Dynamic and unique, this history examines pantomime productions in the English provinces-particularly Birmingham, Nottingham, and Manchester-from 1860 through 1900. Arguing that pantomimes were rooted in specific expressions of local identity, this volume explores censorship as well as the relationships between theaters, their managers, authors, and audiences. This valuable contribution to the study of Victorian popular culture also demonstrates how regional pantomime theater utilized political satire to its full advantage due to its geographical and creative distance from London.
Part One: The spectacle of pantomime Chapter 1: The gorgeous Christmas pantomime Chapter 2: 'The best out of London': spectacle, status and tradition Part Two: The social referencing of pantomime Chapter 3: Local hits and topical allusions The Topical Song Chapter 4: The politics of the pantomime Conclusion