Panto Collection

Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, have been awarded the Joint Showbiz Award by the Variety Cub of Great Britain, enjoy a quick celebratory drink before going on stage at the Palace Theatre, Manchester

No, No Nanette by Frank Mandel
Promotional postcard for No No Nanette by Frank Mandel, Otto Harbach and Irving Caesar; music Vincent Youmans. (Globe Theatre, New York, 16th September 1925)

Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw
Promotional postcard for Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw. First produced in England at His Majestys Theatre, 11th April 1914

John Inman gets fitted for his role in Mother Goose at the Empire Theatre, Liverpool. 17th December 1982

The Land of Christmas Plays by Pauline Baynes
Charming illustration showing a land populated by all the characters from Christmas plays and pantomimes including Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and Robinson Crusoe

Waldorf Theatre, London
Promotional postcard for the Waldorf Theatre, London. Designed by the well known theatre architect W. G. R. Sprague it originally opened in 1905 as the Waldorf Theatre

A Scrape of the Pen by Graham Moffatt
Promotional postcard for A Scrape of the Pen by Graham Moffatt. First produced at the Athenaeum, Glasgow, 23rd April 1909 and Comedy Theatre, 4th September 1912

La Poupee by Arthur Sturgess
Promotional postcard for La Poupee, a comic operetta by Arthur Sturgess from the French of Maurice Ordonneau (Theatre de la Gaiete, Paris, 21st October 1896); music Edmond Audran

The Mikado by Ws Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan
Promotional postcard for the Mikado by Ws Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, first produced Savoy Theatre, 14th March 1885 Date: circa 1885

Was She To Blame? by Mrs F G Kimberley
Promotional postcard for Was She To Blame? By Mrs F. G. Kimberley. First produced at the Junction Theatre, Manchester, 12th April 1909 and Woolwich, 7th February 1910

Dan Leno / Panto Dame
DAN LENO Music hall artist dressed as a woman

Pantomime at Liverpool Empire Theatre. Getting together for rehearsals at the Empire Theatre, Liverpool, are (left to right), Georgina Moon (Sleeping Beauty), Barbara New (Tea Lady)

Dan Leno as Mrs. Twankey 1897
Dan Leno (1860 1904), as Mrs.Twankey in Aladdin at Drury Lane Theatre, London. Leading English music hall comedian and musical theatre actor during the late Victorian era. Date: 1897

The Great Tally Ho Mystery - Charles Morritt
Promotional postcard for Charles Morritts Great Tally Ho Mystery, in which an " entire fox hunt" : two huntsmen with rifles, a hunting dog

Good Morning, Bill! By P. G. Wodehouse
Promotional postcard for Good Morning, Bill! By P. G. Wodehouse, based on the Hungarian of Ladislas Fodor. First produced at the Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

Rose Marie by Otto Harbach and Oscar Hammerstein
Promotional postcard for Rose Marie by Otto Harbach and Oscar Hammerstein; music Rudolf Friml & Herbert Stothart. First produced in England, at Drury Lane

Funny Face by Fred Thomson & Paul Gerard Smith
Promotional postcard for Funny Face by Fred Thomson and Paul Gerard Smith; lyrics Ira Gershwin; music George Gershwin which was first produced in the Princes Theatre on 8th November 1928

Scenery for Aladdin, Pollocks Toy Theatre, with two rounded arches opening onto a seascape. Date: late 19th century

Maskelyne and Cookes "The Artists Dream". John Nevil Maskelyne and George Co
Maskelyne and Cookes " The Artists Dream". John Nevil Maskelyne and George Cooke, presented for the first time to a West End audience an entertainment they had been giving for several years

Poster, Aladdin at Grand Theatre, Halifax
Pantomime poster, Milton Rays production of Aladdin at the Grand Theatre, Halifax. circa 1900

Cilla Black outside the Birmingham Hippodrome theatre, where she was performing in the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. 18th October 1983

Arthur Askey and Dickie Henderson appear in Cinderella at the Birmingham Hippodrome. 3rd January 1973

Aladdin, touring to the Opera House, Northampton, 22 February 1909(?) This seems to be a stock poster. The reverse boasts of The Funniest Pantomime ever produced. circa 1909

Victoria Palace Theatre playbill
Front and back page of a promotional booklet for the Victoria Palace Theatre, London for the week commencing December 19th, 1927

Rookery Nook by Ben Travers
Promotional postcard for Rookery Nook by Ben Travers. First produced at the Kings Theatre, Southsea, 21st June and the Aldwych Theatre

On and Off by Fred Karno
Promotional postcard for On and Off revue by Fred Karno, circa 1909 Date: circa 1909

The O Mara Opera Company
Promotional postcard for the O Mara Opera Company. Joseph O Mara (1864-1927) was an Irish opera singer, who ran his own company between 1912 and 1926

The Merry Widow by Edward Morton
Promotional postcard for The Merry Widow by Edward Morton from the German of Victor Leon and Leo Stein (Theater an der Wien, Vienna, , 30th December 1905); music Franz Lehar

London Coliseum - auditorium
Promotional postcard showing the auditorium at The London Coliseum. The theatre was built by the theatrical architect Frank Matcham who intended it to be one of Londons largest

London Coliseum - the Royal Box
Promotional postcard of the Royal Box of the London Coliseum. A Royal party visiting the Coliseum would enter by a private entrance into a richly furnished lounge

The Little Duchess by Robert Courtneidge and Bertram Davis
Promotional postcard for The Little Duchess, a musical play by Robert Courtneidge and Bertram Davis, lyrics Bertrand Davis and Percy Greenbank

Life by Maurice Cowan and Fred Rome
Life revue by Maurice Cowan & Fred Rome; music Frederick Chappelle. First produced Hippodrome, Portsmouth, 3th May and London Palladium 30th August 1926

The Importance of Being Ernest by Oscar Wilde
Promotional postcard for The Importance of Being Ernest by Oscar Wilde. First produced at the St. Jamess Theatre, on 14th February 1895. For the St. James revival, 25th November 1909

The Headmaster by Wilfrid Coleby and Edward Knoblauch
Promotional postcard for The Headmaster by Wilfrid T. Coleby and Edward Knoblauch. First produced at the Playhouse theatre, 22nd January 1913

Patti Tootell, Mike Newman and Helene Hunt, appearing at the Liverpool Empire in Jack and the Beanstalk. December 1979

Cinderella at the London Hippodrome
Cinderella, the first pantomime at the London Hippodrome, which received rave reviews. Top photographs show Hetty Chattel as the Prince, Ruth Lytton as Dandini and Amy Farrell as Cinderella

The Folly Theatre, Peter Street, Manchester
Promotional postcard showing a playbill of the acts playing at the Folly Theatre of Varieties, (known as the Folly) Peter Street, Manchester for the week commencing Monday, 24th March 1889

Aladdin pantomime design, unidentified production. Showing Aladdin in the cave with the lamp, and the genie materialising. Date: circa 1910

Aladdin, Kennington Theatre, South London, 24 December 1904. Powerful Company, Beautiful Scenery, Charming Ballets, Augmented Orchestra, Ballet & Chorus of 100. 1904

The White Horse Inn by Harry Graham
Promotional postcard for The White Horse Inn by Harry Graham from the German of Hans Muller (Im Weissen Roessl, Grosses Schauspielhaus, Berlin, 8th November 1930); music Ralph Benatzky &c

Somebodys Sweetheart by Edward H Marris
Promotional postcard for Somebodys Sweetheart by Edward H. Marris. First produced West Hartlepool, 17th July 1899 and Theatre Royal, Stratford, 22nd June 1903

A Pair of Silk Stockings by Cecil Harcourt
Promotional postcard for A Pair of Silk Stockings by Cecil Harcourt. First produced at the Criterion Theatre, 23rd February 1914

George Leyton
Promotional postcard for George Leyton. George Leyton was a well-known music hall singer, whose speciality was patriotic and military songs

Dan Leno
Promotional postcard for Dan Leno(1860-1904) " The Kings Jester" One of Alick P. Ritchies series of music hall performers

Ivanhoe
Promotional postcard for Ivanhoe Presented and produced by Walter and Frederick Melville (programme) They also credit themselves with a share of the production

The House that Jack Built
Promotional postcard for The House that Jack Built, Howard and Wyndhams Royal Pantomime, at the Theatre Royal, Edinburgh, 14th December 1911

Wonder Bar by Rowland Leigh
Promotional postcard for Wonder Bar by Rowland Leigh from Die Wunder-Bar by Geza Herczeg and Karl Farkas (Wiener Kammerspiele, Vienna, 17th February 1930); music Robert Katscher

Miss Hook Of Holland by Paul Rubens & Austin Hurgon
Promotional postcard for Miss Hook of Holland by Paul Rubens and Austin Hurgon; music Paul Rubens. First produced at the Prince of Wales Theatre, 31st January 1907. For George Dances Co

Mind The Step revue by Charles Baldwin and Harry Richardson
Promotional postcard for Mind The Step revue by Charles Baldwin and Harry Richardson. First produced at the Islington Empire, 10th May 1915

The happy Family by Adrian Ross and Cecil Aldin
Promotional flyer for The Happy Family by Adrian Ross and Cecil Aldin; music Cuthbert Clarke. First produced at the Prince of Wales Theatre, 18th December 1916

The Quinlan Opera Company
Promotional postcard for The Quinlan Opera Company. Billed as The Greatest Touring Company Ever Organized. Touring to the Royal Hippodrome, Liverpool, 2nd October 1911 Figures, left to right

The Joy Ride Lady by Arthur Anderson & Hartley Carrick
Promotional postcard for The Joy Ride Lady adapted by Arthur Anderson and Hartley Carrick from Das Autoliebchen by Jean Kren (Thalia-Theater, Berlin, 16th March 1912); music Jean Gilbert

Half Past Eight by P Rubens and C H Bovill
Promotional postcard for Half Past Eight, One of those Musical Things by Paul Rubens & C. H. Bovill; music Paul Rubens. First produced at the Comedy Theatre on 10th August 1916

The Girl in the Taxi by F Fenn and A Wimperis
Promotional postcard for The Girl in the Taxi adapted by Frederick Fenn & Arthur Wimperis from Die Keusche Susanne (Wilhelm-Theater, Magdeburg, 26/2/1910) by George Okonkowski; music Jean Gilbert

Pantomime artist Will Evans with his children
Will Evans (1866 -1931) was an eccentric comedian who performed in pantomime from a young age, and appeared on the music halls in the 1890s

Mother Goose, superstar in velvet, feathers and fur, the dames a show-stopper with any audience. Empire Theatre, Liverpool. 27th December 1982

A new Christmas panto is to go on tour this year, called "Once Upon a Fairy Tale
A new Christmas panto is to go on tour this year, called " Once Upon a Fairy Tale. Appearing are L-R Marty Wilde, Heinz Burt and Jess Conrad, holding Lulu. 18th December 1964

Uncle Toms Cabin
Reverse of a promotional postcard for C. H. Smiths Double Mammoth Uncle Toms Cabin Co. touring to Oakland Garden, 5th September 1881 showing the productions various spectacles. Date: 1881

Whos Hooper? by Fred Thompson
Promotional postcard for Whos Hooper? By Fred Thompson, founded on A. W. Pineros play In Chancery (1884); music Ivor Novello and Howard Talbot

Whirled Into Happiness by Harry Graham
Promotional postcard for Whirled Into Happiness by Harry Graham from Der Tanz ins Glueck by Robert Bodanzky & Bruno Hardt-Warden (Raimundtheater, Vienna, 23rd December 1920); music Robert Stolz

The Student Prince by Dorothy Donnelly
Promotional postcard for The Student Prince by Dorothy Donnelly; music Sigmund Romberg. First produced in England at His Majestys Theatre, 3rd February 1926

Raffles by E W Hornung & Augene Presbrey
Promotional postcard for Raffles the Amateur Cracksman by E. W. Hornung and Eugene Presbrey. First produced at the Comedy Theatre, 12th May 1906

Once Upon A Time by Laura Wildig; music Lewis Anthony. First produced at St. Martins Theatre, 22nd December 1919. This image is for the tour to the Playhouse, Liverpool, 23rd December 1920. Date: 1920

The New Aladdin by James T Tanner and W H Risque
Promotional postcard for The New Aladdin by James T. Tanner and W. H. Risque; music Ivan Caryll and Lionel Monckton. First produced at the Gaiety Theatre, 29th September 1906

Merry Merry by Harlan Thompson
Promotional postcard for Merry Merry by Harlan Thompson; music Harry Archer (Vanderbilt Theatre, New York, 24th September 1925). First produced in England at the Carleton Theatre, 28th February 1929

The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare
Promotional postcard for The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare; set to music by Adrian Welles Beecham. First produced at the Grand Theatre, Brighton

Man and Superman by George Bernard Shaw
Promotional postcard for Man and Superman by George Bernard Shaw. First produced at the Royal Court Theatre, 21st May 1905

Mrs F G Kimberley
Promotional postcard for Actress and writer of melodramas Mrs F G Kimberley. This probably shows her in Miranda of the Wilds

Keep To The Right by H Chance Newton
Promotional postcard for Keep To The Right revue by H. Chance Newton; music Herman Darewski. First produced at the Hippodrome, Boscombe, 23rd August and Holborn Empire, 22nd November 1915

The Island King by Percy Gawthorne
Promotional postcard for The Island King by Percy Gawthorne; music Harold Garstin. First produced at the Adelphi Theatre, 10th October 1922. This image shows W. H

Theatre Royal, Haymarket
Promotional postcard for the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, London. The first theatre to defy the monopoly of the patent houses

Our Miss Gibbs by Adrian Ross
Promotional postcard for Our Miss Gibbs by Adrian Ross; music Ivan Caryll and Lionel Monckton. First produced at the Gaiety Theatre, 23rd January 1909

Lilac Time by Adrian Ross from Das Dreimaederlhaus by A. M. Willner and H. Reichert; music from the melo-dies of Franz Schubert (Raimundttheater, Vienna 15/1/1916)

Scene outside a theatre on a Christmas card, with people arriving to see the pantomime. Date: circa 1890s

Racial Type / Lady Tatters
LADY TATTERS We know nothing about this romantic light opera except for this splendid Hassall poster : looks as though it might be like My fair lady. Date: 1907

S Whats The Matter With You?
Promotional postcard fors Whats The Matter With You? Lena Stantons London Revue Co. touring to Royal Hippodrome, Eastbourne, 15th November 1920. Date: 1920

The Lady With A Lamp by Reginald Berkeley
Promotional postcard for The Lady With A Lamp by Reginald Berkeley. First produced at the Arts Theatre, 5th May and the Garrick Theatre, 24th January 1929. Originally called Florence Nightingale

Storm of The Battle of Tinderley Down by C K Monro
Promotional postcard for Storm or The Battle of Tinderley Down by C. K. Monro. First produced at the Ambassadors Theatre, 13th August 1924. The title refers to the expression storm in a tea-cup

Advert / Sandwich Man 19C
Sandwichman advertising a pantomime - Babes in the Wood at Drury Lane Theatre, London

Family at Panto
A family outing to the panto

FRANK BRUNO AND MICHAEL BARRYMORE IN PANTO AT THE DOMINION THEATRE, LONDON - 16 / 12 / 1989
FRANK BRUNO AND MICHAEL BARRYMORE IN PANTO AT THE DOMINION THEATRE, LONDON - 16/12/1989

Cliff Richard and Pippa Steel (18 year old cousin of Hayley Mills) pictured during the dress rehearsal for the pantomime Cinderella. 18th December 1966

Comedians Syd Little and Eddie Large with their glamorous Aladdin, Patsy Ann Scott, on a ride across the stage at Liverpools Empire Theatre as rehearsals begin for what promises to be a record

The three stars of the Dick Whittington panto at the Liverpool Empire reading through their script on the first day of rehearsals in the auditorium

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"Panto: A Timeless Theatrical Extravaganza" Step into the enchanting world of panto, where classic tales and beloved characters come to life on stage. From Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw to The Mikado by W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, it has always been a celebration of theatrical brilliance. In the Land of Christmas Plays by Pauline Baynes, audiences are transported to a magical realm filled with laughter and joy, and is here that Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise were awarded the prestigious Joint Showbiz Award by Variety for their outstanding contributions to this cherished art form. The Waldorf Theatre in London stands as a testament to the grandeur productions throughout history. Its hallowed halls have witnessed countless performances that have left audiences spellbound. A Scrape of the Pen by Graham Moffatt showcases the wit and humor that define pantomime. La Poupee by Arthur Sturgess brings forth delightful puppetry that adds an extra layer of charm to these whimsical shows. No discussion about panto would be complete without mentioning Dan Leno, known for his iconic portrayal Dame characters. His larger-than-life presence continues to inspire performers today, as they step into extravagant costumes and bring laughter to all who watch. Even renowned actors like John Inman find themselves captivated by the allure of panto. As he gets fitted for his role in Mother Goose at Empire Theatre in Liverpool, we witness firsthand how this genre transcends boundaries and attracts talent from all walks of life. On and Off by Fred Karno takes us behind-the-scenes, revealing the dedication and hard work put into creating seamless performances night after night. No detail is too small when it comes to delivering unforgettable experiences for audiences young and old alike. Finally, Man And Superman written once again by George Bernard Shaw proves that even esteemed playwrights recognize the magic within pantomime's colorful world.