Where Did Pantomime Begin?

Pantomime as a type of theatre, is classified as Commedia dell' Arte, a theatre genre originating in renaissance Italy. Beginning in the 16th Century in Venice, it was first popular amongst Royals and commoners. The audience enjoyed the improvisation, comedy, costume and performances in general.

Where was the first pantomime performed?

Tavern Bilkers, by John Weaver, the dancing master at Drury Lane, is cited as the first pantomime produced on the English stage.

Who put on the first ever pantomime?

A rough, uneducated man called John Rich played a key role in the emergence of pantomime. Rich was a dancer, acrobat and mime artist and during the 1720s he was managing a theatre at Lincoln's Inn Fields. What he created was a new kind of entertainment.