Plays for performance: Peter Pan

‘All children, except one, grow up,’ and, when staging a production of Peter Pan, you are guaranteed to engage your inner child. JM Barrie wrote the iconic story in 1911. After university, he moved to London where he lived behind Great Ormond Street Hospital. During that time, he was a great supporter of their work and he donated the rights to Peter Pan to the hospital. This gift continues today – Great Ormond Street has honoured Barrie's wishes to never disclose the amount raised from these royalties.

The story of Peter Pan requires little explanation; it has, however, evolved over time through adaptation and there are various versions to choose from. Most scripts follow the original story of a free-spirited and mischievous young boy who spends his never-ending childhood having adventures on a mythical island. Ella Hickson's 2013 version Wendy and Peter positions Wendy as the main protagonist and introduces a fourth Darling child, Tom – along with some darker themes.