Greetings.

A lot of people have asked me about Pantomime and what it is.

For an American to fully understand Panto, as it is called in Britain, she/he would have to be a very informed anglophile or have lived in U.K. for many years, and more importantly gone to see at least one panto. I had tried to explain to
Marilyn, my wife, many times about what pantomime was. But she never quite got the full concept of it. Finally, when we were in Europe a couple of years ago, we managed to see a Christmas Pantomime show. NOW She gets it!

It is very difficult to understand and actually appreciate the premise. It has been a part of British theatre since the early part of the 18th century, and was extremely popular in late Victorian times. During that period women played the parts of
men, and only then were they allowed to show more than a well trimmed ankle. The part of the Dame has always been sought after by the great comedians of the day and still is. It is always played by a man. The part of the Leading Lady is played by a beautiful actress and the Principle Boy is a girl. The main thrust of the story is conflict between the good and evil characters who vie for control. There is a good fairy and a wicked witch or bad guy like King Rat, but it all works out in the end with the bad guys getting their “come uppence” or being converted to
goodness. Many love tangles occur, but they also get sorted out, and everyone lives “happily ever after.”

It can be, (NAY, IS) very rude, coarse, politically incorrect, full of double entendre, mispronunciations, and cross dressing, but it is extremely funny (if you understand British humor) and a pure delight to all the family. The kids love it. Both they, and their parents, join in the hissing and booing of the bad characters, cheering the good guys and calling out things like, “He’s behind you,” when the monster appears.

I hope that you and your family will join in with all the hissing and booing and will sing the chorus that is written especially for you.

 I have written Queen Moya’s Magic Cupcake in the style of a pantomime, but as a much gentler version. Maybe next year we can do the real thing. Look out State College, the British are coming! I hope you enjoy the show.

Jon Vickers-Jones