Peter Pan Posters for Duke of York Theatre

Peter Pan is one of the classic works of world literature. The story about the boy who wouldn't grow up has been a subject of analysis for a full century now but it's still the charm of phantasy which makes it so unique and appealing to young and adult audiences.

 

James Matthew Barrie who wrote it as a novel and theater play was a prolific and versatile author who is unrightfully remembered only by one work today. Peter Pan was premiered as a play titled Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up in the Duke of York's Theatre (originally named Trafalgar Square Theatre) in December 1904. Around 1907 John Hassall who was already one of the most popular poster designers in the world created a series of posters for the hall walls. There were eight of them altogether and copies of six of them were also available to buy during the pause or before or after the play. The price was two shillings per piece.



The Arrival of Peter Pan

 

 
The Pillow Dance
 

The broadside version of the poster measures 10 feet in length and seven and a half feet in height. One of the originals was fairly recently offered on eBay for several thousand dollars. The posters available to the public were considerably smaller: 28 X 10 3/4 inches. Today each of them, presumably in good condition has a value of several hundred dollars.

 

In 2004, exactly one hundred years after the premiere (remember, posters were made a few years later), Yale University made faithful reproductions of Hassall's posters in slightly smaller dimensions: 24 X 10 inches. They can still be found on-line for around 25 dollars per piece (plus shipping).


 

The Approach of the Indians



 

Defeat of the Pirates



At the Top of the Trees

The poster designs were also used for program covers but we didn't find the reason why two of eight designs were not available for sale. Nevertheless, we are presenting both 'missing' posters too:

 

Happy Starkie


Peter Pan of the Lagoon


Peter Pan as a play served as a career stepping stone for many now-famous actors. Traditionally the role of Captain Hook and the father of the kids is played by the same actor. The main reason for this is the economy, but there's also an interesting psychological view on the situation - the characters in the play present the opposite poles of the same person with several common characteristics (just like a dead mother and wicked stepmother in so many classic fairy tales). The role of Peter Pan is almost always played by a young woman because it's very hard to find a boy with an appropriate appearance and enough acting skills for the role.

 

The success of the play in England had several consequencess: