Principal Boy Collection

Mrs. Gugi, (Marion Vardi), between 1918 and 1922. Creator: Arnold Genthe
Mrs. Gugi, (Marion Vardi), between 1918 and 1922

The Pantomime at Covent-Garden: "Cinderella - the Butterfly's Ball and the Grasshopper's Feast", 1876. London stage production....Mr

Scene from "Jack and the Bean-Stalk" at the Adelphi Theatre, 1856. Creator: Unknown
Scene from "Jack and the Bean-Stalk" at the Adelphi Theatre, 1856. London stage production. The Pantomime at this theatre is distinguished from the general character of these performances

Mademoiselle Johanna Wagner as "Romeo", at Her Majesty's Theatre, 1856. Creator: Unknown
Mademoiselle Johanna Wagner as "Romeo", at Her Majesty's Theatre, 1856. German opera singer in London stage production. For the splendid triumph achieved by her on this occasion Mdlle

Haymarket - Scene from "The Second Calendar and the Queen of Beauty...", 1850. Creator: Unknown
Haymarket - Scene from "The Second Calendar and the Queen of Beauty who had to fight with the Genie", 1850. London stage production by the brothers Brough

Christmas Pantomime - 1941, 1947. Creator: Unknown
Christmas Pantomime - 1941, 1947. "Cinderella" at Windsor Castle starring the future Queen Elizabeth II (right), as Prince Florizel the principal boy

Holiday Entertainments at the London Theatres (engraving)
1628767 Holiday Entertainments at the London Theatres (engraving) by Cleaver, Ralph (fl.1902); Private Collection; (add.info.: Holiday Entertainments at the London Theatres)

Miss Hetty King, as Aladdin (b / w photo)
5987012 Miss Hetty King, as Aladdin (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Miss Hetty King, as Aladdin)

Miss Woolgar as Duke Albert in The Phantom Dancers, engraved by D
CWA123989 Miss Woolgar as Duke Albert in The Phantom Dancers, engraved by D. Fabronius, 1847 (colour litho) by Wilson, Thomas Harrington (fl.1842-86) (after); City of Westminster Archive Centre

Costume Design for 4 Villageois jouant au hautbois [a]
Costume Design for " 4 Villageois jouant au hautbois" [a]; Descriptive Sheet of Costume Accessories [b], n.d

Costume Design for a Cavalier (?) in Blue and Burgundy with Feathered Cap and Sword, n. d
Costume Design for a Cavalier (?) in Blue and Burgundy with Feathered Cap and Sword, n.d

The soprano Karoline Hetzenecker in the role of Sesto in La Clemenza di Tito... ca. 1848
The soprano Karoline Hetzenecker in the role of Sesto in La Clemenza di Tito by W.A. Mozart, ca. 1848

Fighting The Pounds
26th November 1955: Principal Boy actress Lynette Ray working out under the supervision of Mickey Wood at his Tough Guy Agency in Marylebone, London

Horses Eye View
December 1951: A pair of legs in seamed tights, a view of the principal boy as seen by the pantomime horse. Original Publication: Picture Post - 5642 - Brothers Under The Skin - pub

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The principal boy is a beloved character in traditional British pantomimes, typically played by a young woman dressed as a male hero. This role dates back to the 19th century when women were not allowed to perform on stage, so young men would play female characters and vice versa. The often the romantic lead, brave and dashing, with a quick wit and charming personality. Audiences love watching the principal boy outsmart villains and win the heart of their true love. This iconic character continues to be a staple in pantomime productions today, delighting audiences of all ages with their daring adventures and timeless charm.