FROM THE ARCHIVES
Peter Pan in 1992 and a young Heath Ledger
The Junior Drama production of Peter Pan or ‘ The Boy Who Would Never Grow Up ’ by Sir James Matthew Barrie was first performed in 1904 .
James was born on 9 May 1860 in Scotland . He was the son of Scottish weavers and after graduating from the University of Edinburgh , moved to London to pursue his interest of becoming a playwright . James died on 19 June 1937 in London . As part of his legacy he gave the copyright for Peter Pan to a children ’ s hospital in London . The play was first performed at Guildford Grammar School on 5-7 November 1992 and starred a very young Heath Ledger ( Prep / Wb 1987-1996 ) as Peter Pan , Captain of the Lost Boys . Pippa Taylor from Perth College played Tinker Bell alongside Heath .
Ms Gillian Kerr-Sheppard ( Staff 1989-1998 ), who directed the production , mentioned in her Director ’ s notes “ Peter Pan has been one of my favourites for a very long time . It must be the idea of Never Land , where everything is make-believe , and to fly , all you have to do is think of lovely , wonderful thoughts . After all , life can be just like that , especially if you are a Drama teacher .”
1992 was a year of magic and fairy tales , and where the DLD came alive . Children stared wide-eyed , called out advice to the actors , clapped and cried and came back for more , or in one or two cases , left in terror . “ He ’ s behind you Pan , get him !” was often called out by the young audience .
Some of the outstanding performers were Andrew Haak ( He 1991-1995 ) as
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