Peter Pan, the play, debuted in London on 27 December 1904 at the Duke of York’s Theatre. In the tradition of the play, Gerald du Maurier was both Captain Hook and Mr Darling. The dual role of Hook and children’s father was originally to make full use of the actor (the characters appear in different sections of the story), however, some critics believe there is similarity between the two as central figures in the children’s lives.
Gerald du Maurier as Captain Hook. Source: WikiMedia Commons
In another tradition, a youthful woman usually takes on the role of Peter because of the difficulty of casting actors even younger than the one playing Peter as the other children. Some of the most famous actresses of their times played Peter, including Nina Boucicault in 1904, Zena Dare in the 1905-1906 production and by Pauline Chase from 1906-1907 through to the 1914-1915 season.
Zena Dare as Peter Pan. Source: WikiMedia Commons
Following the success of the London production, it moved onto Broadway in New York City in 1905, where it starred Maude Adams who played Peter Pan on and off for more than a decade.
Maude Adams as Peter Pan. Source: WikiMedia Commons
In the 1920s, Peter Pan enjoyed a revival in the US with such actresses as Marilyn Miller and Eva Le Gallienne. The flying effects in the Civic Repertory Theatre’s 1928 production were superbly designed and, for the first time, Peter flew out over the heads of the audience.
Eva Le Gallienne as Peter Pan
An American musical version was produced in the 1950s starring Mary Martin that was later videotaped for television and rebroadcast several times. Even today, Mary Martin remains the actress most associated with the role in the US.
Mary Martin as Peter Pan
The play is now rarely performed in its original form in the United Kingdom, although pantomime adaptations are staged regularly around Christmas. Along with pantomimes, it has been adapted for the small and large screen, including a 1924 silent film, a 1953 animated Disney full-length feature and a 2003 live action production with state-of-the-art special effects.
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