Pantomimes, also called pantos , are traditionally put on in theatres throughout Britain for several weeks before and after Christmas . Most are intended for children. They are a British tradition which has developed over several centuries. A pantomime combines a fairy tale with comedy, music and singing, acrobatics and verse. Among the most popular stories are Aladdin , Babes in the Wood , Cinderella , Dick Whittington and, Jack and the Beanstalk .
The audience usually takes an active part in a performance: characters on stage speak to the audience directly and they shout back their answer. Sometimes they have noisy arguments, exchanging shouts of ‘Oh yes, it is’ and ‘Oh no, it isn’t’. Audiences are often encouraged to join in the singing, and to boo loudly whenever a bad character appears. Other pantomime traditions include that of the hero, called the principal boy , being played by a young woman, and a comic old woman, called a dame , being played by a male comedian. Pantomimes often also include several animal characters played by actors in animal costume.
Many of the most successful pantomimes performed in professional theatres have well-known television or sports personalities playing leading roles. Hundreds of amateur pantomimes are also put on each year.
Pantomimes of this kind do not exist in the US where the word pantomime means a play or entertainment performed without words.
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