What is the history of pantomime?

Pantomime has its roots in ‘Commedia dell’Arte’, a 16th-century Italian entertainment which used dance, music, tumbling, acrobatics and featured a cast of mischievous stock characters. Harlequinades were mimed with music and lots of slapstick and tomfoolery, and dominated pantomime for around 100 years.

What is a pantomime in theatre?

Pantomime (/ˈpæn.tə.maɪm, -toʊ-/; informally panto) is a type of musical comedy stage production designed for family entertainment. Pantomime is a participatory form of theatre, in which the audience is encouraged and expected to sing along with certain parts of the music and shout out phrases to the performers.

What is pantomime in drama for kids?

Pantomime, the art of acting without words, conveys a story, event or meaning with only body movement. To excel as a mime requires body awareness and control.

Why is pantomime important in theatre?

More commonly referred to as ‘Panto’, this theatrical form is passionately devoted to its audience. The sole purpose of Pantos is to make you laugh, dance and sing your heart out. And they deliver. Pantomimes are indeed deeply rooted into British culture, appearing for the first time in the 17th century.

Where do pantomimes take place in the UK?

British institution. Pantomimes take place around the Christmas period and are nearly always based on well known children’s stories such as Peter Pan, Aladdin, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty etc. Pantomimes are performed not only in the best theatres in the land but also in village halls throughout Britain.

What are some good ideas for pantomime for kids?

Pantomime Ideas for Kids 1. Mirror Exercise o The mirror pantomime exercise consists of two participants. Place two children directly facing each other. Designate one child to be responsible for starting the pantomime actions, such as body movements and facial expressions.

How did the pantomime start in the Middle Ages?

In the Middle Ages a form of theatre developed called Commedia dell’arte. This was similar to a pantomime. They told a story which had certain fixed characters: the lovers, the father, the servants etc. The Pantomime first arrived in England as a short entertainment ( entr’acte) between opera pieces. Eventually it became a separate show.

Where was the first Peter Pan pantomime performed?

Rising in popularity is “Peter Pan”, although purists would argue that this is not strictly a pantomime, but a children’s story, based on J.M Barrie’s play. “Peter Pan” first performed at the Duke of York’s Theatre, London in 1904 transferred successfully to America shortly afterwards.