What is a Pantomime?

Pantomimes, those delightfully absurd spectacles, spring to life around Christmas, and they’re always based on children’s classics—Peter Pan, Aladdin, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and the like. You’ll find them everywhere, from Britain’s grandest theatres to the humblest village halls. Whether it’s a glittering professional production or a gloriously shambolic amateur affair, these shows always draw a crowd.

Audience participation is non-negotiable in a pantomime. You must boo the villain the moment he slithers onstage. You must bicker with the Dame (who is, naturally, a man in a frock). And you must shout, “He’s behind you!” when the clueless Principal Boy (who, just as naturally, is a girl in tights) is about to be ambushed.

By the curtain call, the villain is vanquished, love has triumphed, and everyone toddles off for mince pies and mulled wine, basking in the glow of a thoroughly happy ending.

The word “pantomime” itself means “all kinds of mime” (panto—mime). British pantomime, apparently, owes its existence to the masques of Elizabethan and Stuart England—those early entertainments of music, mime, and a bit of drama performed in grand homes. By the 17th century, though, masques had become little more than thinly veiled excuses for lavish theme parties.

The timing of pantomimes at Christmas, and the delightfully topsy-turvy tradition of boys being played by girls and Dames by men, likely stems from the Tudor-era “Feast of Fools.” Presided over by the Lord of Misrule, this riotous celebration involved role reversal, drunken revelry, and general chaos—essentially, the spirit of pantomime distilled into one raucous evening.

It’s ridiculous, it’s chaotic, and it’s utterly British. Bravo.

#xmas #panto

[Emmamorgan-be]

British culture is so rich and indulging in all aspects of life.. my child went to panto in worthing today he was over the moon. i am so thankful for this richness ..

[vattmann]

Panto is great :D
I remember taking my partner at the time who was Czech to a Christmas panto of Peter Pan.
She had a great time laughing at the absurdity of Tinkerbelle on roler skates and actors being flown about the audience on wires.
It's an amazing date night as you can go to the pub before and afterwards :D

[annebritten]

Panto for me Is seeing the lovely Ben Roddy ❤❤❤❤don’t get me wrong Dave Lee was really good but I continue to go because of the lovely way Ben has been doing the dame each year he’s ace ❤❤

[Andrewjg_]

Pantomime is brilliant. Everyone loves a pantomime.

[annebritten]

Gotta love the panto I've been going with mum third year this year

[atozzerotoninedude]

What a nice video about a great British tradition.

[loribott]

I seriously don't get it. This looks ridiculous.