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Introduction
Victorian pantomime incorporated all kinds of magical scenic effects and transformation scenes. In the early part of the 19th century, trick scenery and fast scene changes were created by systems of elaborately hinged flaps, pivots and slots in the stage. There were also flying systems: canvas cloths painted on both sides were turned over and flown in to reveal another setting. Other devices were hidden in secret panels; and under the stage there were trap doors for characters to appear and disappear. One of these was called a star trap. Here is a picture of a star trap in use.
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Scenic changes and traps were coordinated by stage hands using a series of whistles to signal to each other. The reason it is bad luck to whistle backstage in a theatre is because if a whistle came at the wrong time it could cause an accident. The more elaborate transformations would require 50 or 60 stage hands.
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Special Effects
Some theatres had enormous water tanks under the stage that enabled water effects such as rivers, fountains and waterfalls to be created on stage. In 1804 Sadler's Wells Theatre produced 'a Grand Spectacle with real men of war and floating batteries built and rigged by professional men from His Majesties Dock Yards and which float in a receptacle containing nearly 8,000 cubic feet of water'.
Spectacle and sets became so important that they were mentioned in the playbills to attract audiences.
Stage Lighting
Lighting was also used to create magical effects. Gas Light was introduced on the London stage in 1817. Before this the stage had been lit by candle-light. In 1881 electric light was first used at the Savoy Theatre, London. Electric lighting on glass was particularly popular. At the Drury Lane pantomime Little Bo Peep, in 1892 a series of large mirrors reflected the procession of the 29 characters in the fairy tale. The first coloured lighting was achieved by lighting through coloured silks. This was used to colour the set and create atmosphere. Lights were shone on gauzes, to create fog or a ghostly feel.
The most elaborate scenery and set changes of the Victorian period were in the pantomimes presented by Augustus Harris at Drury Lane.
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Sleeping Beauty and the Beast, Act I Scene 3, Drury Lane, 1900 |
