Pantomime plays a huge part in Britain’s theatre scene, lifting spirits and laughter from festive audiences and, with every double entendre, a few eyebrows along the way.

Now an exhibition in Halifax explores the district’s rich history and the enduring magic of this lively tradition, shining a light on its origins and eras of change.

Dubbed A Magical Couple of Hours, it opens with a special event at Bankfield Museum this afternoon, featuring legendary Dame Andrew Pollard as well as a youth performance.

Dave Russell is secretary of The Friends of the Victoria Theatre (TFVT), which is curating the exhibition with Calderdale Museums Service and theatre teams.

"A Magical Couple of Hours": A Celebration of Pantomime in Halifax, curated by The Friends of The Victoria Theatre in collaboration with Calderdale Museums Service and The Victoria Theatre. The display offers a nostalgic journey through a beloved theatrical tradition, and forms part of the Victoria Theatre's 125th Anniversary celebrations. Pictured curator Eli Dawson with a slipper on cushion from Cinderella. Picture Jonathan Gawthorpe

placeholder image — "A Magical Couple of Hours": A Celebration of Pantomime in Halifax, curated by The Friends of The Victoria Theatre in collaboration with Calderdale Museums Service and The Victoria Theatre. The display offers a nostalgic journey through a beloved theatrical tradition, and forms part of the Victoria Theatre's 125th Anniversary celebrations. Pictured curator Eli Dawson with a slipper on cushion from Cinderella. Picture Jonathan Gawthorpe

“Pantomime is a hugely important part of British theatre,” he said. “It’s the gateway for so many children, as their first experience of theatre.

“And it’s one of the few occasions when people tend to go as families.”

This year marks the 125th anniversary of the Victoria Theatre in Halifax, which opened in February 1901, with earlier exhibitions having explored its general heritage. Now, it shines a light on the history of pantomime, with the free exhibition which runs until February.

This is a genre of theatre that, in the past decade, has brought in 236,000 visitors to the Victoria, generating an income stream of £3.1m to anchor its performances all year round.

Now displays explore a nostalgic journey from the origins of pantomime to the present day.

Pantomime, but not as we know it, originated in 16th century Italy as ‘the comedy of the artists’, with mime and jokes. It was the French that first brought it to Britain.

From the 18th century, it was hugely popular, said Mr Russell, with the version known and loved today - featuring a fairytale cast and Dames - as a product of the late 19th century.

“There was a real boom in Britain,” he said. “At one time, in the Edwardian period in Halifax, you could see four pantomimes in the space of a few weeks.”

Early shows could be four or five hours’ long, he outlined, with Boxing night being the traditional time to visit. But then, as live entertainment declined, amateur dramatics clubs took the reins.

Mr Russell, counting adverts in the local press from the 1950s and 60s, could see as many as 10 a year coming to Halifax.

Now the exhibition feature posters, including one from the Theatre Royal dating back to 1858, and a vibrant collection of authentic costumes, programmes and props.

It is supported by Calderdale Council and Calderdale Museums.

Admission is free, and this afternoon’s opening event, along with free crafts, will see a short pantomime performance from young members of the Halifax YMCA Pantomime Society.