Christmas pantomime definition of Christmas pantomime in the Free Online Encyclopedia.

pantomime or mime (păn`təmīm) [Gr.,=all in mimic], silent form of the drama in which the story is developed by movement, gesture, facial expression, and stage properties. It is known to have existed among the Chinese, Persians, Hebrews, and Egyptians and has been observed in many other cultures. Pantomime was popular in ancient Rome, where it was often explained by songs or simple action. The traditional characters of pantomime take their origin in the Italian commedia dell'arte commedia dell'arte (kōm-mā`dēä dĕl-lär`tā)
..... Click the link for more information. of the 16th cent. English pantomime, originated by John Rich Rich, John, 1692–1761, English actor-manager. Rich introduced pantomime to England, himself playing (1717–60) the role of Harlequin in annual performances.
..... Click the link for more information. , was more pageant pageant, modern dramatic spectacle or procession celebrating a special occasion or an event in the history of a locality. In medieval times the word pageant had meant the wagon or the movable stage on which one scene of a mystery or miracle play was performed.
..... Click the link for more information. than pantomime, and in 1818, when J. R. Planche began his extravaganzas with "speaking openings," pantomime in England became a dramatic spectacle with songs and speeches. Joseph Grimaldi Grimaldi, Joseph (grĭmăl`dē), 1779–1837, English pantomime actor and clown.
..... Click the link for more information. and Jean Gaspard Deburau Deburau or Debureau, Jean Gaspard
..... Click the link for more information. were famous pantomime stars of the 19th cent. In silent pictures, Charlie Chaplin Chaplin, Charlie (Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin), 1889–1977, English film actor, director, producer, writer, and composer, b. London. Chaplin began on the music-hall stage and then joined a pantomime troupe.
..... Click the link for more information. made his name as a great pantomime actor. Marcel Marceau Marceau, Marcel (märsĕl` märsō`), 1923–, French mime.
..... Click the link for more information. has been the leading artist in France.

Bibliography

See C. Aubert, Art of Pantomime (1927, repr. 1969); J. Lawson, Mime (1957, repr. 1973).

pantomime

1. (in Britain)

a. a kind of play performed at Christmas time characterized by farce, music, lavish sets, stock roles, and topical jokes

b. (as modifier): a pantomime horse

2. a theatrical entertainment in which words are replaced by gestures and bodily actions

3. (in ancient Rome) an actor in a dumb show

pantomime (redirected from Christmas pantomime)

Bibliography

pantomime
(redirected from Christmas pantomime)