English pantomime dates from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. During the reign of Queen Victoria in the nineteenth century, English Panto became more closely associated with burlesque. Gradually, it developed into its current form, a comic play based on a fairy tale and performed during the holiday season. Traditionally, the hero is a young woman, comic characters are dressed outrageously and the villain is highly hiss-worthy. The play invites audience participation and local celebrities are often featured, giving added fuel to the humor.
British pantomime offers something for everybody.
Children delight in seeing their favorite fairy tale characters brought to life in a fantastical setting. Adults are sure to pick up on the parody, guffaw at the farcical comedy, and roar with laughter at the local references that are an integral part of the hilarious production. Kids of all ages can cheer and shout for the heroine, boo and hiss the wicked stepmother, and squeal with delight when good ultimately triumphs over evil and Cinderella finds her long-lost Prince Charming.