During the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony, J.K. Rowling read from Peter Pan. The sequence formed part of a tribute to children’s literature in the ceremony directed by Danny Boyle.
The performance included Rowling reading an excerpt before a dramatic presentation involving villains from children’s stories. The event then shifted into a celebration of the National Health Service, combining literary imagery with major elements of British public life.
Peter Pan is the central character of J. M. Barrie’s story about a boy who refuses to grow up and lives in Neverland. Rowling did not read from one of her own Harry Potter books during this segment.
The ceremony took place at the Olympic Stadium in London on 27 July 2012. It was the opening event of the Games, which continued through 12 August 2012.