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Pantomime season is upon us once again… Oh no it isn’t! Oh yes it is!
Originally, Pantomimes weren’t just restricted to Christmas time, but happened throughout the year, in conjunction with religious holidays or the seasons. 200 years ago Pantomimes were very different, being mostly centred around dancing and music but over the years, audience participation and the Pantomime Dames were introduced and Panto became what it is today.
Although often considered to be a British phenomenon, Pantomime actually developed from the Italian commedia dell’arte tradition, involving a part improvised, part scripted play that also paid homage to Greek comedies that date back to 400 BC. The idea of role reversal – a man playing the Dame and a woman playing the principal lead character – is thought to have its roots in Tudor tradition, where a “Feast of Fools” celebration would be directed by a commoner. Amazingly, this custom may have come from Rome where masters and servants would swap roles for a short time.
Despite its roots, Panto does feel like a uniquely British phenomenon and can be baffling to those unfamiliar with it. Sir Ian McKellen described panto “So many disparate elements of theatre are on display…often stretching back to Shakespeare and the origins of Western theatre tradition and yet unique to Britain”. The truth is, that whilst Panto is not a universally popular form of theatre, it flourishes in Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and even Jamaica, where Panto combines with Anansi folklore.
Next time you’re at the theatre for a Pantomime and you’re shouting “It’s behind you!!” – remember that there’s a lot of history behind Panto too!! Most importantly – Join in and have fun!!