THERE can’t be many theatre directors who hope that the production they are involved in goes spectacularly wrong every night.

But Henry Lewis who is behind Peter Pan Goes Wrong which is currently at The Lowry is looking for just that.

Henry was one of the founders of Mischief Theatre which was behind the smash hit The Play That Goes Wrong and this is a follow-up continuing the misadventures of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society.

If the show’s title sounds familiar, it’s because it was one of the big hits on BBC TV last Christmas when an estimated six million people watched it on the small screen,.

“The TV shows been an amazing way to spread the word and for more people to see what we do,” said Henry. “It’s brought lot more people to the live shows and perhaps people who don’t often go to the theatre

“I think on TV Peter Pan was an hour but the full length show almost double that so there’s so much more we can do, so even if you did see the TV broadcast there will be plenty of new things to enjoy.”

Nominated for an Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 2016, Peter Pan Goes Wrong has enjoyed two West End seasons and a tour of Australia and New Zealand.

The secret of the show, according to Henry, is “making it go wrong in the right way”.

He said: “This show has possibly more slapstick than any show we’ve done. It has to be really precise.

“A few times we’ve come up against technical problems but our shows are physically ambitious. We shoot for what we’d most like to do but if that’s not quite possible then we’ll rework the idea. Usually there’s a simpler away of achieving a similar effect. It’s all about making it look dangerous while not being.”

Peter Pan is a fast-paced very funny show which appeals to all ages.

“It’s all about getting the rhythm of the show right,” said Henry. “There is a lot of seriousness in world and obviously this show is a bit irreverent so I think that appeals to people’s anarchic side.

“It’s quite fun to go to show and see it all mess up - that’s what makes it live and in the moment. Quiet often that can be the most exciting thing about a show and we capitalise on that.

“Everyone relates to being in a difficult position even if they have not done any acting.

“We all know what it’s like to be embarrassed - that’s a universal theme. Also physical comedy is something that brings audiences together which is also part of its big appeal.”

Taking on Peter Pan, complete with high-flying scenes offers plenty of scope for the cast. But Henry admits, it’s not for everyone.

He said: “We are always looking for people in auditions who have the right kind of instincts for this kind of work. It’s different from other types of comedy - it’s a more old fashioned, clown style where you also need to have an awareness of the audience. There are all sorts of elements that make it tricky and that bit different.”

In this play within a play the audience gets to see the backstage chaos and disputes as the hapless actors try to bring J M Barrie’s classic fairytale to life.

This new touring version has given Henry and his team to revisit the hugely successful show.

“We are always tweaking and improving stuff,” he said. “A new production offers us the opportunity to build a new prop or change a costume which is really great. Out shows always have a big final physical sequence which is really complex. Every time we revisit a show, that time that gets more refined and a little bit more interesting.

“But there is a fine line and we have to make sure the show has the correct rhythm and has a heartbeat to it.

“But I have to say Have to say the Peter Pan cast are just fantastic and are such a good team. We’re really proud of them.”

Peter Pan Goes Wrong, The Lowry, Salford Quays, until Saturday. Details from www.thelowry.com or 0343 208 6011