A History of Pantomimes

Each Christmas entire families in the UK troop off to see, what one could almost say is ‘the
obligatory’. annual entertainment, known as Pantomime. It is a traditional, seasonal way
of life for the British envied the world over, and one which only the British seem to
understand! Pantomime serves both to entertain and to introduce each new generation to
the joys of theater in the most unique of ways, for this is not a type of theater one merely
watches, but one in which the audience participate – often in the most seemingly boisterous
and bizarre of ways. The whole experience is steeped in tradition, traditions which only the
British seem to understand, which is probably why we are proud to call it a ‘British
Experience.

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In The Pocket Guide to Pantomime Maureen Hughes takes a brief look at the history of
Pantomime as well as taking a humorous look at some of the above mentioned traditions; she
also gives a synopsis of each of the well-known Pantomimes whilst exploring the eccentric
world of the characters who appear in them. There is also a short piece on just some of the
most well-known and loved of the actors who each Christmas take on the part of Pantomime
Dames across the UK, as well as a look at others who have contributed to this magical world
of fun and eccentricity. It is thought by some to be frivolous and pointless piece of theater,
but a browse through this informative book and you will soon find that Pantomime is an art
form all of its own, requiring the most dedicated and talented of actors/actresses who are
prepared to honor and perpetuate this wonderful tradition as it is passed down from one
generation to the next.