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Principal Boy

The Concise Oxford Companion to the Theatre | 1996 | | Copyright

Principal Boy, chief character in the English pantomime—Aladdin, Dick Whittington, Robinson Crusoe, Prince Charming—traditionally played by a woman in a blond wig, short tunic, fleshings, and high heels. The character had its origin in the ‘breeches parts’ and in burlesque, but was not firmly established until the 1880s. The tradition was carried on in the 20th century by a number of excellent actresses, but a tendency towards realism led, as early as 1938, to the appearance of an actor in a role hitherto reserved for actresses. This was not favourably received and pantomimes still usually have a woman in the part.

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PHYLLIS HARTNOLL and PETER FOUND. "Principal Boy." The Concise Oxford Companion to the Theatre. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

PHYLLIS HARTNOLL and PETER FOUND. "Principal Boy." The Concise Oxford Companion to the Theatre. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O79-PrincipalBoy.html

PHYLLIS HARTNOLL and PETER FOUND. "Principal Boy." The Concise Oxford Companion to the Theatre. 1996. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O79-PrincipalBoy.html

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principal boy

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable | 2006 | | Copyright

principal boy the leading male role in a pantomime, especially when played by a woman; the phrase is recorded from the late 19th century.

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ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "principal boy." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "principal boy." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-principalboy.html

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "principal boy." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-principalboy.html

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

	POUNDS OFF YOUR PANTOS!; It's time for dames and principal boys to enjoy... Newspaper article from: Daily Record (Glasgow, Scotland); 11/28/1997
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