Buttons (pantomime) facts for kids
Buttons is a popular character in the Cinderella pantomime. He is a kind and loyal servant in Cinderella's household. Buttons helps Cinderella and is a trusted friend, though he secretly loves her. Cinderella, however, sees him only as a dear friend.
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Buttons: Cinderella's Loyal Friend
Buttons is a much-loved part of the Cinderella pantomime. He often brings laughter and a little bit of sadness to the story.
Who is Buttons?
Buttons is a male servant who works for Cinderella and her mean stepfamily. He is always there for Cinderella, offering comfort and support when she needs it most. He is very popular with the audience because of his funny antics and his big heart. Even though he loves Cinderella, she doesn't feel the same way about him. This makes his character both funny and a little bit heartbreaking.
Where Did Buttons Come From?
The character of Buttons first appeared in a pantomime version of Cinderella in 1860. This show was performed at the Strand Theatre in London. The story was inspired by an opera called La Cenerentola by Gioachino Rossini. In Rossini's opera, there's a character named Dandini who helps the Prince. For the pantomime, a similar character was created for Cinderella, and he was called Buttoni, which later became Buttons.
Why is He Called Buttons?
The name 'Buttons' was a common nickname for a young male servant or pageboy during that time. These servants often wore jackets with many shiny, gilt (gold-colored) buttons down the front. This is how the character got his unique name.
Buttons in the Pantomime
Even though Buttons has unrequited love for Cinderella (meaning his love isn't returned), his role is usually played for laughs. He is often the main comedian of the show, making the audience giggle with his jokes and silly actions. His sad feelings about Cinderella are usually shown in a way that makes the audience feel for him, but it's always balanced with humor.
