Club Nvrlnd, created and directed by Steven Kunis with a book by Jack Holden, reimagines the Peter Pan mythos through a queer, clubland lens. Set in the crumbling remains of a once-glorious nightclub, Nvrlnd, the show attempts to blend spoken-word storytelling with high-energy pop numbers, but struggles to find cohesion between its two halves.
Jack Holden’s script is compelling and well-crafted, offering a fresh perspective on familiar characters. Peter Pan (played with charisma and emotional depth by Thomas Grant) is no longer the boy who wouldn’t grow up, but a young man clinging to the fading glamour of a lost utopia. Martha Kirby’s Wendy Darling brings a grounded presence, while Le Fil (of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame) adds flair as Tiger Lily, though the venue’s limitations prevent the show from fully immersing the audience in the nightclub atmosphere it promises.
The music, composed in a contemporary pop style, is catchy and well-produced. However, the integration of songs into the narrative feels disjointed. Rather than enhancing the story, the musical numbers often interrupt it, creating the impression of two separate shows vying for attention. This lack of synergy undermines the emotional momentum built by Holden’s writing.
Vocally, the cast is enthusiastic but uneven. While the ensemble brings energy and commitment, some of the vocals fall short of the mark, particularly in group numbers. That said, Thomas Grant’s performance as Peter is a standout, and his solo moments are among the most affecting in the production.
The concept behind Club Nvrlnd is ambitious and intriguing, but its execution doesn’t quite match its potential. Compared to similar genre-bending productions like Oscar at The Crown, which also began life at the Fringe before transferring to London, Club Nvrlnd feels underdeveloped. The venue, Assembly Checkpoint, lacks the immersive qualities needed to transport audiences into the gritty, glittering world of Nvrlnd.
Still, there’s plenty of promise here. With refinement, Club Nvrlnd could evolve into something truly special. As it stands, it’s a bold experiment that doesn’t fully land, but offers moments of genuine theatrical magic.
