Table of Contents
What makes pantomime so popular?
More commonly referred to as ‘Panto’, this theatrical form is passionately devoted to its audience. The sole purpose of Pantos is to make you laugh, dance and sing your heart out. And they deliver. Today, Pantos are put on stage at Christmas time and they are often based around fables and fairy-tales.
What is a pantomime in the UK?
A panto is a traditional fairy tale complete with songs, dances, jokes, exaggerated characters and lots of audience participation. The British love a good panto. In fact the nation has been mad on it ever since the actor manager John Rich introduced it in 1717.
Are pantomimes British?
It was developed in England and is performed throughout the United Kingdom, Ireland and (to a lesser extent) in other English-speaking countries, especially during the Christmas and New Year season. Modern pantomime includes songs, gags, slapstick comedy and dancing.
When did pantomime come to the UK?
It is generally acknowledged that British pantomime is modelled on the early masques of the Elizabethan and Stuart days. In the 14th century the early masques were musical, mime or spoken dramas, usually performed in grand houses although by the 17th century they were really no more than an excuse for a theme party.
What are the 10 pantomimes?
List of Pantos
- Cinderella (Both Versions) – (Larger Cast), (Smaller Cast)
- Beauty & the Beast.
- Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs.
- Aladdin.
- Aladdin Version 2 (Arabian Version)
- Camelot the Panto.
- Sleeping Beauty.
- Robin Hood & the Babes in the Wood.
What are three main features of pantomime?
Some standout characteristics of a pantomime include:
- Gender role reversal.
- A storyline of good vs evil.
- Slapstick comedy.
- Colourful, eccentric costumes.
- Audience participation.
- Likely derived from a fairy tale or nursery story.
Who invented pantomime?
John Rich, actor-manager of the Lincoln’s Inn Theatre (opened 1714) and The Theatre Royal, Covent Garden (opened 1732), was known as the ‘father of pantomime’ because he was the first to realise the potential of the Commedia characters.
Do you talk in a pantomime?
For starters, pantomime can be categorized as a form of communication. This is an important part of pantomime because mimes do not speak at all when they perform. One could say that pantomime takes the phrase, “actions speak louder than words”, to a whole new level.
Why is the pantomime dame played by a man?
The Pantomime Dame is considered a cornerstone of British theatre culture. Within the history of the theatre, men dressing as women was not considered a comment on sexuality but as a necessity owing to the fact that women weren’t allowed on stage.
Why are Pantos at Christmas?
But pantomime really began as an 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.
What makes a good pantomime?
Good panto uses a wide range of music styles. Ideally you get old songs from earlier in the twentieth century, a bit of music hall, some folk, circus music, maybe classical and songs very familiar to children such as Nelly the Elephant or Yellow Submarine. The whole point of panto is that it’s a crazy mish mash.
What is the most popular pantomime in the UK?
Brits have named Cinderella as their favourite ever panto in a national poll. A survey of 2,000 UK adults put the story about the princess at the top with 42 percent of the public vote, followed by Jack and the Beanstalk and Aladdin.