Principal boy

Principal boy

In pantomime, a principal boy role is the young male protagonist of the play, traditionally played by a young actress in boy's clothes.

The tradition grew out of laws restricting the use of child actors in London theatre, and the responsibility carried by such lead roles. The practice of having a female play the principal boy was becoming less common in the late 20th century, as further outlets were sought for the talents of young male pop stars and actors.Fact|date=June 2007

Although not written as a pantomime, "Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up" is often produced as one, and in either format the tradition of a female principal boy has continued.


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  • principal boy — n BrE the main male character in a ↑pantomime, usually played by a young woman …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • principal boy — ► NOUN Brit. ▪ a woman who takes the leading male role in a pantomime …   English terms dictionary

  • principal boy — noun : a male character in English pantomime usually played by a woman compare dame 5 * * * principal boy noun (theatre) The role of the young male hero in pantomime, usu played by a woman • • • Main Entry: ↑principal * * * principal boy UK US… …   Useful english dictionary

  • principal boy — n the leading male part in a pantomime, traditionally played by a young female actor. For example, Prince Charming is the principal boy in the pantomime Cinderella. * * * …   Universalium

  • principal boy — /prɪnsəpəl ˈbɔɪ/ (say prinsuhpuhl boy) noun the hero of a pantomime, a part traditionally played by a woman dressed as a boy …  

  • principal boy — (or principal girl) noun Brit. a woman who takes the leading male (or female) role in a pantomime …   English new terms dictionary

  • principal boy — noun (C) BrE the main male character in a pantomime, usually played by a young woman …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • principal boy — UK / US noun [singular] British the most important young male character in a performance, usually acted by a girl or young woman …   English dictionary

  • principal — adj. & n. adj. 1 (usu. attrib.) first in rank or importance; chief (the principal town of the district). 2 main, leading (a principal cause of my success). 3 (of money) constituting the original sum invested or lent. n. 1 a head, ruler, or… …   Useful english dictionary

  • Boy Meets World — Título Aprendiendo a Vivir (Latinoamérica) Yo y el Mundo (España) Género Sitcom Creado por Michael Jacobs April Kelly Reparto Ben Savage William Russ William Daniels Betsy Randle Will Friedle Lily Nicksay R …   Wikipedia Español

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