A pantomime dame is a traditional role in British and Irish pantomime. It is part of the theatrical tradition of travesti portrayal of female characters by male actors in drag. Dame characters are often played either in an extremely camp style, or else by men acting butch in women's clothing. They usually wear heavy make up and big hair, have exaggerated physical features, and perform in an over-the-top style. Dame characters Characters who are played as pantomime dames are often, though not exclusively, older, matronly women. They may be the protagonist's mother, as in Jack and the Beanstalk and Robinson Crusoe, or a nursemaid to the protagonist, as in Sleeping Beauty and Snow White. Although often warm and sympathetic characters, dames may also be employed as comic antagonists, such as with the Ugly Sisters in Cinderella. Although some pantomimes traditionally do not contain standard dame roles, certain productions of those stories add a dame character, for example, in many versions of Peter Pan. Other examples of dame characters include: Widow Twankey, Aladdin's mother in the pantomime versions of the story Mother Goose The nanny or nurse in Babes in the Woods The cook in Dick Whittington The queen in Puss in Boots Goldilocks' mother in Goldilocks and the Three Bears, who runs a circus in many versions of the pantomime. Notable pantomime dames Peter Alexander – (born 1952) Notable dame in pantomimes in Yorkshire. Stanley Baxter – (born 1926) Award winning Scottish actor and impressionist, famous for his lavish productions, notably at The King's Theatre, Glasgow Christopher Biggins – (born 1948) TV personality, actor Steven Blakeley – (born 1982) Blakeley has appeared in numerous pantomimes at Theatre Royal Windsor Douglas Byng – (1893–1988) A legendary dame who appeared in over 50 pantomimes, Byng was also a noted cabaret and revue artiste. He was the first glamorous dame and designed all his own costumes. Herbert Campbell (1844–1904) a highly popular pantomime dame alongside Dan Leno at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Les Dawson – (1931–1993) English comedian, remembered for his deadpan style and curmudgeonly persona. Norman Evans – (1901–1962) "Evans' distinctive dame evolved out of nosy neighbour Fanny Fairbottom, a character he played on the sketch show Mr Tower of London. Fanny was hugely popular, and allegedly inspired Les Dawson to create the character of Ada" Rikki Fulton – (1924–2004) Award winning Scottish actor and comedian who also made numerous appearances