Pantomimes are a very old form of entertainment ... In addition, there is often a male character played by a young woman, called the principal boy. This is usually the hero of the story.

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 ...

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.” ...

Two performers have been honoured with new awards in memory of key figures in the Wayfarers Pantomime Society. Amy Chapman and Hetty Preece, who played principal roles in the January 2024 ...