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 revealing costume, 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 pop stars and actors.
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.
Famous quotes containing the words principal and/or boy:
“All animals, except man, know that the principal business of life is to enjoy it.”
—Samuel Butler (1835–1902)
“Until the end of the Middle Ages, and in many cases afterwards too, in order to obtain initiation in a trade of any sort whatever—whether that of courtier, soldier, administrator, merchant or workman—a boy did not amass the knowledge necessary to ply that trade before entering it, but threw himself into it; he then acquired the necessary knowledge.”
—Philippe Ariés (20th century)