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[-[[caption-width-right:350:Mother Goose NurseryRhyme (''Duke of York's Theatre'', 2022)]]-]

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* "Literature/PussInBoots"

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* '''The Father:''' his exact role varies but the character type is broadly similar. Typically (though not always) the heroine's father, often an authority figure of some sort and often a love interest for the Dame, he is a benevolent character, though he may temporarily be an antagonist until the hero proves himself or clears up a misunderstanding. Examples include Baron Hardup (Cinderella's put-upon father), the Emperor or Sultan in ''Aladdin'', the King in ''Sleeping Beauty'' and Alderman Fitzwarren in ''Dick Whittington''.



* '''The Chorus:''' No panto is complete without an all-singing, all-dancing troupe. Often there will be two of these troupes, one consisting of adults, the other of pre-adolescent children. Due to legal restrictions on the hours child actors are allowed to work, the latter will invariably be divided into at least two sub-groups.

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* '''The Chorus:''' No panto is complete without an all-singing, all-dancing troupe. Often there will be two of these troupes, one consisting of adults, the other of pre-adolescent children. Due to legal restrictions on the hours child actors are allowed to work, the latter will invariably be divided into at least two sub-groups.
sub-groups in professional productions.
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* '''Sweeties''': treats are often thrown into the audience from the stage at some point. Sadly, this tradition is being phased out in many places because of health and safety (to be fair, a fun-sized chocolate bar in the eye can be ''painful'', and theatres would rather not be sued by irate punters). Some shows will have a variation -- in ''Aladdin'', the Widow Twankey might throw comically oversized laundry into the audience instead, or in ''The Little Mermaid'', the auditorium might be filled with bubbles.

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* '''Sweeties''': treats An assortment of chocolate bars and other confectionery are often thrown into the audience from the stage at some point. A well-aimed throw with enough force can easily launch the [[EdibleAmmunition delicious projectiles]] across the stands and even up into the upper circle if given enough gusto! Sadly, this tradition is being phased out in many places because of health and safety (to be fair, a fun-sized chocolate bar in the eye can be ''painful'', and theatres would rather not be sued by irate punters). Some shows will have a variation -- in ''Aladdin'', the Widow Twankey might throw comically oversized laundry into the audience instead, or in ''The Little Mermaid'', the auditorium might be filled with bubbles.

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* '''[[{{Bifauxnen}} The Principal Boy]]'''. Sometimes the titular character, (eg, Jack or Aladdin), often a StraightMan to the Dame. The principal boy was traditionally played by a young female actor as if they had escaped from the pages of Creator/EnidBlyton (think "Bob" from ''Series/{{Blackadder}} II''). Traditionally slaps her thigh a lot. These days, professional pantomimes will often have a male Principal Boy (sometimes so they can hire a popular young soap actor/pop star to put on the poster). Though it's somewhat debatable whether the Principal Boy, when female, really counts as "cross-dressing"; she tends to wear a costume mainly composed of a leotard, fishnet tights, and high heels, and often looks significantly more feminine and sexy than the Principal Girl. This is down to the ParentService roots of the character; in the nineteenth century, putting an attractive actress in a mock-medieval doublet and hose was the only way of showing off her legs without causing a massive scandal.
** One person who you would not think of as playing a principal boy, but did in three of the four Christmas pantos put on at Windsor Castle between 1941 and 1944, was the late Elizabeth II.

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* '''[[{{Bifauxnen}} The Principal Boy]]'''. Sometimes the titular character, (eg, Jack or Aladdin), often a StraightMan to the Dame. The principal boy was traditionally played by a young female actor as if they had escaped from the pages of Creator/EnidBlyton (think "Bob" from ''Series/{{Blackadder}} II''). Traditionally slaps her thigh a lot. These days, professional pantomimes will often have a male Principal Boy (sometimes so they can hire a popular young soap actor/pop star to put on the poster). Though it's somewhat debatable whether the Principal Boy, when female, really counts as "cross-dressing"; she tends to wear a costume mainly composed of a leotard, fishnet tights, and high heels, and often looks significantly more feminine and sexy than the Principal Girl. This is down to the ParentService roots of the character; in the nineteenth century, putting an attractive actress in a mock-medieval doublet and hose was the only way of showing off her legs without causing a massive scandal.
**
scandal. One person who you would not think of as playing a principal boy, but did in three of the four Christmas pantos put on at Windsor Castle between 1941 and 1944, was the late Elizabeth II.
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* RobinHood

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* RobinHoodMyth/RobinHood
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** One person who you would not think of as playing a principal boy, but did in three of the four Christmas pantos put on at Windsor Castle between 1941 and 1944, was the late Elizabeth II.
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* '''Guest stars''' - a [[OlderThanYouThink trope dating back to]] [[UsefulNotes/VictorianBritain the late 19th Century in the UK]], whereby if more than one major panto is running in a town, they will often compete for custom by playing one-upmanship with the quality of the cast. Once the realm of respected actors (and [[Series/TheSootyShow Sooty]]), this particular aspect took a bashing during TheEighties and TheNineties when [[StuntCasting soap actors, Wolf from Gladiators, reality TV stars and Frank Bruno]] all decided to get in on the act; fortunately, most theatres seem to be a little more discerning nowadays, but the occasional Series/BigBrother contestant still slips through the cracks. This can be very lucrative work, which is why Australian soap actors decamp en masse to England in time for the season. Julian Clary, Christopher Biggins, Creator/BrianBlessed and Creator/JohnBarrowman are guaranteed to be in panto every single year. We've even taken the liberty of getting a few actors from across the pond, including Creator/HenryWinkler, Creator/DirkBenedict, Creator/DavidHasselhoff (yes, really.) and Creator/MrT. In some productions, the guest stars can turn into the SpotlightStealingSquad, but [[JustifiedTrope only if they have the chops to hold the attention of a panto audience.]]

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* '''Guest stars''' - a [[OlderThanYouThink trope dating back to]] [[UsefulNotes/VictorianBritain the late 19th Century in the UK]], whereby if more than one major panto is running in a town, they will often compete for custom by playing one-upmanship with the quality of the cast. Once the realm of respected actors (and [[Series/TheSootyShow Sooty]]), this particular aspect took a bashing during TheEighties and TheNineties when [[StuntCasting soap actors, Wolf from Gladiators, reality TV stars and Frank Bruno]] all decided to get in on the act; fortunately, most theatres seem to be a little more discerning nowadays, but the occasional Series/BigBrother contestant still slips through the cracks. This can be very lucrative work, which is why Australian soap actors decamp en masse to England in time for the season. Julian Clary, Creator/JulianClary, Christopher Biggins, Creator/BrianBlessed and Creator/JohnBarrowman are guaranteed to be in panto every single year. We've even taken the liberty of getting a few actors from across the pond, including Creator/HenryWinkler, Creator/DirkBenedict, Creator/DavidHasselhoff (yes, really.) and Creator/MrT. In some productions, the guest stars can turn into the SpotlightStealingSquad, but [[JustifiedTrope only if they have the chops to hold the attention of a panto audience.]]
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A pantomime (or "panto" for short) is a British and Irish genre of theatre. Pantos are {{fairy tale}} adaptations aimed at family audiences, full of {{slapstick}} comedy, songs, [[CrossCastRole cross-dressing actors]], [[ParentalBonus subtle dirty jokes for the adults]], [[ShoutOut regional shout-outs]] and [[DoubleEntendre sing,e double and even triple entendres galore]]. It's a soup of older genres, creating a composite genre which is traditionally played [[UsefulNotes/AVeryBritishChristmas around Christmas]] even though the performances themselves typically aren't that festive and can be told at any time of the year.

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A pantomime (or "panto" for short) is a British and Irish genre of theatre. Pantos are {{fairy tale}} adaptations aimed at family audiences, full of {{slapstick}} comedy, songs, [[CrossCastRole cross-dressing actors]], [[ParentalBonus subtle dirty jokes for the adults]], [[ShoutOut regional shout-outs]] and [[DoubleEntendre sing,e single, double and even triple entendres galore]]. It's a soup of older genres, creating a composite genre which is traditionally played [[UsefulNotes/AVeryBritishChristmas around Christmas]] even though the performances themselves typically aren't that festive and can be told at any time of the year.
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A pantomime (or "panto" for short) is a British and Irish genre of theatre. Pantos are {{fairy tale}} adaptations aimed at family audiences, full of {{slapstick}} comedy, songs, [[CrossCastRole cross-dressing actors]], [[ParentalBonus subtle dirty jokes for the adults]] and [[DoubleEntendre double entendres]]. It's a soup of older genres, creating a composite genre which is traditionally played [[UsefulNotes/AVeryBritishChristmas around Christmas]] even though the performances themselves aren't Christmas-y whatsoever.

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A pantomime (or "panto" for short) is a British and Irish genre of theatre. Pantos are {{fairy tale}} adaptations aimed at family audiences, full of {{slapstick}} comedy, songs, [[CrossCastRole cross-dressing actors]], [[ParentalBonus subtle dirty jokes for the adults]] adults]], [[ShoutOut regional shout-outs]] and [[DoubleEntendre sing,e double entendres]]. and even triple entendres galore]]. It's a soup of older genres, creating a composite genre which is traditionally played [[UsefulNotes/AVeryBritishChristmas around Christmas]] even though the performances themselves typically aren't Christmas-y whatsoever.
that festive and can be told at any time of the year.

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* '''The Chorus:''' No panto is complete without an all-singing, all-dancing troupe.

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* '''The Chorus:''' No panto is complete without an all-singing, all-dancing troupe. \n Often there will be two of these troupes, one consisting of adults, the other of pre-adolescent children. Due to legal restrictions on the hours child actors are allowed to work, the latter will invariably be divided into at least two sub-groups.
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* '''[[HistoricalInJoke Local and topical in-jokes]]'''. Some pantos have a script written specially each year. Others are available pre-written [[HarpoDoesSomethingFunny with [insert topical joke], [insert local joke], [insert name of celebrity famous for being fat] written in]]. Often jokes are at the expense of an area of the city known for being posh, or run-down; or a rivalry with a local town (see Springfield v Shelbyville). Sometimes (especially from the villain) they're just [[TakeThatAudience broadsides at the area in general.]] There will also be plenty of ActorAllusions, especially if the show has a notable Guest Star.

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* '''[[HistoricalInJoke Local and topical in-jokes]]'''. Some pantos have a script written specially each year. Others are available pre-written [[HarpoDoesSomethingFunny with [insert topical joke], [insert local joke], [insert name of celebrity famous for being fat] written in]]. Often jokes are at the expense of an area of the city known for being posh, or run-down; or a rivalry with a local town (see Springfield v Shelbyville). Sometimes (especially from the villain) they're just [[TakeThatAudience broadsides at the area in general.]] There will also be plenty of ActorAllusions, {{Actor Allusion}}s, especially if the show has a notable Guest Star.
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''Where's your career?''



----

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''It's behind you!''
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* '''Sweeties''': treats are often thrown into the audience from the stage at some point. Sadly, this tradition is being phased out in many places because of health and safety (to be fair, a fun-sized chocolate bar in the eye can be ''painful'', and theatres would rather not be sued by irate punters). Some shows will have a variation -- in''Aladdin'', the Widow Twankey might throw comically oversized laundry into the audience instead, or in ''The Little Mermaid'', the auditorium might be filled with bubbles.

to:

* '''Sweeties''': treats are often thrown into the audience from the stage at some point. Sadly, this tradition is being phased out in many places because of health and safety (to be fair, a fun-sized chocolate bar in the eye can be ''painful'', and theatres would rather not be sued by irate punters). Some shows will have a variation -- in''Aladdin'', in ''Aladdin'', the Widow Twankey might throw comically oversized laundry into the audience instead, or in ''The Little Mermaid'', the auditorium might be filled with bubbles.
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* '''[[MetaGuy The Comedian]]''': Usually, there will be another actor in a supporting role who plays the main comic relief. They are usually [[DumbIsGood dense but good-natured ]] and act as TheLancer to the hero or make up a [[ThoseTwoGuys comedic duo]] with the Dame. They're often a family member of one of the principals -- the classic example is [[CanonForeigner Aladdin's panto-exclusive brother Wishy-washy]]. Sometimes the role is [[CompositeCharacter merged with...]]

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* '''[[MetaGuy The Comedian]]''': Usually, there will be another actor in a supporting role who plays the main comic relief. They are usually [[DumbIsGood dense but good-natured ]] and act as TheLancer to the hero or make up a [[ThoseTwoGuys comedic duo]] with the Dame. They're often a family member of one of the principals -- the classic example is examples are [[CanonForeigner Aladdin's panto-exclusive brother Wishy-washy]].Wishy-washy or Cinderella's friend Buttons]]. Sometimes the role is [[CompositeCharacter merged with...]]
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* '''The Villain''': DastardlyWhiplash types straight out of Victorian melodrama. Black goatees, cloaks, canes, top hats, [[EvilLaugh devilish laughs]]. They may be Grand Viziers, wizards, witches, pirate captains or stepmothers -- whatever they are, they're always [[EvilIsHammy played with delicious relish]] and [[EvilIsCool the part every actor wants]]. Green lighting is usually present, as is appearing in a cloud of smoke from stage left[[note]]In a tradition [[OlderThanPrint dating back to medieval mystery plays]], the villains enter from stage left, which used to symbolise hell, and the heroes from stage right ("heaven")[[/note]]. They're always [[ObviouslyEvil openly and hilariously evil]]. Think Creator/AlanRickman in ''Film/RobinHoodPrinceOfThieves'' or Creator/GaryOldman in ''Film/TheFifthElement'', though these are both understated and subtle compared to a ''proper'' panto villain. Describing someone as a "pantomime villain" is an effective shorthad for saying they're cartoonishly, exultantly evil.

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* '''The Villain''': DastardlyWhiplash types straight out of Victorian melodrama. Black goatees, cloaks, canes, top hats, [[EvilLaugh devilish laughs]]. They may be Grand Viziers, wizards, witches, pirate captains or stepmothers -- whatever they are, they're always [[EvilIsHammy played with delicious relish]] and [[EvilIsCool the part every actor wants]]. Green lighting is usually present, as is appearing in a cloud of smoke from stage left[[note]]In a tradition [[OlderThanPrint dating back to medieval mystery plays]], the villains enter from stage left, which used to symbolise hell, and the heroes from stage right ("heaven")[[/note]]. They're always [[ObviouslyEvil openly and hilariously evil]]. Think Creator/AlanRickman in ''Film/RobinHoodPrinceOfThieves'' or Creator/GaryOldman in ''Film/TheFifthElement'', though these are both understated and subtle compared to a ''proper'' panto villain. Describing someone as a "pantomime villain" is an effective shorthad shorthand for saying they're cartoonishly, exultantly evil.
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* '''{{Shout Out}}s''': Usually prior to the sing-along, during the interval or after the bows. Basically, someone in the cast (usually the Dame) takes the opportunity to read out the names of the groups in the audience. There's always a Scout triio, a primary or secondary school class, a Boys'/Girls' Brigade or a company outing in the audience; normally there's more than one. There's also often shoutouts to people at their very first panto (usually either little children or baffled foreign cousins - cue laughter from the audience and cast members joking that they must be having an ''interesting'' evening) and people who've been coming for decades.

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* '''{{Shout Out}}s''': Usually prior to the sing-along, during the interval or after the bows. Basically, someone in the cast (usually the Dame) takes the opportunity to read out the names of the groups in the audience. There's always a Scout triio, troop, a primary or secondary school class, a Boys'/Girls' Brigade or a company outing in the audience; normally there's more than one. There's also often shoutouts to people at their very first panto (usually either little children or baffled foreign cousins - cue laughter from the audience and cast members joking that they must be having an ''interesting'' evening) and people who've been coming for decades.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


A pantomime (or "panto" for short) is a British and Irish genre of theatre, {{fairy tale}} adaptations aimed at family audiences. They're full of {{slapstick}} comedy, songs, [[CrossCastRole cross-dressing actors]], [[ParentalBonus subtle dirty jokes for the adults]] and [[DoubleEntendre double entendres]]. It's a soup of older genres, creating a composite genre which is traditionally played [[UsefulNotes/AVeryBritishChristmas around Christmas]] even though the performances themselves aren't Christmas-y whatsoever.

This is a very British tradition -- which (like most such traditions) baffles Americans; America used to have a somewhat similar tradition in {{Vaudeville}}, minus the association with Christmas, but that died out around the turn of the twentieth century. It's also not to be confused with actually ''miming'' things (as in EnemyMime or MimeAndMusicOnlyCartoon) - in America, the two words have become synonyms, but east of the Atlantic they're ''very'' different. Also see {{Mummers}}, another closely-related British theatrical tradition.

to:

A pantomime (or "panto" for short) is a British and Irish genre of theatre, theatre. Pantos are {{fairy tale}} adaptations aimed at family audiences. They're audiences, full of {{slapstick}} comedy, songs, [[CrossCastRole cross-dressing actors]], [[ParentalBonus subtle dirty jokes for the adults]] and [[DoubleEntendre double entendres]]. It's a soup of older genres, creating a composite genre which is traditionally played [[UsefulNotes/AVeryBritishChristmas around Christmas]] even though the performances themselves aren't Christmas-y whatsoever.

This is a very British tradition -- which (like most such traditions) baffles Americans; America used to have a somewhat similar tradition in {{Vaudeville}}, minus the association with Christmas, but that died out around the turn of the twentieth century. It's also not to be confused with actually ''miming'' things (as in EnemyMime or MimeAndMusicOnlyCartoon) - in MimeAndMusicOnlyCartoon). In America, the two words have become synonyms, but east of the Atlantic they're ''very'' different. different - if you told a Briton someone was miming, they'd think Creator/MarcelMarceau, but if you told them someone was ''pantomiming'', they'd picture a middle-aged man in drag! Also see {{Mummers}}, another closely-related British theatrical tradition.

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* '''The Principal Girl''', always young and [[IncorruptiblePurePureness full of wholesome charm]]. She will fall in love with the Principal Boy or the PrinceCharming if she's the heroine. For added [[GenderBender gender-bending]] hilarity, a boy may be cast in this role, but even with a girl it works. Friendly gay jokes are a bit of a tradition in the panto.
* '''Pantomime Villains''': DastardlyWhiplash types straight out of Victorian melodrama. Black goatees, cloaks, canes, top hats, [[EvilLaugh devilish laughs]]. They may be Grand Viziers, wizards, witches, pirate captains or stepmothers -- whatever they are, they're always [[EvilIsHammy played with delicious relish]] and [[EvilIsCool the part every actor wants]]. Green lighting is usually present, as is appearing in a cloud of smoke from stage left[[note]]In a tradition [[OlderThanPrint dating back to medieval mystery plays]], the villains enter from stage left, which used to symbolise hell, and the heroes from stage right ("heaven")[[/note]]. They're always [[ObviouslyEvil openly and hilariously evil]]. Think Creator/AlanRickman in ''Film/RobinHoodPrinceOfThieves'' or Creator/GaryOldman in ''Film/TheFifthElement'', though these are both understated and subtle compared to a ''proper'' panto villain. Anyone familiar with the career of Creator/BrianBlessed knows that he's absolutely perfect for such roles.
* [[MetaGuy The Comedian]]: Usually, there will be another actor in a supporting role who plays the main comic relief. They are usually [[DumbIsGood dense but good-natured ]] and act as TheLancer to the hero or make up a [[ThoseTwoGuys comedic duo]] with the Dame. They're often a family member of one of the principals -- the classic example is [[CanonForeigner Aladdin's panto-exclusive brother Wishy-washy]]. Sometimes the role is [[CompositeCharacter merged with...]]

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* '''The Principal Girl''', always young and [[IncorruptiblePurePureness full of wholesome charm]]. She will fall in love with the Principal Boy or the PrinceCharming if she's the heroine. For added [[GenderBender gender-bending]] hilarity, a boy may be cast in this role, but even with a girl it works. Friendly gay jokes are a bit of a tradition in the panto.\n
* '''Pantomime Villains''': '''The Villain''': DastardlyWhiplash types straight out of Victorian melodrama. Black goatees, cloaks, canes, top hats, [[EvilLaugh devilish laughs]]. They may be Grand Viziers, wizards, witches, pirate captains or stepmothers -- whatever they are, they're always [[EvilIsHammy played with delicious relish]] and [[EvilIsCool the part every actor wants]]. Green lighting is usually present, as is appearing in a cloud of smoke from stage left[[note]]In a tradition [[OlderThanPrint dating back to medieval mystery plays]], the villains enter from stage left, which used to symbolise hell, and the heroes from stage right ("heaven")[[/note]]. They're always [[ObviouslyEvil openly and hilariously evil]]. Think Creator/AlanRickman in ''Film/RobinHoodPrinceOfThieves'' or Creator/GaryOldman in ''Film/TheFifthElement'', though these are both understated and subtle compared to a ''proper'' panto villain. Anyone familiar with the career of Creator/BrianBlessed knows that he's absolutely perfect Describing someone as a "pantomime villain" is an effective shorthad for such roles.
saying they're cartoonishly, exultantly evil.
* [[MetaGuy '''[[MetaGuy The Comedian]]: Comedian]]''': Usually, there will be another actor in a supporting role who plays the main comic relief. They are usually [[DumbIsGood dense but good-natured ]] and act as TheLancer to the hero or make up a [[ThoseTwoGuys comedic duo]] with the Dame. They're often a family member of one of the principals -- the classic example is [[CanonForeigner Aladdin's panto-exclusive brother Wishy-washy]]. Sometimes the role is [[CompositeCharacter merged with...]]



* '''The PantomimeAnimal:''' Traditionally a horse -- [[TwoMenOneDress that is, two people dressed up as a horse with one at the front and the other at the back]].

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* '''The PantomimeAnimal:''' Traditionally a horse -- [[TwoMenOneDress that is, played by two people dressed up as a horse with people, one at the front and the other at the back]].back]]. Jokes about being the actor stuck playing the arse end of a horse are probably OlderThanRadio.


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* '''{{Camp}}''': To the average person in Britain or Ireland, if you wanted to define "camp", you would probably say "like a pantomime". Friendly gay jokes are a bit of a tradition in the panto, too.

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We had two different entries on the exact same subject, so I've cut it down to a single page (editing in some of the better bits from the other page, which appears to have been written by an American, and feels like an alien describing Earth!)


* '''Pantomime Villains''': DastardlyWhiplash types straight out of Victorian melodrama. Black goatees, cloaks, canes, top hats, [[EvilLaugh devilish laughs]]. They may be Grand Viziers, wizards, witches, pirate captains or stepmothers -- whatever they are, they're always [[EvilIsHammy played with delicious relish]] and [[EvilIsCool the part every actor wants]]. Green lighting is usually present, as is appearing in a cloud of smoke from stage left[[note]]In a tradition dating back to medieval mystery plays, the villains enter from stage left ("hell") and the heroes from stage right ("heaven")[[/note]]. They're always [[ObviouslyEvil openly and hilariously evil]]. Think Creator/AlanRickman in ''Film/RobinHoodPrinceOfThieves'' or Creator/GaryOldman in ''Film/TheFifthElement'', though these are both understated and subtle compared to a ''proper'' panto villain. Anyone familiar with the career of Creator/BrianBlessed knows that he's absolutely perfect for such roles.

to:

* '''Pantomime Villains''': DastardlyWhiplash types straight out of Victorian melodrama. Black goatees, cloaks, canes, top hats, [[EvilLaugh devilish laughs]]. They may be Grand Viziers, wizards, witches, pirate captains or stepmothers -- whatever they are, they're always [[EvilIsHammy played with delicious relish]] and [[EvilIsCool the part every actor wants]]. Green lighting is usually present, as is appearing in a cloud of smoke from stage left[[note]]In a tradition [[OlderThanPrint dating back to medieval mystery plays, plays]], the villains enter from stage left ("hell") left, which used to symbolise hell, and the heroes from stage right ("heaven")[[/note]]. They're always [[ObviouslyEvil openly and hilariously evil]]. Think Creator/AlanRickman in ''Film/RobinHoodPrinceOfThieves'' or Creator/GaryOldman in ''Film/TheFifthElement'', though these are both understated and subtle compared to a ''proper'' panto villain. Anyone familiar with the career of Creator/BrianBlessed knows that he's absolutely perfect for such roles.



* '''[[HistoricalInJoke Local and topical in-jokes]]'''. Some pantos have a script written specially each year. Others are available pre-written [[HarpoDoesSomethingFunny with [insert topical joke], [insert local joke], [insert name of celebrity famous for being fat] written in]]. Often jokes are at the expense of an area of the city known for being posh, or run-down; or a rivalry with a local town (see Springfield v Shelbyville). Sometimes (especially from the villain) they're just [[TakeThatAudience broadsides at the area in general.]]

to:

* '''[[HistoricalInJoke Local and topical in-jokes]]'''. Some pantos have a script written specially each year. Others are available pre-written [[HarpoDoesSomethingFunny with [insert topical joke], [insert local joke], [insert name of celebrity famous for being fat] written in]]. Often jokes are at the expense of an area of the city known for being posh, or run-down; or a rivalry with a local town (see Springfield v Shelbyville). Sometimes (especially from the villain) they're just [[TakeThatAudience broadsides at the area in general.]]]] There will also be plenty of ActorAllusions, especially if the show has a notable Guest Star.



* '''{{Improv}}''': You just can't work in panto if you're not prepared to improv occasionally. Where other productions might stop the show, panto just soldiers on. The Fairy Godmother's wand breaks? She gets another one from offstage and then claims that she always carries a spare. Need to cover an extra-long costume change or a technical hitch? Get the Dame to go out and ask the audience how they're doing. A [[FromTheMouthsOfBabes child in the audience shouts something hilarious]] that would derail the plot? Tell them the show can't end yet! The Villain and the Dame actually ''trying'' to make the other corpse? Pretty normal. After all, panto runs are often fairly demanding (two or three shows a day for six weeks to two months), and the cast and crew need to let off steam somehow, so a little extra japery is usually allowed for as long as it doesn't disrupt the running of the show.

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* '''{{Improv}}''': You just can't work in panto if you're not prepared to improv occasionally. Where other productions might stop the show, panto just soldiers on. The Fairy Godmother's wand breaks? She gets another one from offstage and then claims that she always carries a spare. Need to cover an extra-long costume change or a technical hitch? Get the Dame to go out and ask the audience how they're doing. A [[FromTheMouthsOfBabes child in the audience shouts something hilarious]] to the heroes that would derail the plot? Tell them the show can't end yet! yet because people paid for their tickets! The Villain and the Dame actually ''trying'' to make the other corpse? Pretty normal. After all, panto runs are often fairly demanding (two or three shows a day for six weeks to two months), and the cast and crew need to let off steam somehow, so a little extra japery is usually allowed for as long as it doesn't disrupt the running of the show. (In many theatres, backstage pranks during panto constitute a whole secret tradition of their own.)



* ''The Singalong'': Usually at the end[[note]] this is usually done by the Comedian and/or the Dame so the rest of the cast have time to put their posh frocks on for the final bow[[/note]], the victorious heroes will teach the audience a song. Often the audience will be split in half and ordered to compete against each other. This virtually always ends with something along the lines of 'For the first time in Panto history, it's a draw' to avoid hurt feelings on either side.

to:

* ''The Singalong'': Usually at '''The Singalong''': Also called the end[[note]] Songsheet. After the resolution of the plot[[note]] this is usually done by the Comedian and/or the Dame so the rest of the cast have time to put their posh frocks on for the final bow[[/note]], the victorious heroes will teach the audience a song. Often the audience will be split in half and ordered to compete against each other. This virtually always ends with something along the lines of 'For the first time in Panto history, it's a draw' to avoid hurt feelings on either side. Often, a deeply embarrassed parent or two will be hauled onstage in order to demonstrate the [[DanceSensation latest dance craze]] for the rest of the audience to copy.











The genre changed a lot if you wanted to compare it with how it was at its inception, especially due to most of the traditions having loosened significantly, but the fact it's constantly adapting to the modern times is what helps it not fall into decay. The jokes nowadays can get slightly political, or in general reference actual matters in the world, even though it's not abused as the audience still loves a good traditional show that is only enjoyed at a certain time of the year. Nowadays people try and cast [[GuestStar famous people]] in order to draw in [[JustHereForGodzilla more audience]], but generally the role of the Dame stays untouched in that matter as the role is so important and specialized that few famous people can actually play the role of the Dame successfully.
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* "Literature/DickWhittington"[[note]]Still in regular rotation in Britain, but not so much in Ireland since the story (about a semi-legendary mayor of London) is distinctively English.[[/note]]

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* "Literature/DickWhittington"[[note]]Still in regular rotation in Britain, but not so much in Ireland since the story (about a semi-legendary mayor of London) is distinctively English.English and most kids don't even know it anymore.[[/note]]

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! Common Pantomimes

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! Common The History of Pantomimes



* "Literature/DickWhittington"[[note]]Still in regular rotation in Britain, but not so much in Ireland since the story is distinctly English.[[/note]]

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* "Literature/DickWhittington"[[note]]Still in regular rotation in Britain, but not so much in Ireland since the story (about a semi-legendary mayor of London) is distinctly distinctively English.[[/note]]



Pantomime began as a development of the CommediaDellArte or Harlequinade, in which the characters from that tradition were used as a UniversalAdaptorCast to parody well-known stories. Victorian pantomimes often included a climactic "Transformation Scene", in which the characters were transformed into their Harlequinade analogues. This became increasingly perfunctory and was eventually abandoned as the pure Harlequinade died out and the characters became [[ForgottenTrope less recognisable]] to younger audience members. Panto revolves around an array of conventions, so much that [[SpoiledByTheFormat the audience comes already knowing what is going to happen]]. Because the stories are generally children's stories, ParentalBonus is to be expected in order to be able to entertain as much audience as possible without needing to AvoidTheDreadedGRating.

to:

Pantomime began as a development of the CommediaDellArte or Harlequinade, in which the characters from that tradition were used as a UniversalAdaptorCast to parody well-known stories. Victorian pantomimes often included a climactic "Transformation Scene", in which the characters were transformed into their Harlequinade analogues. This became increasingly perfunctory and was eventually abandoned as the pure Harlequinade died out and the characters became [[ForgottenTrope less recognisable]] to younger audience members. Panto revolves around an array of conventions, so much that [[SpoiledByTheFormat the audience comes already knowing what is going to happen]]. Because the stories are generally children's stories, ParentalBonus is to be expected in order to be able to entertain as much audience as possible without needing to AvoidTheDreadedGRating.
members.



Pantos will usually have a series of songs throughout the play, performed by the characters and sometimes accompanied by a chorus which sings and dances. Panto is also very fond of AudienceParticipation. You'll usually find the audience booing the villain, feeling empathy for the rejected characters, warning the hero of incoming danger, etc.

Traditional roles in panto generally include, but are not limited to:
* '''The Principal Boy:''' The romantic male lead, traditionally [[SweetPollyOliver played by a woman wearing men's clothing]] (even though a man playing that role isn't out of the question and is actually becoming more common with time). They're the main character in pantomime, that comes in [[AllLovingHero many]] [[AntiHero flavors]].
* '''The Principal Girl:''' The Principal Boy's love interest, played by... [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin a girl]]. She's generally depicted as [[IncorruptiblePurePureness pure and good-hearted]].
* '''The Villain:''' The BigBad of the story, they're often depicted doing what they do ForTheEvulz and [[BadBoss frequently mistreat their]] {{Mooks}}, and have a SmallNameBigEgo to hide the fact they're generally [[StupidEvil ineffective]] and always outsmarted by the hero at the end. He'll usually enter from the left (unlike the Good Fairy and other heroic characters who enter from the right) as a convenience dating back from the Medieval mystery plays where Right was considered Heaven and [[ASinisterClue left was Hell]].
* '''The Dame:''' Played by [[DisguisedInDrag a man]], she's panto's larger-than-life GrandeDame wearing a PimpedOutDress that borders on RummageSaleReject and is generally part of the Principal Boy's family, usually his [[IncrediblyLamePun Large]] [[LargeHam Ham]] of a [[MyBelovedSmother mother]] acting in a very melodramatic way, trying to remain a ProperLady despite her [[{{Gonk}} less-than-flattering]] appearance and [[ChristmasCake always failing in romancing a guy for a long enough time]]. Of course, it wouldn't be complete without getting the Dame in undignified situations. Despite her ChewToy tendencies, she's hardly evil - if she is, she's a HarmlessVillain at best.
* '''The Comic Lead:''' As the name implies, they're the comic relief (if the Dame isn't enough anyways). Usually a [[DumbIsGood dense but good-natured person]]. If they're male, they can also be interested by the Principal Girl, but they're generally [[CannotSpitItOut too timid to speak out their heart]] and will resort to sobbing to the audience.
* '''The Good Fairy:''' She's the BigGood. She serves as [[FourthWallObserver an intermediary between the play and the audience]], often being the narrator of the story [[GratuitousIambicPentameter who likes speaking in verse for whatever reason]]. If all hope is lost, she'll pull a DeusExMachina, solving everything up with a fling of her magic wand.
* '''The PantomimeAnimal:''' Most often a horse -- [[TwoMenOneDress that is, two people dressed up as a horse with one at the front and the other at the back]]. They often come in outlandish colors and [[ArtisticLicenseBiology non-biologically-correct decorations]].
* '''The Chorus:''' Not exactly a role, but they frequently appear on stage to sing and dance throughout the show several times.

Many other roles can be included depending on the source material, among other things. Not all of the aforementioned roles are mandatory, save for the Principal Boy, the Principal Girl, the Dame and the Villain, really.

The story will always be played as a conflict between [[BlackAndWhiteMorality Good vs Evil]] and will have a HappyEnding no matter what with the villain being defeated and the Principal Boy successfully marrying his love interest and living with her HappilyEverAfter. It's possible to base a panto from a story with a DownerEnding or with unfitting roles, but it must be re-adapted and rewritten to fit the mold again. Generally everyone's back for the CurtainCall, normally following [[DancePartyEnding a dance sequence]] or [[PieInTheFace throwing pies or foam blocks at each other in the final battle]], but it's generally full of energy anyways and panto ''loves'' its {{Slapstick}} humor.

Especially in the United Kingdom, regionalism abounds; depending on where you are, you can guarantee that at least one local school or community group will get a ShoutOut in the intermission, and plenty of jokes about the local area are sprinkled in. There's lots of room for improvisation too, as when things go awry, it's often [[ThrowItIn a lot more fun to simply incorporate]] [[TrashTheSet errant setpieces]] or forgotten lines into the plot than try to work around them.

to:

Pantos will usually have a series of songs throughout the play, performed by the characters and sometimes accompanied by a chorus which sings and dances. Panto is also very fond of AudienceParticipation. You'll usually find the audience booing the villain, feeling empathy for the rejected characters, warning the hero of incoming danger, etc.

! Traditional roles in panto generally include, but Panto
* '''[[DragQueen The Dame]]''', played by a middle-aged male actor in quite ''heroic'' quantities of dresses, makeup and enormous fake boobs. Often the most popular and publicised member of the cast, a Dame will often be a fixture in a particular theatre for decades. Usually the mother or aunt of the Principal Boy character (see below); in ''Cinderella'' two dames
are not limited to:
often used to play the Ugly Sisters.
* '''[[{{Bifauxnen}} The Principal Boy]]'''. Sometimes the titular character, (eg, Jack or Aladdin), often a StraightMan to the Dame. The principal boy was traditionally played by a young female actor as if they had escaped from the pages of Creator/EnidBlyton (think "Bob" from ''Series/{{Blackadder}} II''). Traditionally slaps her thigh a lot. These days, professional pantomimes will often have a male Principal Boy (sometimes so they can hire a popular young soap actor/pop star to put on the poster). Though it's somewhat debatable whether the Principal Boy, when female, really counts as "cross-dressing"; she tends to wear a costume mainly composed of a leotard, fishnet tights, and high heels, and often looks significantly more feminine and sexy than the Principal Girl. This is down to the ParentService roots of the character; in the nineteenth century, putting an attractive actress in a mock-medieval doublet and hose was the only way of showing off her legs without causing a massive scandal.
* '''The Principal Boy:''' The romantic male lead, traditionally [[SweetPollyOliver played by a woman wearing men's clothing]] (even though a man playing that role isn't out of the question Girl''', always young and is actually becoming more common with time). They're the main character in pantomime, that comes in [[AllLovingHero many]] [[AntiHero flavors]].
* '''The Principal Girl:''' The Principal Boy's love interest, played by... [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin a girl]]. She's generally depicted as
[[IncorruptiblePurePureness pure and good-hearted]].
* '''The Villain:''' The BigBad
full of the story, they're often depicted doing what they do ForTheEvulz and [[BadBoss frequently mistreat their]] {{Mooks}}, and have a SmallNameBigEgo to hide the fact they're generally [[StupidEvil ineffective]] and always outsmarted by the hero at the end. He'll usually enter from the left (unlike the Good Fairy and other heroic characters who enter from the right) as a convenience dating back from the Medieval mystery plays where Right was considered Heaven and [[ASinisterClue left was Hell]].
* '''The Dame:''' Played by [[DisguisedInDrag a man]], she's panto's larger-than-life GrandeDame wearing a PimpedOutDress that borders on RummageSaleReject and is generally part of
wholesome charm]]. She will fall in love with the Principal Boy's family, usually his [[IncrediblyLamePun Large]] [[LargeHam Ham]] of a [[MyBelovedSmother mother]] acting in a very melodramatic way, trying to remain a ProperLady despite her [[{{Gonk}} less-than-flattering]] appearance and [[ChristmasCake always failing in romancing a guy for a long enough time]]. Of course, it wouldn't be complete without getting Boy or the Dame in undignified situations. Despite her ChewToy tendencies, PrinceCharming if she's hardly evil - if she is, she's a HarmlessVillain at best.
* '''The Comic Lead:''' As
the name implies, heroine. For added [[GenderBender gender-bending]] hilarity, a boy may be cast in this role, but even with a girl it works. Friendly gay jokes are a bit of a tradition in the panto.
* '''Pantomime Villains''': DastardlyWhiplash types straight out of Victorian melodrama. Black goatees, cloaks, canes, top hats, [[EvilLaugh devilish laughs]]. They may be Grand Viziers, wizards, witches, pirate captains or stepmothers -- whatever they are,
they're always [[EvilIsHammy played with delicious relish]] and [[EvilIsCool the part every actor wants]]. Green lighting is usually present, as is appearing in a cloud of smoke from stage left[[note]]In a tradition dating back to medieval mystery plays, the villains enter from stage left ("hell") and the heroes from stage right ("heaven")[[/note]]. They're always [[ObviouslyEvil openly and hilariously evil]]. Think Creator/AlanRickman in ''Film/RobinHoodPrinceOfThieves'' or Creator/GaryOldman in ''Film/TheFifthElement'', though these are both understated and subtle compared to a ''proper'' panto villain. Anyone familiar with the career of Creator/BrianBlessed knows that he's absolutely perfect for such roles.
* [[MetaGuy The Comedian]]: Usually, there will be another actor in a supporting role who plays the main
comic relief (if the Dame isn't enough anyways). Usually a relief. They are usually [[DumbIsGood dense but good-natured person]]. If they're male, they can also be interested by the Principal Girl, but they're generally [[CannotSpitItOut too timid to speak out their heart]] ]] and will resort to sobbing act as TheLancer to the audience.
hero or make up a [[ThoseTwoGuys comedic duo]] with the Dame. They're often a family member of one of the principals -- the classic example is [[CanonForeigner Aladdin's panto-exclusive brother Wishy-washy]]. Sometimes the role is [[CompositeCharacter merged with...]]
* '''The Good Fairy:''' She's the BigGood. She In a traditional panto she serves as [[FourthWallObserver an intermediary between the play and the audience]], often being the narrator of the story and audience intermediary]], [[GratuitousIambicPentameter who likes speaking in verse for whatever reason]]. If all hope is lost, she'll pull a DeusExMachina, solving everything up with a fling of her magic wand.
wand.
* '''The PantomimeAnimal:''' Most often Traditionally a horse -- [[TwoMenOneDress that is, two people dressed up as a horse with one at the front and the other at the back]]. They often come in outlandish colors and [[ArtisticLicenseBiology non-biologically-correct decorations]].
back]].
* '''The Chorus:''' Not exactly a role, No panto is complete without an all-singing, all-dancing troupe.

! Traditional tropes in Panto
* AudienceColouringAdaptation: Because many people know the stock pantomime stories primarily from panto rather than from the original sources, their knowledge of those plots may be slightly distorted. For example, many Britons probably assume that Aladdin's mother was always called "Widow Twankey" —
but they that was originally a pantomime joke, based on the name of a cheap brand of China tea. Of course, this also happens in the other direction - if [[Franchise/DisneyAnimatedCanon there is a Disney adaptation of a particular story]], then songs, characters and plot details exclusive to that version frequently appear on stage to sing and dance throughout the show several times.

Many other roles can be included depending on the source material, among other things. Not all
up.
* '''AudienceParticipation''': Panto usually has NoFourthWall and audience participation is a treasured part
of the aforementioned roles experience. The classics are:
** The audience
are mandatory, save for the Principal Boy, the Principal Girl, the Dame expected to boo and the Villain, really.

The story will always be played as a conflict between [[BlackAndWhiteMorality Good vs Evil]] and will have a HappyEnding no matter what with
hiss every time the villain being defeated appears onstage.
** The villain will be stalking a hero around the stage, requiring the audience to holler "HE'S BEHIND YOU!" at the tops of their voices. Usually, the villain will duck behind cover as the hero exaggeratedly looks around, then looks back at the audience
and the Principal Boy successfully marrying his love interest and living with her HappilyEverAfter. It's possible says "Oh, no he isn't." The audience dutifully hollers ''"Oh, yes he is!"'' in response. This can [[OverlyLongGag go on for some time]]. This tends to base happen whenever a panto actor appears ''anywhere'' in front of an audience: British audiences are prone to collectively getting into spontaneous "Oh no he isn't"/"Oh yes he is" routines with well-known panto actors even during talk shows, quiz shows, panel shows, and other shows ''utterly'' unrelated to panto.
** Some productions go the extra mile and have the audience 'take part' in the final battle - the comedic characters will hand out massive sacks full of foam blocks to throw at the villain. Everyone gets a chance at this, even in theatres with an upper circle where the bulk of the foam will just gently glide down to the stalls.
** Any good panto will leave a pause for the regular jokes. "I didn't come here to be insulted!" (pause) Audience member(s): "Where do you usually go?" If the audience doesn't say the necessary line another cast member will.
* '''Big production''' - even the smallest amateur company will pull out all the stops for their pantomime. This is not a genre concerned with either realism or artistic minimalism. Sets are large and elaborate, the dame will usually have the [[PimpedOutDress most magnificent over-the-top dress]] (and change it every couple of scenes) and there is often a scene involving gunge, foam or other "messy" fun. ''Aladdin'' often features a scene in the Chinese laundry run by Widow Twankey, providing an excuse for filling the stage with suds. Or characters will randomly decide to do some baking, resulting in flour being thrown about. Elaborate lighting and abundant use of pyrotechnics abounds; the villains and other minor antagonists often enter
from stage left to a story barrage of green lighting and smoke, sometimes even with a DownerEnding or with unfitting roles, but it must be re-adapted and rewritten to fit the mold again. Generally everyone's back for stage fireworks going off. Some theatres even employ strobe lights! During the CurtainCall, normally following [[DancePartyEnding the already-elaborate costumes of the characters are replaced with the same, [[RuleOfCool but outfitted in shiny gold, silver, electric blue and neon green.]]
* '''Guest stars''' -
a dance sequence]] or [[PieInTheFace throwing pies or foam blocks at each other [[OlderThanYouThink trope dating back to]] [[UsefulNotes/VictorianBritain the late 19th Century in the final battle]], UK]], whereby if more than one major panto is running in a town, they will often compete for custom by playing one-upmanship with the quality of the cast. Once the realm of respected actors (and [[Series/TheSootyShow Sooty]]), this particular aspect took a bashing during TheEighties and TheNineties when [[StuntCasting soap actors, Wolf from Gladiators, reality TV stars and Frank Bruno]] all decided to get in on the act; fortunately, most theatres seem to be a little more discerning nowadays, but the occasional Series/BigBrother contestant still slips through the cracks. This can be very lucrative work, which is why Australian soap actors decamp en masse to England in time for the season. Julian Clary, Christopher Biggins, Creator/BrianBlessed and Creator/JohnBarrowman are guaranteed to be in panto every single year. We've even taken the liberty of getting a few actors from across the pond, including Creator/HenryWinkler, Creator/DirkBenedict, Creator/DavidHasselhoff (yes, really.) and Creator/MrT. In some productions, the guest stars can turn into the SpotlightStealingSquad, but [[JustifiedTrope only if they have the chops to hold the attention of a panto audience.]]
** A more recent variant is the casting of an actor with [[ShakespearianActors impeccable dramatic credentials]] (such as Sir Creator/IanMcKellen[[note]]One review concluded "...at least we can tell our grandchildren that we saw Mc Kellen's Twankey and it was huge"[[/note]]) as a Dame or another minor character.
* '''The Harlequinade''': Although a full-blown Transformation Scene is only seen nowadays in self-conscious recreations of the early pantomime, the term is sometimes used to refer to a dialogue-free slapstick interlude. Sometimes this is replaced with a more serious mime or dance section.
* '''[[HistoricalInJoke Local and topical in-jokes]]'''. Some pantos have a script written specially each year. Others are available pre-written [[HarpoDoesSomethingFunny with [insert topical joke], [insert local joke], [insert name of celebrity famous for being fat] written in]]. Often jokes are at the expense of an area of the city known for being posh, or run-down; or a rivalry with a local town (see Springfield v Shelbyville). Sometimes (especially from the villain) they're just [[TakeThatAudience broadsides at the area in general.]]
* '''[[{{Double Entendre}} Innuendo]]'''. While Pantomimes are ostensibly aimed at children, much of the humour is composed of sexual innuendo [[ParentalBonus intended to go over the children's heads]]. ("I do declare, the [[PrinceCharming Prince]]'s [[DancesAndBalls balls]] get larger every year!") PeripheryDemographic features heavily here. It isn't unusual to find work outings booked to a Panto with nary a child to be seen. Frankly half the people there with kids have only dragged them along as cover.
* '''The Intermission''': Like most productions, most pantos have an intermission roughly halfway through, and it stays true to its Victorian roots. Sometimes, the minor cast may stay on stage to perform the shout outs - in addition, this is usually the time staff at the theatre come around to sell pots of ice cream, so
it's generally full of energy anyways and definitely worth sticking around for.
* '''{{Improv}}''': You just can't work in
panto ''loves'' its {{Slapstick}} humor.

Especially
if you're not prepared to improv occasionally. Where other productions might stop the show, panto just soldiers on. The Fairy Godmother's wand breaks? She gets another one from offstage and then claims that she always carries a spare. Need to cover an extra-long costume change or a technical hitch? Get the Dame to go out and ask the audience how they're doing. A [[FromTheMouthsOfBabes child in the United Kingdom, regionalism abounds; depending on where you are, you can guarantee audience shouts something hilarious]] that at least one local school would derail the plot? Tell them the show can't end yet! The Villain and the Dame actually ''trying'' to make the other corpse? Pretty normal. After all, panto runs are often fairly demanding (two or community group will get three shows a ShoutOut day for six weeks to two months), and the cast and crew need to let off steam somehow, so a little extra japery is usually allowed for as long as it doesn't disrupt the running of the show.
* '''{{Shout Out}}s''': Usually prior to the sing-along, during the interval or after the bows. Basically, someone
in the intermission, and plenty of jokes about cast (usually the local area are sprinkled in. Dame) takes the opportunity to read out the names of the groups in the audience. There's lots of room always a Scout triio, a primary or secondary school class, a Boys'/Girls' Brigade or a company outing in the audience; normally there's more than one. There's also often shoutouts to people at their very first panto (usually either little children or baffled foreign cousins - cue laughter from the audience and cast members joking that they must be having an ''interesting'' evening) and people who've been coming for improvisation too, as when things go awry, decades.
* ''The Singalong'': Usually at the end[[note]] this is usually done by the Comedian and/or the Dame so the rest of the cast have time to put their posh frocks on for the final bow[[/note]], the victorious heroes will teach the audience a song. Often the audience will be split in half and ordered to compete against each other. This virtually always ends with something along the lines of 'For the first time in Panto history,
it's a draw' to avoid hurt feelings on either side.
** Sometimes they'll use material from other notable comedy acts, preferably older for the adults to recognise and the kids to enjoy. Such as Creator/MorecambeAndWise's version of [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HgFLJLY-2o "I'm Wishing"]] for any Snow White shows.
* '''Sweeties''': treats are
often [[ThrowItIn a lot more fun to simply incorporate]] [[TrashTheSet errant setpieces]] or forgotten lines thrown into the plot than try to work around them.
audience from the stage at some point. Sadly, this tradition is being phased out in many places because of health and safety (to be fair, a fun-sized chocolate bar in the eye can be ''painful'', and theatres would rather not be sued by irate punters). Some shows will have a variation -- in''Aladdin'', the Widow Twankey might throw comically oversized laundry into the audience instead, or in ''The Little Mermaid'', the auditorium might be filled with bubbles.








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A pantomime (or "panto" for short) is a British (and Irish) ''category'' of theatre, in which classic {{fairy tale}}s and similar stories are laced with {{slapstick}} comedy, [[CrossCastRole cross-dressing actors]] and [[ParentalBonus the occasional naughty joke the kids won't get]]. It's a soup of older genres, creating a composite genre which is traditionally played [[UsefulNotes/AVeryBritishChristmas around Christmas]] even though the performances themselves aren't Christmas-y whatsoever. Its long tradition has made it into a mass of tropes; see the entry for {{Pantomime}} as a trope.

This is a very British tradition -- which (like most such traditions) baffles Americans; America used to have a somewhat similar tradition in {{Vaudeville}}, minus the association with Christmas, but that died out around the turn of the twentieth century.

Pantomimes (or "pantos") are usually based on a relatively small pool of basic stories, mostly fairy tales and other PublicDomain media. These include:

to:

A pantomime (or "panto" for short) is a British (and Irish) ''category'' and Irish genre of theatre, in which classic {{fairy tale}}s and similar stories are laced with tale}} adaptations aimed at family audiences. They're full of {{slapstick}} comedy, songs, [[CrossCastRole cross-dressing actors]] and actors]], [[ParentalBonus subtle dirty jokes for the occasional naughty joke the kids won't get]]. adults]] and [[DoubleEntendre double entendres]]. It's a soup of older genres, creating a composite genre which is traditionally played [[UsefulNotes/AVeryBritishChristmas around Christmas]] even though the performances themselves aren't Christmas-y whatsoever. Its long tradition has made it into a mass of tropes; see the entry for {{Pantomime}} as a trope.

whatsoever.

This is a very British tradition -- which (like most such traditions) baffles Americans; America used to have a somewhat similar tradition in {{Vaudeville}}, minus the association with Christmas, but that died out around the turn of the twentieth century. \n\n It's also not to be confused with actually ''miming'' things (as in EnemyMime or MimeAndMusicOnlyCartoon) - in America, the two words have become synonyms, but east of the Atlantic they're ''very'' different. Also see {{Mummers}}, another closely-related British theatrical tradition.

! Common Pantomimes
Pantomimes (or "pantos") are usually based on a relatively small pool of basic stories, mostly fairy tales and other PublicDomain media. These include:



* "Literature/DickWhittington"

to:

* "Literature/DickWhittington""Literature/DickWhittington"[[note]]Still in regular rotation in Britain, but not so much in Ireland since the story is distinctly English.[[/note]]

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