The History of Pantomime

The pantomime (or ‘Panto’ for short!) is a traditional British past time where children and adults alike can be entertained at their local theater during Christmas time. Traditionally these stories would be based on fairy stories, fables or folk tales. They would include songs and gags. As well as slapstick comedy and dancing. Audience participation is heavily encouraged with with cast members often coming into the auditorium to interact with the audience. The audience are always encouraged (and expected) to shout out certain phrases (oh yes they is / oh no there isn’t) and sing-a-long with certain parts.

But where did the idea of where these beloved past times begin? The history of pantomimes can be traced back to the ancient Roman times, during the “Saturnalia” midwinter feast. It was celebrated from 17th – 23rd December. Possibly originating as a farmers festival to mark the end of the planting season. During this week long celebration, “no business was allowed”, with the focus being on having fun. During this festival, everything was supposed to be turned upside. So men dressed up as women and women dressed up as men. Which mirrors a modern day panto’s as we know them.

When did pantomimes first come to Britain?

Pantomimes first came to Britain in the 18th century from the ‘commedia dell’arte’. This is the Italian tradition of improvised theatre. The stories of the commedia dell’arte had many ‘stock’ characters in them such as clowns and jesters and a ‘baddie’. Traditional plots got mixed up with fairy stories, folk tales, or tales from the Arabian Nights stories. Gradually evolved into the dozen or so familiar stories of the panto repertoire that are still used today. The traditional figures from the commedia dell’arte gradually disappeared, and pantomimes became more as we know them today. They also became an expected part of our Christmas festivities. Traditionally starting on Boxing Day (or often before Christmas now so more people can see them!).

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, pantomimes were changed quite a lot by the popularity of the music-hall entertainments. The stars of the day, comedians and music hall artistes, sometimes changed the plot an awful lot, just so they could do their own normal routines! Nowadays pop stars and television personalities continue this tradition, all turning up in panto, but the stories are not often changed too much.