Anonymous A started this discussion 2 months ago#133,961
"The "Principal Boy" Tradition: It drew heavily from British Pantomime, where the lead young male hero (the "Principal Boy") was always played by a young woman in form-fitting costumes. This was considered "titillating" but acceptable to Victorian audiences, as it allowed women to show their legs in a way that wouldn't be allowed if they were playing female characters."
> "The "Principal Boy" Tradition: It drew heavily from British Pantomime, where the lead young male hero (the "Principal Boy") was always played by a young woman in form-fitting costumes. This was considered "titillating" but acceptable to Victorian audiences, as it allowed women to show their legs in a way that wouldn't be allowed if they were playing female characters."