In the 16th century, pantomimes began to develop into the form that we know today, with spoken dialogue and elaborate costumes and scenery. The first recorded pantomime in England was performed in 1717 at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London. This pantomime, titled "Harlequin Dr. Faustus," was a success and helped to popularize the genre in England.
Pantomimes continued to grow in popularity throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, becoming a staple of British theater. By the 20th century, pantomimes were being performed in theaters across the UK, and they have remained popular to this day.