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In 1905 he inserted an extra act, the Mermaid's Lagoon, which ends with Peter's heart-stopping line, "To die will be an awfully big adventure." Ten years later, during the First World War, this line was temporarily removed out of respect for the troops.

Urgency surrounded an amendment made in 1908 - the introduction of 'fairy dust' as an essential aid to flying. Barrie wrote this in at the request of the London Ambulance Brigade to stop children leaping out of windows in the belief that, like Peter, they too could fly.

Another alteration, done in stages, saw the Never Never Never Land become the Never Never Land and then the Never Land. Today's directors take their pick!

Private pain

Professionally, Barrie was triumphant across the English-speaking world, but sorrow overshadowed his private life. In 1907, Arthur Llewelyn Davies died from cancer; two years later Barrie and his wife Mary divorced; and the following year, Sylvia Llewelyn Davies died, also from cancer. Barrie, who had both the time and the money to look after the boys, became their legal guardian. Generous with his attention and affection, he treated them to all kinds of extravagances including hiring Scottish islands and castles for their summer holidays.

This happy interlude came to a brutal end. George was killed in action in 1915, likewise Barrie's two nephews in 1916; then in 1921 Michael drowned in a bathing accident during his last year at Oxford. Barrie was devastated.

At last, in 1928, Peter Pan was published. By now Barrie's best work was behind him but he still excelled at enchanting children, among them the princesses Elizabeth and Margaret who used to go to tea with Barrie and listen to "the most wonderful stories".

He died in 1937 and so was spared the final Llewelyn Davies tragedy, Peter's suicide under a tube train in 1960.

Great Ormond Street gift

Just after the publication of Peter Pan, Barrie was invited by Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, which he had supported for years, to sit on a redevelopment committee. He declined but promised to help in some other way and did so by handing over the copyright of his most popular play. That was in 1929. Ever since, all royalties from Peter Pan plays, films, videos and books - including Peter Pan and Wendy, Barrie's novelisation of the story - have gone to the hospital. Thanks to special legislation, this arrangement will continue for as long as the hospital exists.

Also in 1929, Barrie instigated a Great Ormond Street tradition when he arranged for the London cast to perform a scene from Peter Pan inside the hospital. This Christmas treat continued for years.

The War halted the play's production, but for one season only: in 1940, at the height of the Blitz, a chance bomb destroyed all the scenery. HMV filled the gap by issuing three records of Peter Pan scenes and songs.

Acting the part

The most important post-War development occurred in 1982 when the RSC broke with tradition and cast a man to play Peter. Barrie had always wanted a boy to take this part but, because it was illegal to use children on stage after 9.00pm, he had agreed, reluctantly, to entrust Peter to a woman. Over the years Peter became a classic role for actresses. Among those who accepted the challenge were Gladys Cooper, Jean Forbes-Robertson, Anna Neagle, Margaret and Julia Lockwood, Wendy Craig, Dorothy Tutin, Maggie Smith and Susan Hampshire. The role of Hook has also attracted a galaxy of stars from Gerald du Maurier (Daphne's father) in the opening season to Ian McKellen in the National Theatre's stunning 1997 production.

Today 'the boy who would not grow up' is 100 years old. The centenary year, promoted by Great Ormond Street, got off to a dazzling start with the release last Christmas of the first live-action feature film version of Peter Pan since the silent era. Other highlights include a Peter Pan Treasure Hunt in Kensington Gardens, an auction of Peter Pan and Barrie memorabilia, the publication of a special edition of Peter Pan and Wendy and, of course, a gala performance of the play in December at the Duke of York's.

Further information

To find out more about Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity (GOSHCC), fundraising opportunities and centenary events, contact GOSHHC on tel: 020 7916 5678 or visit www.gosh.org
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