Peter Pan
Two-hander · Comedy
Peter Pan
Peter Pan · JM Barrie Adapted by Simon Law
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Peter Pan
Published by scriptsandsketches.com
In this delightful scene, Wendy meets Peter Pan, the boy who refuses to grow up. As they discuss his lost shadow, their playful banter reveals the innocence and curiosity of childhood.
Duologue
Characters: PETER, WENDY
In this scene WENDY awakens to discover an interesting stranger at the foot of her bed. It's PETER PAN, the boy who doesn't want to grow up. PETER is upset that his shadow has fallen off so WENDY tries to solve the problem.
WENDY:
(Courteously) Boy, why are you crying?
PETER:
What is your name?
WENDY:
(Well satisfied) Wendy Moira Angela Darling. What is yours?
PETER:
(Finding it lamentably brief) Peter Pan.
WENDY:
Is that all?
PETER:
(Biting his lip) Yes.
WENDY:
(Politely) I am so sorry.
PETER:
It doesn't matter.
WENDY:
Where do you live?
PETER:
Second to the right and then straight on till morning.
WENDY:
What a funny address!
PETER:
No, it isn't.
WENDY:
I mean, is that what they put on the letters?
PETER:
Don't get any letters.
WENDY:
But your mother gets letters?
PETER:
Don't have a mother.
WENDY:
Peter! (She leaps out of bed to put her arms round him, but he draws back; he does not know why, but he knows he must draw back)
PETER:
You mustn't touch me.
WENDY:
Why?
PETER:
I don't know.
WENDY:
No wonder you were crying.
PETER:
I wasn't crying. But I can't get my shadow to stick on.
WENDY:
It has come off! How awful. (Looking at the spot where he had lain) Peter, you have been trying to stick it on with soap!
PETER:
(Snappily) Well then?
WENDY:
It must be sewn on.
PETER:
What is "sewn"?
WENDY:
You are dreadfully ignorant.
PETER:
No, I'm not.
WENDY:
I will sew it on for you, my little man. But we must have more light. (She touches something, and to his astonishment the room is illuminated) Sit here. I dare say it will hurt a little.
PETER:
(A recent remark of hers rankling) I never cry. (She seems to attach the shadow. He tests the combination) It isn't quite itself yet.
WENDY:
Perhaps I should have ironed it. (It awakens and is as glad to be back with him as he to have it. He and his shadow dance together. He is showing off now. He crows like a cock. He would fly in order to impress WENDY further if he knew that there is anything unusual in that)
PETER:
Wendy, look, look; oh the cleverness of me!
WENDY:
You conceit; of course I did nothing!
PETER:
You did a little.
WENDY:
(Wounded) A little! If I am no use I can at least withdraw. (With one haughty leap she is again in bed with the sheet over her face. Popping on to the end of the bed the artful one appeals)
PETER:
Wendy, don't withdraw. I can't help crowing. Wendy, when I'm pleased with myself. Wendy, one girl is worth more than twenty boys.
WENDY:
(Peeping over the sheet) You really think so, Peter?
PETER:
Yes, I do.
WENDY:
I think it's perfectly sweet of you, and I shall get up again. (They sit together on the side of the bed) I shall give you a kiss if you like.
PETER:
Thank you. (He holds out his hand)
WENDY:
(Aghast) Don't you know what a kiss is?
PETER:
I shall know when you give it to me. (Not to hurt his feelings, she gives him her thimble) Now shall I give you a kiss?
WENDY:
(Primly) If you please. (He pulls an acorn button off his person and bestows it on her. She is shocked but considerate) I will wear it on this chain round my neck.
