Babes in the Wood

The 1897 Drury Lane Pantomime

By Arthur Sturgess and Arthur Collins

The 1897 production of "Babes in the Wood" exemplified the grandeur and extravagance that had come to characterize the Drury Lane Christmas productions. The collaboration between Sturgess and Collins resulted in a theatrical experience that captivated audiences with its blend of humor, spectacle, and heartwarming narrative.

"Babes in the Wood" is a traditional British pantomime story that traces its origins back to a classic English folk tale. The narrative typically follows two young children, abandoned in a forest by their wicked uncle who is after their inheritance. They encounter various adventures, often involving magical creatures and comedic characters, before ultimately being rescued and justice being served. This story, with its themes of innocence, treachery, and eventual triumph, lends itself perfectly to the pantomime format, which traditionally combines fairy tale plots with slapstick humor, musical numbers, and audience participation.

Sturgess and Collins brought a unique flair to their 1897 adaptation. Collins, who was the manager of Drury Lane Theatre, had a reputation for staging lavish productions with elaborate sets and special effects. His collaboration with Sturgess, a seasoned writer, ensured that "Babes in the Wood" was both visually stunning and rich in narrative content.

Traditionally, pantomimes had been more straightforward and less elaborate, but by the time of the 1897 "Babes in the Wood," they had become major productions that rivaled the grand operas and theatrical performances of the day in terms of scale and production value. This evolution was reflective of a broader trend in Victorian entertainment, where audiences sought increasingly spectacular and immersive experiences.

The success of the 1897 "Babes in the Wood" further solidified Drury Lane's reputation as the premier venue for Christmas pantomimes.

On the 1897 Drury Lane's production of "Babes in the Woods:"  "It will not have escaped the notice of those who take note of theatrical fashions that the introduction of political skits and topical allusions which may amuse big spectators."

The Graphic

London, December 1897

ISBN 978-1702501880 

$14.95

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