At our January meeting Ann Featherstone gave an interesting talk on the history of pantomime. Originating in Italy, Panto is now predominantly a British phenomenon. Although sometimes staged in a few other countries, no-one likes a Panto quite like the Brits – and the Americans are totally bewildered by its frivolity and suggestive jokes.
It all began in the 1700’s, when travelling theatre companies performed plays for adults all year round and particularly at holiday times. To send the audience home happy, after a serious play a short light hearted story was sometimes mimed or sung, which over time became funny and sometimes spectacular with fire, explosions, or illusions.
Theater stage with red curtains, spotlights and moon. Theatre interior with empty wooden scene, luxury velvet drapes and decoration, music hall, opera, drama cartoon background, Vector illustration
In the 17th century theatres began to be built in London. John Rich of the Lincolns Inn Theatre was a dancer and flexible performer who played Harlequin. In his act he incorporated a stick to do magic/illusions – this was the prerequisite of the fairy wand. A bigger stick was split to make a loud “crack” when slapped against his thigh – hence the word “slapstick”. His shows were so popular that he built Covent Garden Theatre on the proceeds! His main rival, David Garrick of The Garrick Theatre in Drury Lane, took Panto to the next stage by introducing dialogue and intricate plots, sometimes with scandalous stories woven into the plot. Over time the original characters evolved, and the Dame – a visual anomaly of a man outlandishly dressed as a woman – took the place of the clown in pantaloons and heavy white face paint as the comic character.
In the 1850’s Queen Victoria encouraged the idea of a family entertainment show at Christmastime. By the 19th century visual impact became more important. The audience expected spectacular scenery and costumes, so scenery makers and costumiers set up business. To attract the public, celebrities were engaged to perform – initially Music Hall entertainers, then radio and TV celebrities. During WW2 soldiers performed Panto in army camps to stave off boredom and boost morale.
Today panto is probably a child’s first experience of the theatre, and is family entertainment which appeals to all ages. “Oh yes it is!”.
At the next History Society meeting in St. Mary’s Church at 7.30pm, on Wednesday 15th March the talk is entitled “Women’s Suffrage in Nottingham”. At the meeting on 19th April the talk will be about “Rufford Park – a history mystery“.
Visitors are very welcome.
Written by The East Leake & District Local History Society