Buttons (pantomime) explained
Buttons is a traditional character in Cinderella pantomimes, and is commonly portrayed in Cinderella pantomimes throughout the UK and Australia. He is typically a male servant of the household who helps Cinderella and loves her, and who is liked and trusted but not loved by her.[1] The character has sometimes been called Pedro.[2] [3] [4]
The character first appeared in 1860 at the Strand Theatre, London in a version of the story derived from the opera La Cenerentola by Rossini. Rossini includes a character Dandini as assistant to the Prince, which was also included, and a complementary character for Cinderella, called Buttoni was added for the pantomime at this time.[5] [6] 'Buttons' was at that time a name for a young male servant or pageboy commonly having gilt buttons down the front of his jacket.
While the character introduces a note of pathos in his unrequited love for Cinderella,[1] [7] he is often portrayed in a comic tone.[1] [6]
People who have played Buttons
Notes and References
- Brown . Richard . 2002. "When in doubt do gender": Constructing Masculinities in "Penelope," "they're all Buttons men". Joyce Studies Annual . 13 . 156–7 . 10.1353/joy.2002.0005 . 193158040 .
- . Theatricals . The Age . London . 17 November 1839 .
- . The Drama . Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle . London . 6 October 1844 .
- Marie. Louise. Tea Table Talk . The Dart . Birmingham . 29 May 1891 .
- Web site: A Very Slippery Tale . Bovey . Paul . panto.johngood.com . John Good . 9 December 2018 .
- Kaplan . Charles . 1984 . The Only Native British Art Form . The Antioch Review . 42 . 3 . 266–276 . 10.2307/4611362. 4611362 .
- Book: Knowles, Elizabeth . 2005 . Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable . Oxford University Press . 9780198609810 .
- . Cinderella . Radio Times . 19 December 1947 . 8 December 2018 .
- News: Paton . Maureen . 24 December 1991 . Oh yes we do love the panto! . Daily Express . London .
- . Pantomime in the Midlands . Radio Times . 26 December 1941 . 8 December 2018.
- Web site: BRIAN CONLEY TO STAR AS BUTTONS IN MILTON KEYNES THEATRE PANTOMIME . 2023-11-13 . Crossroads Pantomimes . en-GB.
- News: Merriman . Rebecca . 31 March 2016 . Ronnie Corbett dead age 85: TV comedian passes away surrounded by family . Daily Mirror . London . 8 December 2018 .
- News: . It's Nero in drag!. Daily Mirror . London. 24 December 1976 .
- News: . Star Jim brushes up his Buttons . Daily Express . London . 23 December 1988 .
- Web site: The Alhambra Theatre, Wellington Street, Glasgow . . www.arthurlloyd.co.uk . 8 December 2018 .
- News: . Christmas Plays and pantomimes . The Times . London . 24 December 1945 .
- . Cinderella . Radio Times . 325 . 20 December 1929 . 8 December 2018 .
- . Cinderella . Radio Times . 24 December 1948 . 8 December 2018 .
- Web site: Theatre feature: Remembrance of Theatre Past (15–17): More on the Tynewear Theatre Company.
- Web site: Facts about Danny Kaye (P2) : Classic Movie Hub (CMH) .
- News: Clapp . Susannah . 16 December 2007 . Poof! Buttons gets his man at last. The Guardian . 9 December 2018.
- Hosey . Seamus . Henderson . Lynda . 1984 . The Turkey Trot . Theatre Ireland . 8 . 72–74 . 25488969 .
- Web site: Sir Harry Lauder as Buttons in 'Cinderella' . . www.npg.org.uk . National Portrait Gallery . 8 December 2018 .
- Web site: Guide . British Comedy . Not Going Out Panto . 2023-11-13 . British Comedy Guide . en.
- Hadfield . Paul . Henderson . Linda . Behind the Times..... 1953. Theatre Ireland . 5 . 96 . 25488895 . 1983 .
- News: Crossley . Mick . 11 December 2008 . Great dames who trod the boards . Telegraph & Argus . Bradford . 8 December 2018.
- . Pantomime in the Midlands . Radio Times . 29 January 1942 . 8 December 2018 .
- Web site: Cinderella (2000) . www.imdb.com . IMDb . 8 December 2018 .
- News: . Leading a Merry Dance . The Guardian . 2 December 1995 .
- . Cinderella . Radio Times . 18 December 1969 . 8 December 2018 .
- Web site: Cinderella . . collections.vam.ac.uk . Victoria & Albert Museum . 8 December 2018 .
- Web site: Another Nod to the past- More Panto Flyers . . 20 May 2015 . ibygreenroom.wordpress.com . 8 December 2018 . Tommy as Buttons (photo).
- News: Everett . Lucinda . Cinderella, New Wimbledon Theatre, review: 'thoroughly festive' . The Telegraph . 10 December 2018 .
- . Music Hall . Radio Times . 3 April 1936 . 8 December 2018 .
- Web site: Bradley Walsh :: Pantomime . 2023-11-13 . www.bradleywalsh.co.uk.