Principal boy
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In pantomime, a principal boy role is the young male protagonist of the play, traditionally played by a young actress in boy's clothes.
The tradition grew out of laws restricting the use of child actors in London theatre, and the responsibility carried by such lead roles. A Breeches role was also a rare opportunity for an early 20th-century actress to wear a costume revealing the legs covered only in tights, potentially increasing the size of the audience.[1] The practice of having a female play the principal boy has become less common,[2] as further outlets are sought for the talents of young male popular stars and actors.[citation needed]
Although not written as a pantomime,[non sequitur] Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up is often produced as one with the tradition of a female principal boy continuing.
List of notable Principal Boys
- Kate Everleigh
- Nellie Farren
- Lil Hawthorne
- Hy Hazell
- Queenie Leighton
- Nellie Stewart
- Vesta Tilley
- Harriet Vernon
See also
References
- ^ anon (2005). "History of British Pantomime". Limelight Scripts. Archived from the original on 21 April 2011. Retrieved 18 May 2011.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Copping, Jaspar (1 December 2013). "Curtain falls on traditional panto - oh yes it does!". The Telegraph. Retrieved 8 September 2015.
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