Pauline Chase (1885-1962)

"Peter Pan"
By J.M. Barrie.
Produced at the Duke of York's Theatre - December 16th, 1907.

IMMORTAL "PETER PAN" - THIRD REVIVAL AT THE DUKE OF YORK'S.

The piece is a triumph in its universal appeal. Children will be in a paradise of joyful bewilderment; their elders will be young again for a few hours as they watch the gleeful romps of Peter's companions. Barrie has soared again, the nimble witted little magician with the golden thoughts. Thus, just three years ago, it was my privilege to write in these columns of the exquisite fairy-play that was revived for the third time last night at the Duke of York's Theatre. The words still hold good. It is rarely that even a new play is received with such a hurricane of cheers as greeted "Peter Pan" last night. From Peter himself to Peter's shadow, from Wendy to the Crocodile, from Captain Hook to Tinker Bell - the entrance of each favourite drew delighted roars of applause from every part of the house. Playgoers are determined, evidently, that Peter shall never die. And they are right, for we cannot spare so sweet, so simple, so humorous, so dainty, so refreshing a thing as this delicious fantasy.

The innovations are few, but all make for success. Mr. Robb Harwood plays Captain Hook for the first time, and I have no hesitation in describing his performance as the finest bit of burlesque acting that London has seen for many years. He squeezes humour out of every syllable. Mr. A. E. Matthews is excellent as Mr. Darling. Mr. A. Baskcomb, always delightfully droll, has a clever little "doctor" scene, which goes splendidly. But the prettiest touch of all, perhaps, is the act-drop, supposed to be a "sampler" worked by Wendy. There are four dedications on the sampler - "To dear Hans Christian Andersen, to dear Charles Lamb, to dear Robert Louis Stevenson, to dear Lewis Carroll." Bravo, Barrie! How surely vou know the way to our hearts!

Miss Pauline Chase has improved greatly in her acting, and many will rejoice to hear that the famous "pillow dance" has been restored. For the rest, you will find Miss Sybil Carlisle, Miss. Hilda Trevelvan, Master George Hersee (rather gruff but still boyish), Mr. Edward Sillward (best of all Nanas), and Mr. George Shelton in their old parts. Long live our beloved Peter!

K. H.

The Daily Mail (London) - December 17th, 1907.