The history of pantomime FEATURE
The Pantomime season is upon us - Oh, no it's not! Oh, yes it is! - and BritEvents looks at the history of pantomime, the traditions behind it and some of the best shows around Britain this winter.
By Lucy Middleton
BritEvents.com
Quintessentially British, the origins of pantomime date right back to the middle ages, drawing inspiration from the traditions of the Italian "Commedia dell'Arte" comedy shows and Greek morality plays.
Over the centuries, pantomime (panto) has been adapted in order to stay successful throughout the years, though there are recurrent themes that remain unchanged.
Traditions in Pantomime
Pantomime is predominantly based on fairy tale or folk legend, with the most popular stories being Cinderella, Aladdin, Dick Whittington and Jack & the Beanstalk. As tradition dictates, it is crucial for the panto to have a strong storyline, with good battling against evil and ultimately defeating the 'baddies'.
Dating back to the medieval morality plays, the entrance to hell was stage left and the entrance to heaven was stage right, and to this day panto villains enter the stage first from stage left, followed by their adversary from stage right.
A pantomime dame is another show tradition, a continuation of en travesti portrayal of female roles played by male actors in drag. They are larger-than-life characters with big make up and hair, and are often part of the slapstick element of panto.
Other conventions include risqué double entendre and audience participation such as calls of "He's behind you!" and being encouraged to boo the the villain which are now synonymous with panto performances and all part of the charm.
Pantos to look out for in Britain 2011
Dick Whittington, King George's Hall, Blackburn
The folk tale of Dick Whittington is an interesting and amusing tale of a boy's journey from rags to riches thanks to his ratting cat. The tale is a popular story for pantomimes and promises to be fantastic fun for all the family. You can buy King George's Hall Dick Whittington pantomime tickets online safely and securely through BritEvents for a night to remember.
Alice in Wonderland, Citadel Arts Centre, Merseyside
The Alice in Wonderland pantomime at Citadel Arts Centre in Merseyside transports the audience to a weird and wondrous land in which our young protagonist Alice has to navigate through to find her way home. Featuring your favourite characters including the Cheshire Cat, The Mad Hatter and The Queen of Hearts, this panto will be a great Christmas event for all the family.
Sleeping Beauty, Carnegie Theatre, Workington, Cumbria
The Sleeping Beauty pantomime at Carnegie Theatre in Cumbria tells an enchanting tale of a beautiful princess who falls into a deep sleep after having an evil spell cast upon her by a wicked fairy. Will her prince love be able to wake her with true love's kiss? This production is guaranteed to leave its audience spellbound.
Jack and the Beanstalk, The Broadway Theatre, Catford, London
A pantomime kingdom of creative choreography, fun and frivolity await audiences at the Jack and the Beanstalk Broadway pantomime, where the folklore legend Jack embarks on an epic journey after he is given magic beans by an old man. When these magic beans are accidentally planted, who knows what creatures lie at the top of the beanstalk?
Sinbad the Sailor, Pontefract Town Hall, Pontefract, Yorkshire
Hoist the sails and shiver me timbers with Sinbad the Sailor pantomime performed at Pontefract Town Hall in Yorkshire, where Sinbad the sailor sets off on his 8th voyage on the seven seas. A pantomime packed full of adventure, laughter and nautical tunes yarr, me hearties!
The Wardrobe Theatre
As lightning cracks at the summit of Mount Olympus, the royal kitten Oedipuss is cursed with the prophecy of killing his father and marrying his mother. Outcast, this brave puss must go on an incredible adventure of self discovery, encountering crooks and…
Location: Bristol
Luton Central Library
Kick start your Easter Holidays' with Booster Cushion Theatre Company as they present a comical, interactive theatre show for families.Join our mysterious narrator tells us the tale of Peter Pan and his battle with his nemesis Captain Cook known for his evil…
Location: Luton
Luton Library Theatre
Widdershins Theatre presentsSnow White and Rose Red sisters, twins, best friends have lived in the forest since they were Babes in the Wood. Brought up by their hardworking Mother to be kind, caring and forest fluent... if sometimes a…
Location: Luton
Church on the Hill
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friend With live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this…
Location: Dunstable
St Johns Church
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friend With live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this…
Location: Duxford, Cambridge
St Andrews Church
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friend With live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this…
Location: Arrington
All Saints Church
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friend With live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this…
Location: Brington, Huntingdon
St Michael's Church
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friend With live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this…
Location: Cambridge
St Mary's Church
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friendWith live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this Christmas.…
Location: Royston
St Marys Church
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friend With live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this…
Location: Weston Colville, Cambridge
Venue Cymru
You shall go to the ball this festive season in this year's spectacular Venue Cymru pantomime, Cinderella, brought to you by Qdos Entertainment, the team behind North Wales' biggest festive production. Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients Llandudno audiences expect,…
Location: Llandudno
Exeter Corn Echange
Exeter Corn Exchange is absolutely delighted to announce Exeters premiere professional pantomime and our 10th ANNIVERSARY SHOW Following the huge success of ' Beauty & the Beast', 'Aladdin' and 'Cinderella', Exeter Corn Exchange presents the most exciting traditional pantomime story: SNOW…
Location: Exeter
Exmouth Pavilion
Our fearless company of 3 actors return to bring you an evening of corny jokes, raunchy plots and blatant sexual innuendo using a minimum of set props and costume.Not suitable for under 16s.…
Location: Exmouth
The Blackmore Theatre
OPEN AUDITIONS FOR THE EXMOUTH PLAYERS 2019 CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME ALADDIN BASED ON THE BOOK BY ALAN P FRAYNThe Exmouth Players are holding open auditions, open to you all regardless of whether you are a member or nonmember of The Exmouth Players on…
Location: Exmouth
Babbacombe Theatre
The production will feature a hilarious cast of five principal performers all with extensive previous pantomime experience and credits to their name, as well as four professional dancers, sumptuous scenery, colourful costumes, a laughasecond script and eyepopping illusionsThere is a tendency with…
Location: Torquay
The Blackmore Theatre
The Exmouth Players present Aladdin written by Alan P Frayn at The Blackmore Theatre, Bicton Street, Exmouth, on the following dates and times:Sat 7th Dec at 2.30pm & 7.30pmSun 8th Dec at 2.30pm Tues 10th to Friday 13th Dec at 7.30pmSat 14th…
Location: Exmouth
Babbacombe Theatre
A PANTOMIME FOR ADULTS ONLYJoin us for some rude, crude, fun and frolics, as Dickey enrols in Prince School in a bid to get his girl Add some horrible dwarfs, an ugly old evil queen, and a couple of scantily dressed…
Location: Torquay
The Blackmore Theatre
Tickets are now on sale for The Exmouth Players production of Aladdin written by Alan P Frayn to be presented at The Blackmore Theatre, Bicton Street, Exmouth, on the following dates and times:Sat 7th Dec at 2.30pm & 7.30pmSun 8th Dec at…
Location: Exmouth
Cliffs Pavilion
Ticket sales are breaking all recordsHop aboard your magic carpet and fly to old Peking to enjoy this mustsee show packed full of magical genies, laughoutload comedy, spectacular flying effects and a lampfull of audience participation.Tickets are selling incredibly quickly this year…
Location: Southend on Sea
Holy Trinity Church
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friend With live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this…
Location: Halstead
Palace Theatre
Their back again Oh yes they are The Market Theatre Company return to corrupt another traditional pantomime classic beyond recognition.Our fearless company of 3 actors return to bring you an evening of corny jokes, raunchy plots and blatant sexual innuendo using a…
Location: Southend on Sea
All Saints Church
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friend With live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this…
Location: Brentwood
Church of St Mary the Virgin
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friend With live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this…
Location: Manningtree
Church of St Mary the Virgin,
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friend With live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this…
Location: Stansted Mountfitchet
Touchline Live Music
In the words of theatre goers across the UK, Pauls vocals and theatrical movements reflect Bowies with disturbing accuracy. Whether portraying the 70s era Ziggy Stardust, the Thin White Duke or Bowies 80s90s songs in this totally live show, many who have…
Location: Hockley
The Princess Royal Theatre
Not for the faint heartedJermin Productions return to The Princess Royal Theatre but this time they are bringing their brand new very funny ADULT ONLY PANTOMIME Suitable for ages 18…
Location: Port Talbot
The Princess Royal Theatre
Jump aboard our highflying carpet this Christmas and join Jermin Productions on their most magical adventure yet Offering the exotic delights of their 2018 production ALADDIN, Jermin Productions will once again be returning to the Princess Royal Theatre in Port TalbotPerformances as…
Location: Port Talbot
Subscription Rooms
Thats Entertainment Productions return again this Christmas with the loveliest Panto of all as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs arrives at the Subscription Rooms for the preChristmas season. With a brilliant star cast, including ITVs hilarious Britains Got Talent finalist Drew…
Location: Stroud
Subscription Rooms
£15 concs Family of 4: £50.50 Thats Entertainment Productions return again this Christmas with the loveliest Panto of all as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs arrives at the Subscription Rooms for the preChristmas season. With a brilliant star cast, including ITVs…
Location: Stroud
Subscription Rooms
Thats Entertainment Productions return again this Christmas with the loveliest Panto of all as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs arrives at the Subscription Rooms for the preChristmas season. With a brilliant star cast, including ITVs hilarious Britains Got Talent finalist Drew…
Location: Stroud
Titchfield Festival Theatre
The fantasy world of Peter Pan and his adventures with Wendy in Neverland has enchanted families for more than a century, since its first performance in 1904. The play contains so many rich and colourful characters which we will remember from our…
Location: Fareham
The Main House - NST City
A CinderELLA story...Cinders feels old before her time and Ella feels like shes running out of time. Throw in the reopening of the Grand Ballroom, a not so charming Prince and two nasty stepnieces and youve got yourself A CinderELLA story: The…
Location: Southampton
St. Michael & All Angels
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friend With live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this…
Location: Knight's Enham, Andover
The Anvil
When the Wicked Queens magic mirror declares that Snow White is the fairest in all the land, the evil Queen wants her out of the way. Snow White escapes to the forest where she meets seven little friends. But the…
Location: Basingstoke
Groundlings Theatre
Auditions for Jack and the BeanstalkSunday 29th September 2019Doors open to register from 9.15amDancers10.30 am Finish at 12noonBoys & girls aged 7 yrs and over to audition as BabesMax. Height 52Dancers1 pm 2.30pmBoys & girls to audition as SeniorsMin. height…
Location: Portsmouth
Holy Trinity Church
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friendWith live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this Christmas.…
Location: Bishop's Stortford
St Mary's Church
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friendWith live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this Christmas.…
Location: Rochester
St Helens Church
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friend With live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this…
Location: Cliffe, Rochester
Church of St Mary the Virgin
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friend With live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this…
Location: Fordwich
St Mary's Arts Centre
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friend With live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this…
Location: Sandwich
St Peter's Church
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friend With live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this…
Location: Swingfield, Dover
The Playhouse Theatre
Dame Tilly Trott is the proprietor of Tilly Trotts Circus but times are hard. Giant Blunderbore and his horrible wife insisted on sending their henchman Fleshcreep to the village of Much Piddling in the Marsh to collect the taxes and…
Location: Preston
Grand Theatre
Inspired by the original tale, this production tells the story of Belle, a beautiful and intelligent young woman who feels out of place in her provincial French village. When her father is imprisoned in a mysterious castle, Belles attempt to rescue him…
Location: Blackpool
Grand Theatre
The Grand is delighted to announce this years cast includes Danny Walters EastEnders, Benidorm, World War and Call The Midwife who will star as The Prince Beast, Hayley Kay as the beautiful Fairy Bon Bon and Nick Wilton as Polly La Plonk…
Location: Blackpool
Concordia Theatre
A fantastic mix of exciting song and dance, stunning costumes and scenery together with fast moving comedy. Join us all for a tale as old as time.Script by John Hill and Alan P FraynPlease note Panto performed Wednesday through Sunday. …
Location: Hinckley
The Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre
From the team that brought you The Little Mermaid, Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland comes this magical adventure. Run away with TaleGate Theatre Productions to the circus this Easter. Help Goldilocks and her mum, Dame Dolly Donut, save their circus…
Location: Stamford
Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre
They're back again Oh yes they are The Market Theatre Company return to corrupt another traditional pantomime classic beyond recognition. Our fearless company of 3 actors return to bring you an evening of corny jokes, raunchy plots and blatant sexual innuendo using…
Location: Stamford
Bourne Corn Exchange
Following last years fabulous success of Beauty and the Beast at the Bourne Corn Exchange, South Kesteven Acting and Musical Players now present CINDERELLA.This fun and magical production of the classic ragstoriches tale will be transformed into an enchanting family pantomime with…
Location: Bourne
The Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre
SHOW 1 FRI 20 DEC 10:30AM SHOW 2 SAT 21 DEC 1PMSHOW 3 SAT 21 DEC 4PM SHOW 4 SUN 22 DEC 1PMThis magical extravaganza is brought to you by the team behind last years smash hit Snow White and the Seven…
Location: Stamford
The Terry O'Toole
Angel Heart Theatre presentsSnow White: The Return of the Little ThingsFar, far away lies a curiously mechanical kingdom in which everything ticks but nothing laughs; a land ruled by TheQueenWhoNeverSmiles. The coldhearted Queen is determined to control everyone and everything... …
Location: North Hykeham
Theatre Royal Stratford East
Theatre Royal Stratford goes Far East for a brand new festive adventureSleeping Beauty has been in a deep sleep for a hundred years... but wakes to find herself in a strange city with a cruel fairy hot on her heels...Expect our much…
Location: Stratford
Archer Street Clapham
It's A Whole New World and Archer Street is bringing Arabian Nights to ClaphamBring your children to meet the Legend Of The Lamp on Sunday, 16th December from 1pm to 4pm. On This Dark Night or afternoon, Prince Ali and our talented…
Location: Greater London
The Centre, New Eltham Methodist Church
It's Panto time once again and this year we will be putting on the classic pantomime Aladdin. There will be plenty of laughs and audience participation, together with a magic mangle with a mind of its own, the mystical cave of wonders…
Location: London
Half Moon Theatre
She had no bed to lie down on, but was made to lie by the hearth among the ashes; and then, as she was of course always dusty and dirty, they called her Ashputtel. The Brothers GrimmCinderella Ashputtel is a onewoman show…
Location: London
Brookside Theatre
Theatre magic at it's best Evening PressA magical production. Daily MailFrom the creative team and writer of last year's highly acclaimed production of 'A Christmas Carol The Musical', the Brookside Theatre are proud to present their next festive offering, a…
Location: Romford
Valentines Mansion & Gardens
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friendWith live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this Christmas.…
Location: Ilford
The Centre, New Eltham Methodist Church
We will be having an open first readthrough for our Panto in January, which this year is AladdinPrincipal parts will have already been cast by our readthrough date so there will be no principal parts available but for anyone interested in being…
Location: London
artsdepot (North Finchley)
It's not easy being the Mayor, Baron Hardup, with Prince Charming due in town for a Royal visit and a staff of only two his beautiful, feisty daughter Cinderella and the loyal and loveable Buttons. But when his lonely hearts ad…
Location: London
Half Moon Theatre
Snow White and Rose Red sisters, twins, best friends have lived in the forest since they were babes in the wood. Not as worldly wise as their Mother would have liked, they are nonetheless kind, caring and sometimes a little…
Location: London
Ryan Theatre
Cinderella lives a life of drudgery, bullied by her horrible Ugly Sisters and Evil Stepmother, her only comfort is her pal ButtonsMeanwhile, across town in the castle, the King and Queen are determined that their son the Prince should find a suitable…
Location: Harrow on the Hill
The Golden Hinde
Peter Pan and his friends will be transforming The Golden Hinde ship into the magical world of Neverland when they visit this summer. Experience the classic story with exciting performances and fun activities taking place throughout the day. Train to be pirates…
Location: Tower Hill
The Half Moon
.There will only ever be one David Bowie, he was unique in every way and an inspiration to millions. Absolute Bowie, Europe's Finest David Bowie Tribute continue to celebrate the life and music of the Starman uniting Bowie fans across the UK.This…
Location: London
The Half Moon
Winners of the Best Bowie Tribute and Best Overall Tribute in the UK at the Agents Association of Great Britain Awards July 2018.There will only ever be one David Bowie, he was unique in every way and an inspiration to millions. Absolute…
Location: London
The Citadel
Kai and Gerda had been friends for as long as they could remember,Day followed day,Always the same,Until In a whirl of magic and deception, splinters of a magical broken mirror blow in the wind, freezing hearts and changing everythingAs Kai is pulled…
Location: St Helens
The Citadel
Citadel favourites, Aladdinsane return to once again pay tribute to the legend David Bowie.David Bowie, the legend, through his timeless music and many incarnations; from Ziggy Stardust to the Thin White Duke, into the 80s and beyond. Hear the sound and experience…
Location: St Helens
Monmouth Savoy Theatre
Spontaneous Productions bring you another funpacked pantomime. But if you thought you knew Dick Whittington, think again because this version is very much The Cats Tale. So we have a talking cat, dancing rats and the usual songs, jokes and spectacle. Grab…
Location: Monmouth
Monmouth Savoy Theatre
But if you thought you knew Dick Whittington, think again because this version is very much The Cats Tale. So we have a talking cat, dancing rats and the usual songs, jokes and spectacle. Grab a popcorn and ice cream and enjoy…
Location: Monmouth
Priory Church of St Mary, Bungay
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friend With live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this…
Location: Bungay
The North Wall Arts Centre
A shadow at the window, a sprinkling of fairy dust and then straight on till morning; the Darling children are off on an adventure. Can Peter Pan lead the Lost Boys to victory, or will Hook win NeverlandThis winter, pull up a…
Location: Oxford
The McMillan Theatre
Featuring music and lyrics by the awardwinning duo George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, we join Peter and the Darling family as they are whisked away to the famous land full of colourful characters including the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily and, of course,…
Location: Bridgwater
St George's Church
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friend With live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this…
Location: Esher
Church of St Peter & St Paul Old Saxon Church
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friend With live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this…
Location: Albury, Guildford
St Wilfrids Chapel
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friend With live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this…
Location: Selsey
St Botolphs Church
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friend With live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this…
Location: Botolphs
St Peter's Church
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friend With live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this…
Location: Brighton
The Guildhall
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friend With live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this…
Location: Chichester
Danny House
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friend With live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this…
Location: Hurstpierpoint
Hilton Brighton Metropole
Join us in Neverland as Peter battles with the dastardly Captain Hook to rescue Wendy, Michael and John. Peter Pan promises to be Brightons highflying, swashbuckling adventure of the year The magic begins on the 19th December until the 28th December 2019.Venue:…
Location: Brighton
The Belgrade Theatre
This Christmas we have the purrfect treat for all the family, our fabulously festive pantomime, Puss in Boots. Not performed at the Belgrade for many years, this thrilling adventure tail about a very crafty cat is guaranteed to kickstart a very Meowy…
Location: Coventry
St Marys Church
An array of characters along the way will guide and aid her journey but can Gerda bring the warmth of summer back to her friend With live music, song and characters all ages will love, this beautiful adaptation will warm hearts this…
Location: Wilton, Salisbury
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