WHAT IS PANTOMIME?A form of theatre

traditionally performed at Christmas.

It is outrageous and over-the–top family entertainment.

Where does this art form come from?

It was a popular form of entertainment in ancient

Greece and Rome, involving songs and music.

In the Middle Ages, the Mummers Play had elements of pantomime, with stage fights, coarse humour and fantastic

creatures.

It is often performed around the Midwinter festival (winter

solstice) or Twelfth Night – the 6th

JanuaryThese festivals reflect pre-christian beliefs.

Traditionally the natural order of things is reversed.

It was also influenced by the Commedia Dell’Arte

The travelling theatre troupe began with the Renaissance and was aimed at entertaining

the people.There were stock characters such as Harlequin , Pantaloon and

Pulchinello (Pierrot)They used masks and highly

visual comedyMusic and song were an

important feature

In the late 17th century a pantomime was considered a low

form of opera, with its comic songs.In the 18th Century

‘Harlequinades’ were introduced at the end of the

pantomimes.They included slapstick comedy.The Harlequinades gradually

became part of the pantomime and it became a show itself.

What are the essential traditions in a modern

pantomime?

A familiar, traditional story

Cinderella, Snow White, Aladdin, Dick Whittington

A fairy story

A pantomime ‘dame’

A man in drag

Bright, colourful costumes and lots of make-up.

Goodies and Baddies

Heroes and Villains

The Good Fairy

The Fairy Godmother

The wicked Queen

The Ugly Sisters

The Principal Boy…

…often played by a girl

Audience Participation

It’s behind you!

Oh yes it is! Oh

no it isn’t!

Boo! Hiss!

Hooray!

Topical jokes Adult Humour

(double entendre)

MUSIC and SONGS

Pantomime animals…

…played by people

Mother Goose

THE END

(oh no, it isn’t!)