Fun Facts About Peter Pan
We all know the timeless tale about a boy who never grew up. Created by Scottish playwright J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan is a mischievous young boy who goes on exciting adventures to a magical world called Neverland.
Since its first formation, it has been adapted in many different ways for stage and screen, including the 1953 Disney classic animation.
Here at The Forum, Bath, we’re excited to bring a contemporary interpretation of the quintessential tale in the form of Peter Pan on Ice. As we prepare for the exciting production to fly through our doors, we’re taking a look at some fun facts about Peter Pan and the tale of the boy who never grew up.
5 Fun Facts About Peter Pan
1. It was originally a play
The original Peter Pan story first started as a play, rather than a novel. J.M. Barrie first introduced the character in his 1902 novel The Little White Bird. He then included Peter Pan as the title character for the play Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up, which opened at the Duke of York's Theatre in London's West End on December 27, 1904.
The play was later adapted into the novel Peter and Wendy in 1911.
2. Peter Pan didn’t always wear green
The original play called for Peter to wear brown, tan and auburn coloured clothes.
It was Disney who later changed his primary outfit colour to green and stuck with it due to the overwhelming success of the animated film.
3. Tinker Bell was originally a special effect
Tinker Bell was portrayed through a spot of light that darted across the stage in the original stage play. Tink doesn’t speak in the play and instead speaks through a mix of ringing bells.
Virginia Brown Faire was first to portray the character in the 1924 Peter Pan silent film adaptation, as opposed to using the spotlight.
4. The story was updated over time
J.M. Barrie rewrote and updated the script each year.
Pixie dust was added to the story later for health and safety reasons to protect children. After real kids got injured when trying to replicate the flying in the story, the author added fairy dust as a necessary factor for the Lost Boys to fly.
5. Women often portrayed Peter
Traditionally, women were often elected to play the role of young boys on stage. English law didn’t allow minors under the age of 14 to work after 9pm, and an adult male’s voice would be too deep to portray Peter and wouldn’t accurately represent his forever-young appearance.
English actress Nina Boucicault was the first ever Peter Pan. Other actors to have shared the role include Maude Adams.
See it on the Ice Rink
Peter Pan and his loyal sidekick Tinker Bell fly into The Forum for a thrilling, high-energy spectacular. Experience a full-scale theatrical ice show event with Peter Pan on Ice this festive season.
