Christmas - Sarah Coles

The Magic of the Pantomime: A Beloved Christmas Tradition

What is a Pantomime?

If you’ve never experienced a pantomime, you’re in for a treat. A pantomime, or “panto,” is a unique blend of theatrical storytelling, comedy, audience participation, music and a dash of over-the-top theatrics. Typically staged during the festive period, these theatrical productions are rooted in fairy tales or well-known children’s stories such as Cinderella, Aladdin or Jack and the Beanstalk, but always with a playful twist.

A panto involves exaggerated characters, silly humour and a delightful mix of jokes that cater to both children and adults—plenty of giggles for the little ones and the occasional cheeky innuendo to keep the grown-ups entertained. The interactive nature of a pantomime makes it truly special, with the audience encouraged to boo villains, cheer heroes and shout phrases like “It’s behind you!” It’s less about sitting silently in your seat and more about reconnecting with the joy of live shows as an active participant.

But why are pantomimes such a significant part of the British Christmas season? To understand this beloved tradition, we need to step back in time.

A Brief History of Pantomime

The roots of pantomime can be traced all the way back to Ancient Rome and later Italian commedia dell’arte in the 16th century. Commedia dell’arte was a form of improvised street theatre featuring stock characters like the cunning servant, the lovesick hero and the greedy villain. These narratives of love, trickery and mistaken identity formed the stylistic blueprint for what would eventually morph into pantomime.

Pantos as we know them began to emerge in the 18th century in England, combining elements of commedia dell’arte with the British tradition of the Harlequinade—a wordless comedic performance focusing on mime and slapstick. Come the Victorian era, pantomimes took on their modern form with a festive connection, vibrant costumes and a focus on family-friendly tales imbued with music and comedy.

Over time, pantomime evolved and firmly established itself as a Christmas tradition. It has become one of the highlights of the holiday season in Britain and other parts of the Commonwealth, with theatres big and small staging colourful productions to entertain audiences during this magical time.

What Are Pantomimes Famous For?

Pantomimes are best known for their unique characteristics and traditions, many of which are quirky, charming, and downright hilarious. Here are some of the key elements that make pantomimes instantly recognisable:

1. The Principal Boy

Traditionally, the hero of the story—known as the principal boy—is played by a young woman dressed in breeches or other masculine attire. This gender-bending tradition dates back to a time when male leads were styled as dashing yet androgynous figures to appeal to Victorian audiences. These days, it adds an extra layer of fun to the performance.

2. The Panto Dame

A panto is incomplete without its larger-than-life Dame. Played by a man in outrageously extravagant dresses, the Dame is an over-the-top character who’s often the heart of the comedy. Whether cracking jokes, singing songs or interacting directly with the crowd, the Dame is a panto legend.

3. Audience Participation

Audience interaction is a defining feature—and one of the absolute joys—of pantomime. Audience members cheer for the hero, boo the villain, and join in the chants like “Oh no it isn’t!” and “Oh yes it is!” These moments blur the lines between performer and spectator, creating a truly lively atmosphere.

4. Slapstick Comedy

Expect plenty of comedic hijinks, from pies in the face to characters hilariously tumbling offstage. This physical comedy tradition is loved by children and adults alike.

5. Modern References and Local Jokes

Pantomimes often include cheeky contemporary references, from pop songs to political satire, ensuring the fairy tale plot feels fresh and relevant. And don’t be surprised to hear local in-jokes specific to your town or community—they bring that added personal charm.

6. Magical Effects and Stunning Costumes

Pantomimes are visual feasts. Expect glittering costumes, fairy-tale-inspired sets, and even a touch of magic with creative special effects to delight the young and young at heart.

Why Should You Go to a Pantomime?

Still wondering if you should book your tickets? Here’s why pantomimes are absolutely worth the visit this Christmas season:

1. A Bonding Experience for Families

Pantomimes are the perfect outing for families. With multi-generational humour and moments designed to captivate both children and adults, a panto is an activity that everyone in your family can enjoy together. Whether it’s your child’s first magical experience in a theatre or a cherished annual tradition with grandparents, a panto creates lasting memories.

2. Unforgettable Festive Spirit

Pantomimes are a colourful explosion of festive cheer. From the feel-good tales to Christmas songs and glitter-strewn stage effects, nothing captures the seasonal spirit quite like a panto performance. They leave the audience warmed with joy and excitement for the holidays.

3. Support Local Theatres

Heading to a pantomime during the festive season is also an excellent way to support your local theatres. These shows are often a critical financial boost, enabling theatres to fund more productions and foster emerging talent.

4. An Escape from the Everyday

There’s magic in stepping into the world of imagination, where frogs turn into princes, and a pumpkin transforms into a carriage. A panto provides a much-needed escape from everyday stresses, letting you immerse yourself in laughter, wonder and joy.

5. Fun for All Ages

Pantomimes are carefully crafted to appeal to all ages. Whether you’re a lifelong theatre lover chuckling at the actor’s improvisation or a child enchanted by the glittery stage and slapstick humour, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Make a Date with Panto Magic

Few things rival the warmth and excitement of a pantomime during Christmas. Packed with dazzling costumes, cheeky jokes, heroic tales and an abundance of festive joy, pantos are a beloved tradition for good reason. Whether you’re a theatre aficionado or someone making their first trip to the theatre, rest assured—the experience will leave you capturing that magical holiday feeling long after the final bow.

This Christmas season, why not grab your tickets and discover the magic for yourself? Remember to bring your loudest cheers and your sense of humour—you’re in for a truly spectacular show.

Further Reading: The Enchanting Tale of Mistletoe at Christmas

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The Story Behind the Advent Calendar: A Timeless Tradition

The Christmas Season approaches and with it comes the age-old tradition of the advent calendar. You may know it as the cardboard box filled with chocolates or trinkets that you open each day leading up to Christmas, but did you know that the advent calendar has a rich history and cultural significance?

The advent calendar we know and love today has its roots in 19th-century Germany. Families would use chalk or chalkboard to count down the days leading up to Christmas, slowly filling in the days until December 24th. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that the first printed advent calendars were produced, featuring colourful winter scenes and Bible verses. These early calendars were expensive and often used as a gift, but they quickly gained popularity thanks to their festive imagery and interactive features.

By the mid-20th century, advent calendars had made their way across Europe and beyond, with each country putting their unique spin on the tradition. In the UK, the calendars were often designed with glitter and foil to draw attention to the sweets inside. In Scandinavia, it was common to use small candles to mark the days to Christmas, while in the United States, advent calendars have historically been less focused on religious iconography and more on secular holiday symbols.

While the design and style of advent calendars have certainly evolved, the underlying message has remained the same: to bring a sense of anticipation and joy to the holiday season. This is why it’s no surprise that many families continue to pass down the advent calendar tradition from generation to generation, with some even making their own DIY calendars to mark the occasion.

In recent years, there has also been a rise in advent calendars that go beyond the traditional candy or trinkets. From wine and beer to beauty products and toys, companies have capitalised on this beloved tradition to offer consumers unique and exciting ways to count down to Christmas. While some purists may argue that these modern takes stray too far from the original meaning of the advent calendar, it’s clear that the tradition continues to evolve and thrive in new and exciting ways.

It is hard not to be fascinated by the rich history and enduring popularity of the advent calendar. From its humble beginnings in Germany to its global popularity today, the Advent calendar is a true testament to the power of tradition and community. Whether you choose to celebrate with a classic chocolate-filled calendar or a unique modern twist, the advent calendar is a wonderful way to connect with loved ones and embrace the spirit of the season. So go ahead, start counting down the days to Christmas – the advent calendar has got you covered.

Further Reading: Unwrapping the Story of Fruit in your Stocking, The Church of England – Advent

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Unwrapping the Story of the Christmas Card

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – a season of joy and giving, of carols and tinsel and, of course, the humble but much-loved Christmas card. Have you ever wondered how this tradition came to be? The history of the Christmas card goes back to the early 19th century, and it’s a tale that’s as intriguing as it is heart-warming.

The first Christmas cards were not actually cards at all; they were painted on wood or printed on single sheets of paper. In 1843, Sir Henry Cole, a senior civil servant in London, commissioned artist John Calcott Horsley to design a card he could send to family and friends. The card featured a festive scene of a family enjoying a Christmas dinner, and it carried the now-familiar message, “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You.” Cole had a thousand copies printed and sold them for a shilling each. The idea caught on, and by the end of the century, millions of Christmas cards were being sent every year.

In the early days, Christmas cards were expensive and thus, a luxury only the wealthy could afford. The cost of postage was also high, so cards were often hand-delivered. However, advancements in printing and transportation made it possible for cards to be mass-produced and sent through the post. This development made it possible for people across the country to connect and exchange messages of goodwill and holiday cheer.

Throughout the years, the style and design of Christmas cards have evolved to reflect changing trends and values. The Victorians favoured elaborate, ornate designs with sentimental messages, while the Edwardians preferred simpler, nature-inspired designs. During World War I, cards featuring patriotic themes and messages of support for the troops were widely popular. Today, Christmas cards come in a myriad of styles and designs, from traditional to humorous, religious to secular and everything in between.

Despite the rise of digital communication, the tradition of sending Christmas cards remains an important part of UK culture. It’s still a way to keep in touch with loved ones and express gratitude and good wishes.

The story of the Christmas card is a reminder of the power of human connection and the enduring value of tradition. From its humble beginnings as a hand-painted greeting to its place in modern culture as a mass-produced form of communication, the Christmas card has come a long way. Even as we embrace digital technology and new forms of communication, there’s something special about taking the time to choose and send a physical card to someone. So this Christmas season, why not bring a smile to someone’s face by sending them a Christmas card? As the old saying goes, “A Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”