Pantomime is one of the most traditional and loved forms of theatre. With hilarious gags, catchy songs, gender role reversal and slapstick comedy it’s great entertainment for all ages - but what makes a great pantomime? We've compiled 10 key ingredients which we think make up a greatpanto - but what would you change or add to the list?

1. A story of good vs evil

Not only should a pantomime have a plot that’s easy to understand but it should also centre around good versus evil. Audiences want to cheer on the goodies and boooo the baddies, where good characters defeat thevillain (or at least show them the error of their ways).

2. Family friendly jokes

The best pantos deliver jokes which both kids and adults appreciate. There is a fine line between what's funny and what's rude, and pantomime certainly likes to flirt with this. Much pantomime comedy is based on the battle between pun and innuendo, but delivering the right jokes for the audience is crucial.

3. Larger than life characters

Much of the pantomime magic comes from the wonderful characters. Delivering a sense of potential jeopardy and comedy simultaneously, it’s what makes it so entertaining. Every panto should have an array of colourful characters – it wouldn’t be the same without:

• Dame
• Magical character such as a fairy
• Comic
• Baddie
• Principle girl
• Principle boy
• Comedy Duo
• Squire/ Lord Evil henchman
• Magical Creatures

4. Colourful costumes

The characters and their costumes need to be larger than life. Part of the joy of panto is the eclectic array of costumes - boasting bold colours, bright patterns and plenty of glitter and glam! Anything goes with panto costumes as long as they can facilitate quick changes between scenes.

5. A flamboyant panto dame

One of the first things many think about when it comes to panto is the magnificent panto dame. While the dame must be larger than life, she's also pantomime's lynchpin, responsible for both the show's biggest comedic moments and getting the audience involved – "Oh yes, she is!".

6. A good baddie

While every pantomime needs a dame, they also need a really good villain! Panto baddies are always over-the-top characters that get the audience laughing, riled up, booing and cheering – as we know, the louder the better!

7. Lots of audience participation

We all love to get involved in the panto - whether it's booing the baddies, cheering on the hero, shouting "…he's behind you", or "Oh no, she isn't". It makes the audience feel part of the show and importantly, helps ensure that good always overcomes evil.

8. A great cast of actors

A pantomime is only as good as its cast and a great panto needs a cast of fantastic actors - a charming hero to make the audience cheer, a chilling villain who will gets the boos, a wonderfully divine dame, leading ladies and principal boys coming together to tell the story.

9. Slapstick comedy

Pantomime wouldn't be the same without a good helping of hilarious slapstick comedy. This type of comedic performance is synonymous with panto and often characterised by absurd situations, vigorous actions, over-the-top expressions, squirting water, and even custard pies.

10. Fairy tale with a twist

And finally, a key ingredient of a great pantomime is undoubtedly its ability to draw the stories it tells from well-known fairy tales. Panto brings these popular stories from our childhoods to life on the stage with a panto twist.

Don’t miss your chance to inspire your children and give them an experience packed full of fun, laughter and amazing characters. Book your tickets to watch Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs at Fairfield Halls from Friday 13th December 2024 – Sunday 5th January 2025. Find out more and book tickets at fairfield.co.uk.

Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs stars Kellie Shirley from EastEnders, Biff & Chip and Casualty as ‘The Wicked Queen’, Charlie Guest as ‘Muddles’ and the fabulous Jamie Steen as ‘Dame Dilly Donut’.

School and group rates are available, please email schools@bhlive.org.uk

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