Pantomime History
Pantomime, often referred to as Panto, is a form of theatrical entertainment that combines elements of comedy, music & dance with lots of audience participation too!
Once Upon A Time...
Pantomime as we know it today began in ancient Greece, where mimes would entertain audiences with exaggerated gestures and funny faces. Legend has it that one mime was so skilled at pretending to juggle invisible balls that people believed they could see them flying through the air. Little did they know, he had simply forgotten to bring the balls!
Fast forward to the Renaissance in Italy, and Pantomime took a fancier turn. Commedia dell'arte actors brought their own unique brand of slapstick humour to the stage. They were like human cartoons, with their colourful costumes and outrageous characters.
The British got wind of this hilarious art form and decided to give it a go. They took Pantomime and turned it into something truly magical. Pantomime became so popular in England that even the Queen wanted to get in on the act. There's even a (very unsubstantiated!) rumour that she once played the part of the Wicked Witch and scared her own guards so much that they nearly dropped their swords!
In the early days, pantomime was strictly for grown-ups. The performances were filled with bawdy jokes and raucous laughter. But one day, someone had the bright idea to make it more family-friendly. Fun for ages 5 to 105, theatres were filled with kids laughing, parents clapping, and grandparents wondering what on earth was happening!
Characters & Stories
One of the most iconic characters in pantomime is the Dame. Usually played by a man dressed in an extravagant costume, everyone knows they’re not actually a woman and the script often contains plenty of gags highlighting that fact and making audiences roar with laughter. The Dame often flirts with the audience, makes cheeky jokes, and sings and dances in outrageously high heels - truly a sight to behold!
Panto stories often follows a well known nursery rhyme or fairy tale. They span a wide range of stories and, more often than not, contain a moral message hidden somewhere in all the fun! The shows are choc full of magic, adventure, friendship and romance with plenty of comedy to boot!
Modern Pantomimes contain Fairy Godmothers who grant wishes, Princes & Princesses battling Evil Villains, and talking animals who steal the show! Most scripts also include a hilarious comic who gets the audience in stitches and keeps the story moving along!
The audience get to participate too, shouting "He's behind you!" and "Oh no they're not!" as well as booing the baddie, and cheering on the heroes. Audience participation makes them just as important as the characters on stage!
The Present Day
As with any art form, Pantomime has had its challenges. Television and other forms of entertainment started stealing the limelight and people could watch shows from the comfort of their own homes, while wearing pyjamas and eating popcorn. Theatres started casting famous celebrities in Pantomime roles, something that continues to happen all across the UK today. It's like watching a reality show, except with more glitter and fewer arguments!
Pantomime has also spread its wings beyond the borders of Britain and, while still most popular in the UK, can be seen across the globe. Many regional theatres host an annual Pantomime most notable of which is the London Palladium with stars such as Julian Clary, Dawn French & Nigel Havers. Amateur Pantomime has seen a resurgence too and is often the centrepiece and key money-maker for a society's year round program!
Happily Ever After
And so the story of Pantomime continues to this day.
It has evolved, adapted, and embraced the ever-changing world. It remains a delightful mix of comedy, music, and audience participation. So, the next time you find yourself in a theatre, surrounded by laughter and magic, remember the rich and humorous history of pantomime.
For all of the history that’s now behind us, Pantomime has a bright future ahead; Oh yes it does!