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PantomimePantomime is a branch of theatre in which the performer uses no voice but acts out the performance using only motion, body language and gesture. It is usually, but not always done, in white face. See also mime.
In the UK, pantomime (or panto) has come to mean a non-silent form of theatre, incorporating song, dance, buffoonery, and satire, traditionally performed at Christmas, with audiences consisting mainly of children. Pantomimes tend to be loosely based on traditional children's stories, and there is only a small number of basic themes and titles, the most popular being:
The form has a number of conventions, which include:
- The leading male character (the "principal boy") is played by a young woman.
- An older woman (the "dame") is played by a man in drag.
- There is a great deal of audience participation, including calls of "he's behind you", and "oh yes it is" or "oh no it isn't".
Their cast often includes celebrities, e.g. Sir Ian McKellen playing 'Widow Twantkey' this Christmas (2004) in 'Aladdin'. In both style and content, modern Panto has very clear and strong links with Commedia dell'Arte - a form of popular theatre arising in the early middle ages in Italy and reaching England by 16th century. Shakespeare would have been very familiar with its forms and conventions.
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The Pantomime Pages
Pantomime scripts for amateur and professional groups. Sample scenes and synopses, cast lists, ordering information, and a brief history of British pantomime.
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~derek01/
Lesley Cookman's Pantomimes
Scripts by author Lesley Cookman. Babes in the Wood, Ali Baba, and Sleeping Beauty. Includes ordering information and a brief history of pantomime.
http://www.lesleycookman.co.uk/
The Old English Pantomime
Article on the history of the development of pantomime in eighteenth century England.
http://www.theatrehistory.com/british/bates002.html
Wayfarers Online
Contains information and pictures of a traditional British Pantomime theatre company nearly 40 years old.
http://www.wayfarers-pantomime.co.uk/
The D & B Panto Group
Small group putting on pantomimes for the community.
http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/d_b_panto_group
Hereford Amateur Pantomime Society
Produces annual pantomimes for raising money for local charities. Friendly, enthusiastic group who is celebrating 40 years of pantomime in Hereford as of 2003.
http://www.herefordpantomime.org
The Panto Company
Traditional-style pantomime and other theatrical entertainment and activities for children and adults.
http://www.thepantocompany.com
Yeovil Amateur Pantomime Society
Produces traditional Pantomime productions and holds social events. Information on past and future productions, tickets, membership, auditions, and facts about Panto.
http://www.yeovil-pantomime.co.uk/
It's Behind You
Comprehensive information on panto past and present. Current news and performance diary, history, picture archive of stars and posters, and information on The Magic of Theatre Roadshow.
http://www.btinternet.com/~nigel.ellacott/
Qdos Entertainment
Pantomime producer employing over 1,000 people and producing thirty pantomimes a year. Includes information on past and future productions in the UK.
http://www.qdosentertainment.com/pantomime/
A1 Panto Co
Pantomime script writers for professional and amateur productions. Titles and contact information.
http://www.a1panto.co.uk
e-Pantos
Pantomime scripts. Free download with a flat fee per production.
http://www.e-pantos.co.uk/
Lazy Bee Scripts - What is pantomime, anyway?
Explanation of pantomime with popular titles and their roots in folk culture. View only scripts plus prices.
http://www.lazybeescripts.co.uk/Panto.htm
Plays and Songs Dot Com
A selection of scripts including pantomimes available by email. Catalogue and terms.
http://www.playsandsongs.com
Pantomania
Panto script writer Timothy Foers. Scripts, add a joke and send a scene.
http://www.geocities.com/pantomania
Pantoni Pantomime
Production company staging shows for floorshows, cruises and holiday centres. Reviews, gallery and services. East Sussex.
http://www.pantoni.com/
G. Wizz Promotions
Pantomime scripts with traditional storylines, lots of comedy, and a mix of songs and action. Suitable for production by both large and small amateur dramatic groups and societies. View contact information and fees.
http://www.gwizzpromotions.co.uk/
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