“Look Behind You!”: What is Pantomime?

 

Pantomime (or “Panto”) is a musical comedy that is traditionally performed in the United Kingdom during the winter holiday season for everyone in the family.

British pantomime is a popular form of theatre dating back to the 18th century that combines the Italian style of commedia dell arte with traditions of the British music hall.

Pantos include song, dance, comedy, silly costumes, jokes – and you can play along from the audience!

Panto stories are almost always based on traditional fairy tales with a funny twist.

 

Some of the most popular titles of pantomime are:

	Snow White	Beauty and the Beast
	Peter Pan	Cinderella

 

“Oh, yes it is!”: Comedy & Participation in Pantomime

  Tron Theatre's Production of "Jack and the Beanstalk" Image credit: Kevin Low

Did you know?

•    Men sometimes dress as ladies and ladies as men!

This tradition dates back to Victorian times. Although women dressed modestly (clothing could not show ankles), in pantomimes they could play boy characters and wear shorter skirts.  This practice was common in many of Shakespeare’s plays; for example women played Hamlet and Romeo.  Also during Victorian times, women were generally discouraged from playing comedy.  In pantos this often resulted in the tradition of men dressing as women for comedic effect.

•    The audience joins in the fun by shouting “Look behind you!” or “He’s behind you!” and “Oh, yes it is!” and “Oh, no it isn’t!” Sometimes audiences “boo” the villain and “awww” the victims.

 

•    Animals (usually a horse or cow) are often played by two actors in one costume; one as the head and front legs, the other as the body and back legs.

•    Sometimes the members of the cast throw out candy to the audience.

•    Professional pantomimes often feature a guest celebrity as one of the cast members. For example, in the 2004 production of Aladdin at the Old Vic theatre in London, British actor Iann McKellen (who played Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings) starred.

Do you recognize him?
 

If you want to learn more about British Pantomime, click on the links:

Now, here are a few websites you may like about United Kingdom!