Encyclopaedia of pantomime - David Pickering

This reference contains 650 A-Z entries on pantomime, including: characters; works, productions and plots; venues; writers, actors and theatre managers; catch-phrases and technical terms; stage tricks, conventions and themes; and origins and folklore.;Additional to the core entries, this book provides information and insights from those in the business. A chronology surveys the evolution of pantomime, from the roots in the Greek theatre, through the Commedia dell'Arte tradition, to the present, complex form of theatre full of topical allusion and satire.;The book also looks at pantomime today, evaluating pantomime since World War II by John Morley, who also writes a practical guide, "How to write a pantomime" - all the ingredients for a production are detailed, arming those who wish to stage their own pantomime with all the tips they need.;There are interviews with actors Jack Tripp and Roy Hudd, and finally, quotations are included about pantomime from journalists, players, authors and critics throughout the years.;An appendix explains how many popular stories have been adapted for the pantomime stage.