The Lady Magazine

13 May 2016

Dear Readers, At the very first performance of Peter Pan in 1904 it was noted, with astonishment, that a great number of adults in the audience clapped their hands when asked if they believed in fairies. This exemplifies the universal appeal of JM Barrie’s creation: it speaks to the child in all of us. For many youngsters today, the only reference point for the story is the sugary Disney version. Now a new exhibition, a glimpse of which we feature this week, offers a fascinating insight into the authentic Peter Pan. It was Barrie’s empathy with children that prompted him to donate the royalties from his play to Great Ormond Street Hospital in 1929, and it is, surely, a similar empathy which underlies Juliet Stevenson’s campaign on behalf of child refugees. In a highly personal interview she talks with passion about the plight of these desperate people, the loss of her close friend Alan Rickman and the changing nature of her career as she approaches 60. Sixty may be the new 40, but it can also herald an age where some of us start to feel a bit of wear and tear. Keen gardeners will know that gardening provides excellent health benefits – but if not done correctly, it can cause aches and pains. This week’s Chelsea Flower Show feature includes invaluable advice enabling us to enjoy twinge-free gardening into ripe old age. And when you’re not digging you could try listening to your garden – see the companion feature in which Peter Eustance talks about his extraordinary ‘acoustic’ garden, on display at this year’s show. Until next week Sam Taylor