Mask work and movement are key in Commedia dell’arte, an Italian comedy tradition ... eg Pantalone and his servant Arlecchino from the play, The Servant of Two Masters.

Taking centre stage was the acrobatic Harlequin - the English name for the Commedia dell’arte’s Arlecchino - who evolved into a impish magician. Known as Harlequinades, Rich’s plays were an ...