Hook’s Neverland, a spectacular new circus event will sail into the Sydney Opera House and Canberra Theatre Centre these summer school holidays, reimagining one of the world’s most beloved stories as a thrilling production where circus, magic, comedy and dazzling visual effects collide.
Shaped by the imaginations of Craig Ilott, Stuart Couzens (GATSBY at The Green Light and L’Hotel) with Neil Dorward – known for directing theatrical extravaganzas (Circus1903, The Illusionists and Cirque du Soleil’s Mad Apple) – this bold and enchanting production will thrill the young and the young at heart.
The show will be brought to life by an exhilarating, cinematic score from Evan Duffy, composer for Cirque Du Soleil’s Auana as well as film franchises such as Now You See Me.
Hook’s Neverland is a reimagining of the classic tale of Peter Pan, featuring jaw-dropping aerialists, astonishing acrobats, impossible magic, outrageous comedy and edge-of-your-seat danger – delivering an unforgettable adventure for audiences of all ages. At the centre of it all is the story’s most notorious pirate – Captain Hook.
Hook is razor-sharp, charismatic and determined to rewrite history. But as the relentless tick-tock of the crocodile reminds him that time is running out, he begins to tell a very different version of the story. He insists he’s been misunderstood but can you believe anything Captain Hook tells you? – The truth may be stranger than the legend.
Audiences will journey through a Neverland unlike anything they’ve seen before, from a punk-fuelled Fairyland where Tinkerbell is still causing magical mischief and the rebellious chaos of the Lost Boys’ Hideout, to the breathtaking beauty of Mermaid Lagoon, the dangerous secrets of Skull Rock and the swashbuckling madness aboard the Jolly Roger.
“What excites me about Hook’s Neverland is taking a world we all think we know and completely turning it on its head,” said Director Neil Dorward. “We’re bringing together an outstanding international cast of entertainers in circus, magic, comedy and variety, alongside dazzling visual effects, to create a Neverland full of danger, mischief, adventure and possibility.”
“I’m incredibly excited to return to the Sydney Opera House with a brand-new production, and I can’t wait for audiences to step into our Neverland for the first time.”
Hook’s Neverland will play at the Sydney Opera House from 9 – 17 January, before playing the Canberra Theatre Centre from 21 – 24 January 2027.
Image: Hook’s Neverland (supplied)