Peter Pan Adapted Reader's Theater Script | Based on Barri's 1911 Story

This Peter Pan Adapted Reader's Theater Script is based on J.M. Barrie’s timeless classic tale. Spanning 17 acts, this 14,500-word script follows Peter Pan, a wild boy who never grows up, and Wendy Darling, a curious girl turned mother, as they navigate the magical wilds of Neverland. With 23 vibrant characters—including the gleeful Peter, nurturing Wendy, sinister Captain Hook, sassy Tinker Bell, and even a barking dog-nurse Nana, the script is sure to engage your students with this dialogue-driven adventure.

What's included?

1) Teacher's Guide & Answer Key

• Standards Alignment (CCSS Grade 5, CCRA)
• Teacher Tips
• Answer Keys for all worksheet sections
• Themes & Discussion Question Prompts
• Format: DOCX (8 pages)

2) Readers Theater Script

• ~23 Characters, 14,500 words,
• Format: Google Doc & PDF (46 pages) (Can be downloaded to DOCX, etc)

3) Script Worksheet

• 10 Vocabulary Words
• 10 Short-Answer Questions: Comprehension and recall questions based solely on the script.
• 3 Theme-Based Reflection Questions 
• Format: Google Slides (20 Slides) (Can be downloaded to PDF, etc)

Teaching Tips for Using the Script:

• For More Students: Main character can be read by multiple students.
• For Less Students: Minor characters can be read by just one student.
• This script should take about a 4~5 class periods depending on your classroom's level it may be suitable for other grade levels.
• An extra time should be planned for practice/rehearsal, discussion and worksheet activities.

This free script is included in a bundle of 5 similar scripts here!

Script Summary:

(Note: Each act covers a chapter from the original 1911 version by J. M. Barrie)

• Act 1: Peter Breaks Through - Wendy learns kids grow up, meets Peter when he sneaks in; he’s a wild boy seeking fun, hinting at Neverland’s pull.
• Act 2: The Shadow - Peter loses his shadow to Nana; Mr. Darling banishes her, leaving the nursery open for his return.
• Act 3: Come Away, Come Away! - Peter teaches Wendy, John, and Michael to fly with fairy dust; they soar off to Neverland, escaping just as the Darlings notice.
• Act 4: The Flight - The kids fly over sea and sky, facing food snags and falls; Peter brags about Hook’s lost hand, setting up their rivalry.
• Act 5: The Island Come True - Neverland buzzes as Peter nears; Lost Boys, pirates, and redskins circle, and Tink tricks the boys into shooting Wendy.
• Act 6: The Little House - Wendy survives thanks to Peter’s acorn; the boys build her a house, and she becomes their mother, settling in.
• Act 7: The Home Under the Ground - The kids adapt to underground life with tree entrances; Wendy mothers them, while Peter plays at normalcy.
• Act 8: The Mermaids’ Lagoon - Peter saves Tiger Lily from pirates with a Hook voice trick; he battles Hook, gets bitten, and escapes via kite and nest.
• Act 9: The Never Bird - A bird gives Peter her nest to survive the lagoon; he returns home, reuniting with Wendy and the boys.
• Act 10: The Happy Home - Redskins guard the kids; Wendy’s family games with Peter hint at tensions about growing up.
• Act 11: Wendy’s Story - Wendy’s tale of returning home spooks Peter, who reveals his barred window; she decides to leave with the boys.
• Act 12: The Children Are Carried Off - Hook ambushes the redskins and traps the kids, thinking he’s won as they climb into his hands.
• Act 13: Do You Believe in Fairies? - Hook poisons Peter’s medicine; Tink drinks it and is saved by clapping, spurring Peter to fight back.
• Act 14: The Pirate Ship - Hook plans to plank the boys; Peter sneaks aboard, ticking like the crocodile to scare him.
• Act 15: “Hook or Me This Time” - Peter kills pirates, duels Hook, and kicks him to the crocodile, freeing the kids to sail home.
• Act 16: The Return Home - The Darlings wait in despair; Peter tries to lock them out but relents, and the kids reunite with their parents.
• Act 17: When Wendy Grew Up - The Lost Boys are adopted; Peter refuses to grow up, passing Wendy’s role to Jane, who flies off with him as Wendy ages.

Teaching Summer School or a Full Unit on Drama? 
Check out this full 4 week Drama and Performance Summer School Curriculum here.