I've recently been reading a history of Pantomime (Gerald Frow. Excellent book.) and was struck by the many changes in what consisted of a pantomime proper since the days of John Rich. The history of the artform is perhaps as wonderful as Pantomime itself, and its ability to continue down the century's and still remain the same yet be completely different is magic itself.
I was born in the early 80's and grew up thinking I would never see one of those spectacular London Palladium Pantomime's I heard about, and yet to my surprise, I've seen a kind of pantomime renaissance, even though they look and feel very different from the pantomimes of my childhood.
so, my question is, and I'm just pondering here, has there been a 'great change' happen, rather like Music Hall Stars appearing in the Panto's of Drury Lane, or when the Harlequinade ceased to be the main event?
I would love to hear your thoughts.
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