Dame, set and Match.

The Pantomime Dame, has its roots in early theatrical tradition. The late 1600′s ‘Restoration Theatre‘ finally allowed women to take on women’s roles on the stage for the first time, when originally men played all the characters. However, for the comical parts, men still dressed up in bodices and wigs to portray irrepressible women.

Although there is not any rules and regulations to who plays which character within a theatre production, especially with more contemporary creators who explore their artistic licenses for the latest ideas. The comical portrayal of the ‘cross-dressing‘ male has been kept alive not only in Seasonal Pantomime’s but in Films such as ‘Mrs Doubtfire’ 1993.

Other example of Modern day ‘cross-dressing’ for comical purposes include ‘Big Momma’s House 2′ 2006 and advertisement campaigns such as the ‘USA T-Mobile Families talk free’ as well as the ‘Bounty Kitchen Roll Carry On Cleaning’. Director Chris Columbus‘ ‘Mrs Doubtfire‘ is a drama that merges together the comedy and the purpose of the cross dresser. Actor Robin Williams plays a middle aged father who completely changes his image to appear as a elderly home maker, therefore he is able to see his children without his ex-wife or the authorities knowing. However, seeing a Lady of a certain age mimicking guitar players, taking part in sports and indirectly revealing masculine mannerisms is highly amusing for the audience.

I believe this is a rational depiction of the ‘cross-dresser’, because although Robin Williams’ character doesn’t take on the gender disguise as a way of life. We see the desperation that led him to the decision which the audience warms too.

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