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As a traditional form of theater, pantomime's conventions are not formalized, but have grown up organically over hundreds of years by drawing on various different influences. Two of the most recognizeable are [[Italian]] [[Commedia dell'arte]], a stylized theater form that provides the templates for many of the stock characters (the word 'pantomime' comes from Pantalone, one such character<ref> [http://www.theatrehistory.com/italian/commedia_dell_arte_001.html The Commedia dell'Arte]</ref>); and English [[music hall]], which supplies much of the bawdy humor and audience participation.
As a traditional form of theater, pantomime's conventions are not formalized, but have grown up organically over hundreds of years by drawing on various different influences. Two of the most recognizeable are [[Italian]] [[Commedia dell'arte]], a stylized theater form that provides the templates for many of the stock characters (the word 'pantomime' comes from Pantalone, one such character<ref> [http://www.theatrehistory.com/italian/commedia_dell_arte_001.html The Commedia dell'Arte]</ref>); and English [[music hall]], which supplies much of the bawdy humor and audience participation.
On a more general level, the simplified conflict between [[good and evil]] could be traced back to [[medieval]] morality plays (which also used to be performed at major festivals), while the portrayal of grotesque stereotypes and undermining of dignified or would-be dignified figures are not dissimilar to elements of ancient Greek theater.
On a more general level, the simplified conflict between [[good and evil]] could be traced back to [[medieval]] [[morality play]]s (which also used to be performed at major festivals), while the portrayal of grotesque stereotypes and undermining of dignified or would-be dignified figures are not dissimilar to elements of ancient Greek theater.
[[Image:BrianBlessedPanto.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A poster advertising a production of ''Peter Pan'', featuring respected actor Brian Blessed (Pic: John Hartnup)]]
[[Image:BrianBlessedPanto.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A poster advertising a production of ''Peter Pan'', featuring respected actor Brian Blessed (Pic: John Hartnup)]]