NOT MANY people know that the roots to the traditional pantomime we know today lie in ancient Greece and Rome and date back hundreds of years.
The shows we enjoy over the festive season combine music, slapstick comedy, plenty of one-liners, dance, and audience participation.
Early forms of pantomime emerged in Roman entertainment as wordless storytelling through expressive gestures, often performed alongside music.
This tradition waned with the fall of the Roman Empire but saw a revival during the Italian Renaissance in the 16th century through commedia dell’arte, a theatrical tradition featuring stock characters, improvisation, and physical comedy.
British pantomime
By the 18th century, pantomime evolved into a distinctly British art form. Influenced by Italian commedia and French mime traditions, English pantos blended these with local folk tales and Christmas traditions. John Rich, an early innovator, introduced Harlequinade, a comic performance featuring Harlequin and Columbine, laying the groundwork for modern pantomime.
In the Victorian era, pantomime gained popularity as a Christmas entertainment for families, incorporating fairy tales, music hall comedy, and cross-dressing, with men playing ‘dames’ and women often portraying principal boys. Audience participation became a hallmark, with frequent call-and-response interactions.
Modern pantomime, performed primarily in the UK, retains its traditional roots while embracing contemporary elements like pop music and topical humor.
It remains a festive spectacle filled with exaggerated characters, magical settings, and humor for all ages, keeping its centuries-old legacy alive.
Pantomime today
Pantomimes, or ‘pantos’, are still a cherished British Christmas tradition today, blending comedy, music, and audience participation.
These family-friendly shows bring classic fairytales, such as Cinderella, Aladdin and Jack and the Beanstalk to life, often with a modern twist. Featuring exaggerated characters, slapstick humour, and topical jokes, pantos are as much about the experience as the story.
The ‘he’s behind you’ and ‘oh yes it is’, ‘oh no it isn’t’ lines are still balled out by audiences across the country.
Today, pantomimes remain vital to British theatre, often generating the highest ticket sales of the year. They feature a mix of seasoned actors and celebrities, from reality TV stars to beloved comedians, boosting their appeal. Spectacular sets, dazzling costumes, and special effects make modern pantos visual extravaganzas.
The biggest pantomimes are staged in large venues, like the London Palladium and Birmingham Hippodrome, where productions draw thousands. The Palladium’s panto, starring a star-studded cast, is often considered the pinnacle of festive theatre. Similarly, regional theatres across the UK rely on pantos to fund other productions throughout the year, underscoring their economic importance.
Pantomimes continue to bring communities together, preserving a unique blend of tradition, humor, and holiday magic. And there will be plenty of pantomimes to catch in your local area.
Here are the top ten pantomimes in the UK
- Cinderella – Often referred to as the ‘jewel of pantomimes’, Cinderella is a perennial favourite, filled with romance, magic, and the hilarious antics of the Ugly Sisters.
- Aladdin – A tale of adventure and wishes, Aladdin delights audiences with its flying carpets, magical genies, and comedic characters like Widow Twankey.
- Peter Pan – The boy who never grows up takes audiences on a journey to Neverland, complete with Captain Hook, Tinker Bell, and plenty of swashbuckling.
- Jack and the Beanstalk – This giant-slaying adventure brings laughter and suspense with a magical beanstalk and a lovable cow.
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – This fairytale comes to life with comedy from the dwarfs and the ever-evil Queen, alongside a classic love story.
- Beauty and the Beast – Combining romance and comedy, Beauty and the Beast is a visually stunning show with a heartwarming message.
- Sleeping Beauty – With its magical fairies and a wicked villain, this story is a family favorite featuring lots of laughs and a heroic prince.
- Dick Whittington – A London-based tale of ambition and adventure, Dick Whittington features a heroic rat-catching cat.
- Goldilocks and the Three Bears – This circus-themed panto is a lesser-known gem, filled with laughs, songs, and thrilling acrobatics.
- Robin Hood – A swashbuckling tale of good versus evil, Robin Hood features sword fights, archery, and plenty of comedy.
These pantomimes continue to captivate audiences across the UK, blending tradition, humor, and festive magic.
