Celebrate the magic of Pantomime

Pantomime attracts almost three million people to theatres every year. For many of us, a trip to a Pantomime marks our first journey into the world of live performances. A school trip to see a production of Aladdin, Puss in Boots or Snow White might well be a child’s first visit to a place with a stage and tippy-up seats. As we approach the festive season, theatres across the country are once more ringing out with cries of “It’s behind you!” “Oh yes, it is! Oh, no it isn’t!” – connecting generations through joy, laughter, dance, and music. 

I’m a great believer in the power of Panto

says our Chief Executive Darren Henley. “It can open a new generation to a whole new world of music, acting and dance. It could quite possibly change their lives. Inspiring them to explore their creativity, giving them a lifelong love of the theatre. One day they may appear in the cast as the lead, dame, or villain themselves, or perhaps it will spark a career behind the scenes.”  

Pantos are all about traditions. One of the best known is audience participation, where spectators become part of the show by shouting catchphrases to characters on stage – all of which have been passed down through generations. Another enduring tradition is the character of the Dame, typically played by a man in drag, harking back to a time when women were prohibited from performing on stage. Adding a touch of superstition, villains often make their entrance from the left of the stage – a practice believed to be rooted in historical theatrical conventions.

But like any production, theatres across the country like to sometimes defy tradition and make their mark on classic stories. This year is no exception. National Youth Theatre are retelling the classic fairy-tale Rapunzel through a southern African lens. Featuring an all Black cast, the show is a family adventure about home, hair, and connecting with your roots. Liverpool’s Royal Court has excited audiences over the age of 16 with a retelling of Dick Whittington where Dick tries to become the mayor of Liverpool. In a world where the streets are paved with chewing gum, the production features music from Bon Jovi to Kraftwerk and is sure to be different from any version of the story you’ve seen before.

As Pantomimes continue to evolve, their commitment to fostering a community spirit remains unwavering and theatres are increasingly recognising the importance of inclusivity. A lot of productions, such as Belgrade Theatre’s Cinderella or Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre’s Mother Goose, are offering relaxed performances. Characterised by softer lighting and minimised loud noises, these shows cater to individuals with sensory sensitivities, allowing them to partake in the joy of Panto without unnecessary discomfort. Likewise, productions such as Sleeping Beauty at Colchester Mercury Theatre incorporate sign language in selected performances to further enhance accessibility, breaking down barriers for those with hearing or visual impairments. This commitment to accessibility reflects how Panto has always aimed to be a truly community-focused art form.  

But the significance of pantomimes goes beyond the stage and hearts of the audience watching them. Pantomimes are big box office for our theatres and are a significant part of their annual income streams. By going to see a panto, we contribute towards the revenue that produce a broad range of shows and performances all year round.  As such, ensuring a vibrant and dynamic cultural landscape beyond the festive period.  

And it’s not just Panto’s that draw in the crowds over this period. Lots of theatres produce festive shows as an alternative to the traditional Pantomime, which are equally compelling for a family day out – or those who want a night out without the kids. Birmingham Rep is inviting audiences to step through the wardrobe into the mystical kingdom of Narnia with the West End show ‘The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe’. Bristol Old Vic’s Four Seasons offers a theatrical love letter to nature for children and their families, set to an exciting score of seasonally inspired tracks including, of course, Vivaldi’s iconic piece. For something a little more adult-friendly, Leeds Playhouse’s production of ‘Santa Must Die!’ is a raucous gig theatre show for the most difficult time of the year. Described as “a story about it being really bad when Christmas is all work and no play, and fighting against that which is meant to keep you down.” 

So, asked if festive theatre is important to our national cultural life, to the economic wellbeing of our towns and cities, and to increasing the happiness and seasonal goodwill of people young and old right across the country, there is only one possible reply: “Oh yes it is!” 

Are you visiting a Pantomime or theatrical production this festive period? Share the magic and tell us what Panto means to you on social media using the hashtag #MagicOfPanto.