Cecilia (Cissy) Loftus (1876-1943)

PETER PAN
Produced at Duke of York's Theatre

"Peter Pan" came back to the Duke of York's Theatre last night, bringing with him those delightful companions that the children of London, young and old, took to their hearts so readily about this time last year. There was Tinker Bell, for example, and Wendy, and Nana, and the Redskins, and the Pirates , and all the rest of the fascinating folk. It was a joyous evening, and one for which we owe Mr. Barrie, the playwright-magician, our sincere thanks.

In the main, of course, the story runs on the old lines, but there is more music and dancing this year, and some new surprises that will appeal especially to the younger generation. On and about the "Marooner's Rock" - the very name sends a delicious shiver through one's veins - we are shown "an average ten minutes in Peter's life." An exciting life, by the look of things, for in these ten minutes the "boy-who-wouldn't-grow-up" has adventures with mermaids and pirates, and narrowly escapes an awful death by drowning. Another novelty is a striking flying effect at the conclusion of the pirate ship scene.

The east, too, is the same, save that Miss Cecilia Loftus plays the name-part in place of Miss Nina Boucicault. Miss Loftus gives a pathetic rather than a humorous rendering, but there is so much real fun in the piece that a little pathos need not frighten the most tender-hearted child. Miss Hilda Trevelyan scored another tremendous success as Wendy, and there was vociferous applause for Mr. Gerald du Maurier, Miss Pauline Chase, Mr. George Shelton, and tiny Miss Ela Q. May, the "author." There will be no more popular show for children this Christmas than "Peter Pan."

The Daily Mail (London) - 20th December, 1905