Principal boy

All you want to know about Principal boy

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Vesta Tilley as a principal boy

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. 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.^{[citation needed]}

Although not written as a pantomime, Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up is often produced as one, and in either format the tradition of a female principal boy has continued.