fildes (ensemble) and Dan Wheeler (ensemble)

John Leader (ensemble) and Toby Olie (Puppetry Designer and Director)

John Pfumojena (Michael) and John Leader (ensemble)

John Pfumojena (Michael)

John Pfumojena (Michael)

Laura Cubitt (Lost Boy Twins)

Lois Chimimba (Tiger Lily, Slightly) and Marc Antolin (John)

Lois Chimimba (Tiger Lily, Slightly)

Madeleine Worrall (Wendy)

Madeleine Worrall (Wendy)

Marc Cantolin (John)

Marc Cantolin (John), Madeleine Worrall (Wendy) and John Pfumojena (Michael)

Marc Cantolin (John), Madeleine Worrall (Wendy) and John Pfumojena (Michael)

Paul Hilton (Peter Pan)

Paul Hilton (Peter Pan)

Paul Hilton (Peter Pan)

Paul Hilton (Peter Pan)

Richie Crago (musician)

Ruth Hammond (musician)

Saikat Ahamed (Tinkerbell, Curly) and Suzanne Ahmet (ensemble)

Saikat Ahamed (Tinkerbell, Curly) and the company

Sally Cookson (Director)

The company of PETER PAN

The company of PETER PAN

The company of PETER PAN

Will Bower (musician)