Harlequin
was the central character in pantomime until the actor Joseph
Grimaldi started performing in the early 19th century. He
took the part of Clown and was so successful that the clown
became the main character in the Harlequinades.
Grimaldi's physical comedy was extraordinary, as was his
ability to invent visual tricks and buffoonery. He would
poke fun
at his audience, transforming himself with inventive costumes.
Click on the object story button below the image to discover
more about Grimaldi.
Grimaldi was responsible for developing the pantomime tradition
of audience singing. He was famed for his comic songs and
for encouraging audience participation. His catch phrases
included 'Here we are again!' and the teasing audience taunt
'Shall I???', to which they would all yell 'Yes!' His most
famous song was 'Hot Codlins' (toffee apples).
When Grimaldi retired in 1823 people felt sure that pantomime was dead. 'We fear the spirit of Pantomime departed with Grimaldi' claimed
one critic reviewing a pantomime in 1832.
Other famous Victorian Clowns
included Harry Payne and Harry Boleno. After the 1850s the clown
role was performed by dancers and became more insignificant.
Richard Flexmore was a very successful dancing clown but no
one achieved the same legendary status as Grimaldi.
Commedia dell’arte
