pantomime

In British theatre, a traditional Christmas entertainment. It has its origins in the harlequinade of the 18th century and burlesque of the 19th century, which gave rise to the tradition of the principal boy being played by a woman and the dame by a man. The harlequin's role diminished altogether as themes developed on folk tales such as ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ and ‘Cinderella’, and with the introduction of additional material such as popular songs, topical comedy, and audience participation. Popular television stars regularly feature in modern pantomime.

After World War II, pantomimes on ice became popular. The term ‘pantomime’ was also applied to Roman dumbshows performed by a masked actor, to 18th‐century ballets with mythical themes, and, in 19th‐century France, to the wordless Pierrot plays from which modern mime developed.