Principal Boy follows the audition, rehearsal, and performance of the central character in British pantomime, known as the ‘principal boy’. Traditionally a young male protagonist, the ...

Traditionally, the festive show features “the principal boy” – a female in the main lead role; think Aladdin, or Prince Charming. There is also always a “pantomime dame”, usually the ...

Stage historian Sladen said that some are leaning into the drag element of panto, with “a bigger, wider explosion of roles than just the dame and the principal boy being cross-dressed.” ...

Pantomime is often seen as something quaint ... with a witty rhyming style that included topical content. The Principal Boy - played by a woman - also offered the Victorian gentleman the rare ...