CLUB NVRLND: The Peter Pan Generation Finds its Neverland on the Dance Floor

Set to debut at the Assembly Checkpoint from 30 July to 24 August, CLUB NVRLND reimagines J M Barrie’s classic Peter Pan tale for a generation who grew up with low-rise jeans, skinny scarves, and the sweet chaos of MySpace’s Top Eight. The creative forces behind the show promise an explosion of 2000s pop music, featuring hits by favourites like Britney Spears, Katy Perry, and Justin Timberlake. According to Jack Holden, who’s written the piece, the intention is to capture “the carefree days of millennial youth, when the music was unironic, the jeans were skinny, and our biggest concern was who to put in our MySpace Top Eight.”

In case you’re wondering, yes, you’ll be hearing some of the most iconic tunes from that era. If you were too young to club-hop in the early noughties, let me assure you, these songs have aged like fine wine (or perhaps more accurately, like the unstoppable earworms they were). Whether it’s Toxic, Firework, or a thousand other possibilities, the setlist alone is bound to evoke laughter, a few squeals of recognition, and more than a bit of dancing in the aisles.

Second Star to the Right and Straight on ’til Morning

There are countless reasons to catch a Fringe production, but CLUB NVRLND has some extra flair that sets it apart. For a start, it’s directed by Steven Kunis, who has made a name for himself by blending traditional theatrical storytelling with an immersive, high-energy approach. He says, “Our vision is to create CLUB NVRLND as a full-blown pop fantasy—a reimagining of Peter Pan for a generation that grew up on Y2K icons in an era that now feels like its own kind of Neverland.”

And it’s not just about spectacle for spectacle’s sake. Since this is an immersive musical, audience members won’t simply watch events from a cushy seat in the dark. Instead, you’ll be surrounded by a swirling kaleidoscope of movement—literally in the middle of Wendy’s night out gone fantastically awry. Kunis promises that stepping into this show will feel like entering a nostalgic fever dream, complete with confetti cannons, luminous décor, and the kind of high-octane choreography that might make you break a sweat just looking at it.

Even from a purely data-driven perspective, immersive theatre is on the rise. According to a recent industry report, the demand for interactive, site-specific, or immersive productions has grown by over 35% worldwide in the past five years. Audiences want more than just passive entertainment; they crave the thrill of stepping into another reality, even if that reality is a cheeky reworking of a cherished children’s story.

Wendy’s Big Night Out

The plot revolves around Wendy, who’s on the cusp of marriage—a major life milestone symbolising “growing up” in every sense of the word. But on one fateful night at CLUB NVRLND, she unexpectedly bumps into Peter Pan and is whisked back into a world she once knew. It’s a premise ripe for comedic mischief and emotional gravity, as Wendy must decide if she’s really ready to trade the sparkle of youth for the comforts (and constraints) of adulthood.

You might be wondering how this will all come to life on stage. The show’s choreography is in the capable hands of Ashley Nottingham, a whiz at blending multiple dance styles into a seamless tapestry. Since we’re talking about 2000s pop bangers, expect some unabashed hip-hop influences, a splash of techno, and perhaps even a cheeky nod to the once-ubiquitous Stanky Leg or Crank That phenomenon. Whatever Nottingham conjures up, it’ll serve as the heartbeat for the show’s carnival-like atmosphere.

The Team Crafting the Magic

Behind any successful theatre production stands a dedicated group of unsung heroes, and CLUB NVRLND is no exception. It’s produced by David Adkin and RJG Productions, with Midnight Theatricals teaming up alongside NewYorkRep. The set and costume design are led by Suzu Sakai, who I’m told is planning some eye-popping visuals that blend the gritty aesthetic of a nighttime club with the fantasy-laden vibe of Neverland.

Casting is by Lucy Casson, though details on who will be playing Peter, Wendy, or any other beloved character remain under wraps. Meanwhile, Aida Rocci has signed on as creative producer, and Hugo Denn-Vereker holds the title of music supervisor. Given the show’s reliance on noughties hits, Denn-Vereker’s expertise in melding pop tunes into a cohesive narrative will be critical. It’s a tricky task—ensuring the audience can belt along to their favourite songs without losing sight of the plot.

As for Jack Holden, he’s not just writing the script—he’s also the creative mind behind the show’s emotional core. He calls this generation “the Peter Pan generation,” explaining how the world’s current state prompts many to cling to the simple joys and illusions of youth. It’s a potent observation: nostalgia for the 2000s is in full swing (just look at the resurgence of cargo trousers and the unstoppable wave of reunion tours). Perhaps that’s because many of us yearn for the pre-smartphone days, when our biggest existential crisis was whether our favourite band’s new single might “go digital” before we managed to buy the CD.

A Musical Clubland

One fascinating element that might not be immediately obvious is the role of the club setting itself. This isn’t just a random environment chosen for novelty’s sake; it’s a deliberately nostalgic homage to a pivotal social space for millennials. Think about it: for many in their late 20s or 30s, the noughties nightclub was more than a place to dance. It was the cradle of your first big night out without parental supervision, the spot where you discovered new music, your go-to sanctuary when heartbreak struck, or the stage for comedic misadventures with your mates.

Placing Peter Pan in a nightclub context redefines the concept of Neverland. Historically, the land of lost boys and eternal youth was a fairy-tale realm you literally flew off to, second star to the right. Now, it’s a neon-strobed refuge for those wrestling with the pull between carefree abandon and the responsibilities of adulthood. It’s a particularly modern twist on an age-old story, and I suspect this immersive environment will lead to more than a few “lightbulb” moments—perhaps prompting us to see how we’ve all, at times, been reluctant to grow up.

A Sneak Peek of the Fringe Experience

If you’ve never been to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, picture a glorious carnival of the arts, where every nook and cranny becomes a performance space and the entire city morphs into a living stage. Over 3,000 shows typically flood the programme each year, and audiences from around the globe descend upon the Scottish capital for a whirlwind of comedy, drama, circus, and experimental performance. With such fierce competition for attention, only the most daring and original projects rise above the noise. CLUB NVRLND, with its promise of immersive pop nostalgia, stands a real chance of being one of those headline-grabbing hits.

The venue, Assembly Checkpoint, is known for hosting envelope-pushing productions—making it an ideal backdrop for a show that aims to transform the space into a wild Neverland discotheque. The run goes from 30 July to 24 August (no shows on 6, 13, or 20 August), giving audiences a broad window to step inside this neon dreamscape.

The Buzz Factor

The anticipation is already palpable. Ever since word of CLUB NVRLND leaked out, social media channels have been abuzz with excited chatter and speculation. Some are joking that they’ll spend the entire show singing along to Oops!… I Did It Again, while others suspect there might be a heartfelt ballad hidden among the more upbeat crowd-pleasers. The creative team has remained coy about the specific song list, which only fuels the frenzy.

From an insider’s perspective, I can tell you this production has all the hallmarks of a breakout success: a beloved source story with a universal theme, a tried-and-true creative roster, and a modern twist designed to reel in nostalgic millennial audiences. Combine that with the inherent hype of the Fringe, and you might just have the sleeper smash of 2025.

Embrace Your Inner Lost Boy (Or Lost Girl)

One of the most charming aspects of CLUB NVRLND is its invitation to embrace that part of ourselves that’s forever young, the one who wants to dance without inhibition and sing off-key to songs that defined an era. It captures the poignancy of Peter Pan—refusing to grow up—and infuses it with the euphoric pulse of pop music. In an era that can sometimes feel jaded, it’s refreshing to see a production invite us to laugh, dance, and remember the carefree delight of simpler days.

So, if you find yourself at the Fringe this August, keep your eyes peeled for the neon sign pointing to CLUB NVRLND. Whether you’re a millennial longing for your Top Eight glory or simply someone who adores innovative theatre, this show could be just the tonic you need. Step into the club, sway under the lights, and let Wendy and Peter remind you that sometimes, clinging to our childlike wonder isn’t just a flight of fancy—it’s a radical act of joy in a world that desperately needs it. And if that’s not enough to draw you in, let’s be honest: Britney Spears has a way of making everything irresistible. May the glitter be ever in your favour.