(01.08.2025)
As my classmates and I filtered into the magnificent London Palladium, I was very perplexed and excited. We had come to see a rendition of Robin Hood in the style of a pantomime, a famous type of English musical/comedy production. I’d read about pantomimes, browsed through photos of performances, and even heard a guest talk from Professor Steve Dykes on the subject. Still, I never could have predicted what I was about to witness!
Outside of The London Palladium.
Waiting for the show to begin!
Explaining the full pantomime experience to an American is very difficult. You have to see one to really understand what it is. So, I’ll try my best to describe it! Merriam-Webster defines a pantomime, also known as “panto”, as “a British theatrical entertainment of the Christmas season based on a nursery tale and featuring topical songs, tableaux, and dances”. However, it is much more complex than that. Firstly, the shows have little or nothing to do with Christmas itself, it’s just that they take place during the holiday season. They feature elaborate sets, costumes, and makeup. Some have compared it to drag, as they oftentimes have men dressing up as female characters and women dressing up as male characters. No matter who is playing who, their outfits are always very dramatic (and even a little bit absurd). Pantos are indeed based on folktales and children’s stories, but never follow the plot to a T. There will usually be a short scene that is semi-relevant to the story, followed by a musical number, dance routine, or comedy sketch that is completely unrelated. In my experience, it felt more like watching a musical/comedy variety show that used Robin Hood as inspiration for the costumes/general themes. Even the characters themselves weren’t entirely true to the original story. The actors implemented much of their own identities and personal lives into their dialogue. They made jabs at each other, calling each other by their first and last names. They often broke character, laughing at themselves and others. It felt more interactive and informal, while still highlighting the talents of the performers. I really liked this, as it added a lot of personality to each scene!
Julian Clery (as Robin Hood).
Julian Clery and Jane McDonald (as Maid Marion).
I have to admit that I was a bit shocked by the abundance of sexual humor (in England, they call it “smut”). I am a very open-minded person, but I think that it struck me so much because you don’t see and hear that as often in American theater. I was also surprised because people of all ages attended this show, the youngest being four or five years old. Most Americans cannot fathom bringing their children to something like a panto. We try so hard to keep any vulgarity away from young viewers. Fortunately, the panto’s inappropriate jokes are always witty enough to fly over kids heads! From what I observed, it’s a very enjoyable experience for them. A few were even invited onstage by a ventriloquist for a goofy rendition of “Old McDonald” (which poked fun at actress Jane McDonald), after which they received gift baggies. It was a nice mix of humor and wholesomeness!
Paul Zerdin, ventriloquist and comedian.
To get an even better idea of the pantomime, specifically Robin Hood, here is an interview with Marisha Wallace (who plays the Sheriff of Nottingham) and Nigel Havers (who plays Friar Tuck, amongst other characters). Marisha’s perspective is especially interesting, as she is also an American who used to be unfamiliar with this genre!
Overall, pantomimes are very obscene, over-the-top, and entertaining! They are like nothing found in American culture, but provide great insight on the English world of entertainment. I enjoyed my experience, but it’s safe to say that I’ve had my fix for a few years!
- Gillian
No comments:
Post a Comment