I remember my first ever Panotmime performance I have ever done, it was a version of Bad Jelly the Witch and I played Binklebonk the puppet. I loved the character and the show and the fact that kids loved interacting with the actors.
Pantomime theater is a type of production aimed to entertain both children and adults using slapstick humor, music, dance, and fun antics. Generally, Pantomime bases itself around an already known children’s play or story and embellishes it with adult innuendo and nuances.
For example, in Cinderella, the original story portrays the ugly sisters as women, but in a Pantomime, the ugly sisters are best played by men, which shocks in a humorous manner. Pantomime is a hilarious primarily British inspired genre in which is appreciated by audiences all over the world.
The Oxford online dictionary depicts Pantomime as: a theatrical entertainment, mainly for children, which involves music, topical jokes, and slapstick comedy and is based on a fairy tale or nursery story, usually produced around Christmas.
While it is true that many Pantomime productions are produced around the Christmas period, many productions are performed throughout the year as well. Sometimes the audience is expected or encouraged to sing along with the performers and participation is often mandated. Actors often ask the audience what happenstance should occur, using humor and antics to shock and amuse.
Where Did Pantomimes Begin?
According to the site ‘WhyChristmas.com: … pantomime really began as entertainment for adults. It can be traced back to the ancient Roman ‘Saturnalia’ midwinter feast, at which everything was supposed to be turned upside-down. Men dressed up as women and women as men. So it seems that many performing arts traditions are based on pagan rituals and festivities.
In fact, pantomimes were inspired by the Italian performance art form Comedia del Arte, which was based on stock characters, where actors would perform in troupes all over Europe in the 13 Centuries to the present day. The low-bar humor and buffoonery lend itself strongly to children’s humor which is a win for the family unit.
Some definitions suggest that Pantomime is exaggerated facial expressions and over the top buffoonery. It is all of these and more. This is where slap-stick humor is utilized to the fullest with characters getting bopped, bumped, and hit in a way that should amuse. This low-bar humor is expected in Pantomime productions.
What are Some of the Most Popular Pantomimes to Produce?
Practically any children’s fairy-tale stories can be performed as Pantomimes but the most popular was used by the Brits in the 17th Century at around Christmas time. These included Cinderella, Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk, Peter Pan, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Puss in Books and Sleeping Beauty to name a few. These shows can be re-written to change the original earnestness of the children’s story to include the typical elements needed for a fun pantomime.
Why Did Pantomimes Get Produced At Christmas Time?
Pantomimes were such a family delight that they were best suited for all types of audiences to come out to the theater during the Christmas season. Christmas time is traditionally a time when families celebrate and experience festivities and family fun, so why not go to a panto?
The Protagonist is the Pantomime Heroine and Hero
Most Pantomimes have a female heroine or lead character. The character often has the protagonist female as a princess or a young woman. But heroes are often played by females who play the dashing prince to give the show that shock and fun factor. For instance, a role in Sleeping Beauty might have an actual female playing the princess, but also have a female play the Prince as well.
The Pantomime Villain is the Antagonist
Typically the villain is the anti-hero, the antagonist, and the evilest person of the production. Typically in pantomime, the villain would be for example; the ugly sisters in Cinderella, Captain Hook in Peter Pan, Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, The Giant in Jack and the Beanstalk and of course The Queen in Alice in Wonderland. Many of these villains are performed in a slap-stick, exaggerated, and humorous manner, much to the delight of the audience. Audience members love to boo the villain which makes a great interactive performance.
The Pantomime Dame is a female charicature?
Like the panto villain, a good pantomime often uses a male to play the more outlandish female roles. As stated previously, Cinderella it is more hilarious to have two males dressed in drag playing females, than to have actual females playing females. Often the Dame is outrageously dressed and is completely over the top in her interactions. She brings color and spectacle to the show. Peter Pan is often played by a young female in both Pantos and in their more serious productions. The more shocking or out of character a role is portrayed, the better.
If you are interested in engaging your children with some puppetry fun, have them use or make puppets and play in the theater here. I recommend it as I have used this in my work.
Many Pantomimes have a Clown or Noddy
Many Pantomimes have a fall guy or the guys which are the comedic factor as well. They are usually played by young men who are often simple, muddled, and get kerfuffled with their daily lives. An example of this character is Simple Simon who is a great character to add to a show.
Interactive Theater in Pantomimes Means talking with the Audience
Pantomimes wouldn’t be pantomimes without an audience booing and hissing the villains. Most pantomimes have opportunities for the audience to interact often shout, talk at characters. They are often helping characters and booing and hissing others. This type of production allows the audience to take ownership of their part in forwarding the story for the better or for worse. Pantos are usually produced loosely in line with the original fairy-tale stories, with embellishments of singing and dramatic music.
Pantos Always have Good and Bad Elements to Keep Suspense
In many Pantomimes, there are always good and bad elements. In fact, many stage productions have a good side and a bad side. The right side of the stage is the baddie’s side and the left is the goodie’s side. There is always a goodie and a baddie character in the production. Making obvious depictions such as who is good and who is bad, make it easier for the audience to follow the story and enjoy the production.
A Pantomime Usually Lasts for about Two Hours?
How long is a piece of string? In traditional British Pantomime performances, shows last for approximately 120 minutes, however, depending on the production it could last for just an hour. Some shorter productions typically travel around schools to deliver a message, where they embed a panto type theme. If an audience wishes to know how long a performance lasts, one needs to ring the venue to find out.
Pantomimes are unique and fun-filled shows which are great to experience for the whole family. From fun antics from the villains and Dames of the shows to the bright colors of the set to the over the top costumes of the characters themselves. These shows are very popular in Britain and are delighted in the Commonwealth countries. The United States has similar shows, but are not as panto as an English panto. If you get the chance to see one, you will be happy you did.
