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Principal boy

 

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Principal boy



 
 
In pantomime
Pantomime

Pantomime is a musical-comedy theatrical production traditionally found in Great Britain, Canada, Jamaica, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Republic of Ireland, Gibraltar and Republic of Malta, and is usually performed during the Christmas and New Year season....
, 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. The practice of having a female play the principal boy was becoming less common in the late 20th century, as further outlets were sought for the talents of young male pop stars and actors.

Although not written as a pantomime, Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up is often produced as one, and in either format the tradition of a female principal boy has continued.








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In pantomime
Pantomime

Pantomime is a musical-comedy theatrical production traditionally found in Great Britain, Canada, Jamaica, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Republic of Ireland, Gibraltar and Republic of Malta, and is usually performed during the Christmas and New Year season....
, 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. The practice of having a female play the principal boy was becoming less common in the late 20th century, as further outlets were sought for the talents of young male pop stars and actors.

Although not written as a pantomime, Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up is often produced as one, and in either format the tradition of a female principal boy has continued.

See also

  • Breeches role
    Breeches role

    A breeches role is a role in which an actress appears in male clothing . In opera it can also refer to any male character that is sung and acted by a female singer....