The Routledge Pantomime Reader: 1800-1900

The Routledge Pantomime Reader is the first anthology to document the development of pantomimes in nineteenth-century Britain, combining popular tales with lesser-known plotlines to address social and cultural anxieties. It provides a unique perspective on the history of sexuality, class, and race during a period of imperial expansion and social upheaval.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 444 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Routledge Pantomime Reader stands as a groundbreaking anthology that delves into the captivating world of nineteenth-century British pantomime, a genre that has left an indelible mark on theatrical history. Spanning ten diverse performances, this comprehensive collection offers a captivating journey through the evolution of pantomime, from its humble beginnings as a platform for improvisational clowning, dance, and musical parody to a complex amalgamation of physical comedy, stage wizardry, breathtaking scenic spectacle, satire, and mystical mayhem.

By seamlessly blending well-known tales like Cinderella, Aladdin, and Jack and the Beanstalk with lesser-known plotlines such as Peter Wilkins and The Prince of Happy Land, the book showcases the remarkable adaptability of popular narratives to the prevailing social and cultural contexts of the time. It reveals how this fusion of high and low entertainment addressed a wide range of social and cultural anxieties, providing a mirror to the concerns and aspirations of the Victorian era.

In addition to providing meticulously annotated scripts, the Routledge Pantomime Reader includes comprehensive introductions to each collected pantomime, shedding light on their historical significance and cultural context. Furthermore, readers are treated to a wealth of supplementary materials, including reviews, reminiscences, and a plethora of visual materials that vividly bring these neglected entertainments to life.

This anthology is an invaluable resource for students and scholars of theatre history and popular performance, offering a profound insight into the evolution of pantomime and its profound impact on British society. By exploring the themes of sexuality, class, and race within the context of nineteenth-century Britain, The Routledge Pantomime Reader provides a valuable lens through which to understand the complexities of a bygone era.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032021218