Principal boy

Vesta Tilley as a principal boy

Actress Nan Hearne as Jack in the pantomime "The House That Jack Built"

In pantomime, a principal boy role is the young male protagonist of the play, traditionally played by a young actress in boy's clothes.

The tradition grew out of laws restricting the use of child actors in London theatre, and the responsibility carried by such lead roles. A Breeches role was also a rare opportunity for an early 20th Century actress to wear a costume revealing the legs covered only in tights, potentially increasing the size of the audience. The practice of having a female play the principal boy was becoming less common in the late 20th century, as further outlets were sought for the talents of young male popular stars and actors.^{[citation needed]}

Although not written as a pantomime, Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up is often produced as one with the tradition of a female principal boy continuing.

See also

• Breeches role