Photograph, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The character of Peter Pan first appeared in the J.M. Barrie novel The Little White Bird in 1902. Peter Pan was first presented onstage in London in December 1904. A 37-year-old female played Peter, a tradition that has endured. The mother of the real Peter, Sylvia Llewelyn Davies’ brother, matinee idol Gerald du Maurier, played both Captain Hook and Mr. Darling.
Fearing that the sophisticated London opening night audience would be unresponsive, Barrie told the orchestra in the pit to put down their instruments and clap their hands at the moment where Peter turns to the audience and says:
“If you believe in fairies, wave your handkerchiefs and clap your hands.”
When the woman playing Peter begged to save the life of mischievous fairy Tinkerbell, the audience response was so overwhelming she burst into tears.
A free spirited and mischievous young boy who can fly and never grows up, Peter Pan spends his never-ending childhood having adventures on the mythical island of Neverland as the leader of the Lost Boys, interacting with fairies, pirates, mermaids, Native Americans, and occasionally ordinary children from the world outside Neverland.
Peter Pan is a cultural icon. In addition to two distinct works by Barrie, the character has been featured in a variety of media and merchandise, both adapting and expanding on Barrie’s works. These include two Broadway musicals, a 1953 animated film, a 2003 live-action film, a television series and many, many other works.
The post “If You Believe In Fairies, Wave Your Handkerchiefs And Clap Your Hands.” – J.M. Barrie, “Peter Pan” appeared first on The WOW Report.
