Harry Payne (25 November 1833 – 27 September 1895) and Frederick Payne (January 1841 – 27 February 1880)[1] were members of a popular Victorian era of British pantomime entertainers. They were billed as The Payne Brothers.
Fred Payne became known for portraying Harlequin, and Harry became famous as Clown in the Harlequinade that followed Victorian pantomimes. Together, the brothers appeared in Gilbert and Sullivan's first collaboration, Thespis, in 1871. Gilbert made references to the brothers in two of his Bab Ballads.
- ^ "Obituary". The Cornishman. No. 86. 4 March 1880. p. 6.