Drury Lane pantomime

[2] The origins of pantomime at Drury Lane can be traced back to sixteenth century commedia dell'arte’s stock character Arlecchino.

Three Hundred years before the birth of Pantomime, this tricky servant was best known for his lighthearted nimbleness, zany personality, crude expression of sexuality, and physical agility.

John Weaver, known as the Father of Modern Pantomime, premiered a version of Arlecchino's act at Drury Lane Theatre in 1702.

[3] The first English pantomime was Tavern Bilkers performed at Drury Lane in 1702.

[4] This started a popular tradition in which the annual Christmas pantomime at Drury Lane was the foremost entertainment of this kind.

Preparations for the pantomime by set designer William Beverly. This illustration was drawn by Frederic Villiers and published in 1874. [ 1 ]