Pantomime

Pantomime, commonly shortened to pantomime or panto, is a form of theatre that combines spoken dialogue, songs, dance, and slapstick to tell a story, usually drawn from fairy tales or folk legends. It is designed as family entertainment and is traditionally performed during the Christmas and New Year season, particularly in the United Kingdom and other parts of the Commonwealth.

A defining feature is the use of stock characters and broad humor. Common roles include the Dame, a comic female lead often played by a man in drag; the Principal Boy, the heroic young love interest typically played by a woman; and the villain who must be thwarted. A narrator or presenter may guide the plot, while comic sidekicks and chorus numbers provide additional jokes and spectacle. Audience participation is encouraged, with applause, audience calls, and interactive songs such as the familiar 'Oh yes it is'/'Oh no it isn't' exchanges.

Origins and development: Pantomime has roots in older European traditions, including the commedia dell’arte and various forms of mimes, but it developed in Britain during the 18th and 19th centuries into the modern family-oriented stage format. Unlike pure mime, pantomime relies on spoken dialogue and musical numbers in addition to physical acting. Today it remains a staple of regional theatre in English-speaking countries, often touring and adapting stories to local cultures and current events.