"The plot is very simple: The girl dressed as a boy who is the son of a man dressed as a woman, will win the other girl (surprisingly dressed as a girl), with the assistance of a person(s) dressed in an animal skin."

And there, in it's simplest form, is the grand plan of the Traditional British Pantomime, still performed in theatres up and down the country during the Christmas season. A combination of Buffoonery and storytelling which includes elements dating from the time of the Medieval Mystery plays, through the Commedia dell'Arte, the great theatrical traditions of the 18th and 19th centuries, Edwardian Music Hall and right down to the present day, when Television and rock music stars are recruited to whisk audiences away for a few hours to "Old London Town" or "Old Peking".

Agonisingly corny jokes will prevail, Evil will threaten to triumph, only to be vanquished by the forces of Good (usually ably assisted by assorted Good Fairies and Genies in lamps and bottles). The hero will usually marry the heroine, but only after a song sheet has been pulled down in front of the theatre curtains, so that everyone can join in a rousing chorus of some Music Hall gem such as "If You Were the only Girl in the World " Or My Old Man said follow the van.....

Pantomime is, by it's nature, one of the most visual forms of theatre. So enjoy browsing though these images, which will give you a flavour of the spectacle and unique character of Pantomime through history.