So What Is A Pantomime?

Well, it depends. If it’s acting without sound, then it’s the theatrically generally accepted use of the word. However, if it is the exact opposite – full to the brim with words (most of them silly), sound, light, colour, magic, music and excitement then it’s British Pantomime – a horse of a very different colour. Particularly if it’s a pantomime horse in which case it’s not only likely to be an extremely different colour but also will contain two hardy souls whose job it is to animate the beast in a comical manner.

British Pantomime – or Panto as it is affectionately called – had its beginnings in London, England approx. four hundred years ago. For those interested in theatrical history, it contains elements of theatre that date back to the Greek and Roman traditions and arose in direct response to the restrictions placed on non-musical theatre performance during the 17th century. On its journey it has collected characters and styles from Commedia dell’Arte, Melodrama and Music Hall. It was the reason for the building of several famous theatres in the land of its birth and has been a showcase for many legendary talents from the original clown himself – Joey Grimaldi – through the great David Garrick and up to the modern pop icons of today.

  

"Pantomime has everything theatrical – song, dance, verse, slapstick, soliloquy, audience participation, spectacle, cross-dressing and a good plot, strong on morality and romance.

What more could you want for a family outing?

…I believe there’s more pure theatre in a pantomime than you get in Shakespeare, and if it works, it’s unforgettable"

Sir Ian McKellen - November 2004

So what makes a Panto as opposed to an ordinary fantasy musical? Ah, the list goes on, but basically it has to have the following:

The Battle – Good against Evil, personified in panto by the Fairy and the Demon along with all their various cohorts.

The Story - a fairy story or legend usually serves as the basic element although it always undergoes many different twists and turns until it finally ends happily ever after.

The Dame – the principal comedian of the show, always has to be a man dressed as a woman: an asexual being who can joke with and about both sexes with impunity.

Principal Boy – a girl dressed as a boy; also an asexual being personifying truly pure romantic love. This character (Everyman) has to undergo trials, temptations and tribulations before reaping a wonderful reward of treasure and true love. He is the one to save the princess/town/kingdom and usually ends up marrying the…….

Principal Girl – this time the girl remains a girl! And every little girl’s idea of a ‘princess’. She also has to endure many adventures and dangers before her story reaches a safe and happy conclusion.

The Clown – childlike (not childish!) and usually named Idle Jack, Simple Simon or similar this character has become the children’s friend and is the one who has the strongest interaction with them throughout the show.

The Villain – can be male or female, comically evil – the antagonist.

The Broker’s Men – sidekicks of the Villain, they are strongly comical and always inept – think Laurel & Hardy!
The Townspeople/Cannibals/Courtiers et al - The Chorus. Not just animated set decoration, these wonderful souls sing, dance and interact with all the characters, strongly helping to bring it all to life.

In addition there is music, song and dance; magic; special effects; slapstick; treats for the children; sing along songs; a chance to be part of the action by booing and cheering and to top it all off, gags ranging from 400 year old set-pieces to up-to-the-moment pungent commentaries on present social and political situations slipped slyly in amongst the ancient groaners. And never forget the old theatrical traditions that linger here if nowhere else: the “good” and “evil” sides of the stage; the last line superstition; the “aside” to the audience: the march down – the list goes on.

Although it might seem simplistic, true British Pantomime is a very difficult form to conquer successfully. Cheeky without being vulgar, fast-moving but cohesive containing characters straight out of history, legend and fairy-tale that have to be as real as you or I in order to hold their audience it takes very special performers and a very knowledgeable director to achieve lift-off!

None other than Sir Ian McKellen has called British Panto –“The truest form of theatre we have”.

Traditional (and I use the word advisedly!) British Panto is a spun sugar confection (with a slightly more solid heart) that has been and continues to be a vastly important part of the Festive Season throughout the English speaking world. It also serves as a wonderful introduction to theatre that brings children back year after year until eventually they are bringing their own grandchildren to enjoy the fun.

Here in BC the flame is kept burning by Ellie King, who grew up in the tradition on stage in England and who has declared it her bounden intent to ‘keep it traditional’ for as long as she continues her reign as BC’s own widely acclaimed - Panto Queen!