Dames, Principal Boys And All That: A History Of Pantomime In Australia

With an introduction by Barry Humphries.

Lady Viola Tait's history of pantomime is a fascinating account of the major productions seen in Australia. Not only does she trace the origins of the well-known pantomimes: 'Cinderella', 'Puss-in-Boots', 'Dick Whittington And His Cat', 'Sinbad The Sailor', 'Sleeping Beauty', 'Mother Hubbard' and so on, but she uncovers little known productions such as 'Omai' which dramatises Captain Cook's third voyage to the South Seas.

The book is replete with photographs of the major stars: from Joey Grimaldi, Madame Celeste, Dan Leno and Dorothy Ward in England to Ada Reeve, Dolly Castles, Roy Rene and Graeme Kennedy in Australia. The passing parade of pantomime superstars - the men cast as grand Dames and the women as Principal Boys - serves to evoke poignant memories of childhood and the excitement and delight of the 'Christmas Panto'.

A significant history, an intriguing and beautifully illustrated story, this book provides something of a substitute for an annual entertainment that has almost passed by.