You Won’t Believe Why 1 in 5 Brits Can’t Stop Screaming at Pantomimes This Holiday Season!

LONDON — The festive season in Britain is not just marked by twinkling lights and carol singing; it's also a time for family traditions, one of which is the beloved holiday pantomime. This year's show, Wicked Witches, at a North London theater, introduces audiences to a cackling green witch who sets the tone with an unexpected twist—she demands the crowd boo her as loudly as possible because, after all, she is the villain. It's a playful invitation that sets the stage for the audience's active participation, a hallmark of pantomime performances.

Pantomimes, often referred to as "pantos," have a unique place in British culture, with families flocking to theaters during the holiday season to experience these lively, interactive shows. The genre is characterized by its comedic elements, exaggerated characters, and a tendency to play with well-known stories, often incorporating pop culture references and music. The show currently at the Pleasance Theatre takes inspiration from The Wizard of Oz and Wicked, envisioning a scenario where Dorothy, here renamed Dor, returns to Oz two decades after her first adventure. However, in pantomimes, plot often takes a back seat to the humor, innuendos, and catchy tunes that audiences come to enjoy.

In addition to the colorful characters and audience participation, pantomimes frequently feature celebrities. Wicked Witches stars former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, appearing on video as the Wizard of Oz-lington, a clever nod to Islington, the London constituency he represents. The show also showcases actor Sir Ian McKellen, renowned for his role as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings series, who makes a cameo as Toto the dog.

Interestingly, the pantomime was penned by American Shane "ShayShay" Konno, a California native who has spent over a decade in the UK. Konno reflects on their journey, admitting that understanding pantomime was a cultural hurdle after moving to the UK. "I didn't grow up in the U.K., and when I moved here, starting to understand pantomime felt like a huge cultural hurdle," they say. Despite this, Konno has crafted a show that is not only entertaining but also inclusive, featuring a nonbinary character in the lead role of Dor and promoting messages of acceptance and diversity.

Pantomimes have deep roots, tracing back to Italian commedia dell'arte from the 16th century, with British pantomime evolving over the years to become a communal spectacle. Johnny McKnight, a veteran pantomime performer and writer from Paisley, Scotland, underscores the significance of these productions in British Christmas celebrations, emphasizing that many families regard pantomimes as a cherished holiday tradition. "When you do a pantomime, and you're doing 12 shows a week, you're giving people the gift of their Christmas ritual, their Christmas night out," says McKnight, who often dons drag to play the dame, a traditional role in pantomimes.

At the Wicked Witches performance in North London, there were numerous young audience members experiencing the theater for the first time. Eight-year-old Imogen Coackley, attending with her father and younger sister, expressed her delight in the show, saying, "They say very funny jokes and talk to the audience." This interaction creates a magical atmosphere where children not only watch but also engage with the performance, marking a significant milestone in their cultural upbringing.

With a dual version of Wicked Witches catering to both families and adults, the show masterfully balances humor for all ages. While some of the jokes may have a naughty undertone, they are cleverly disguised for younger audiences, allowing adults to share a knowing chuckle. As McKnight notes, the joy of seeing children experience the magic of theater and share in the fun is one of the most rewarding aspects of performing.

As families across Britain gather to watch pantomimes this holiday season, productions like Wicked Witches highlight the importance of community, inclusivity, and cherished traditions within the rich tapestry of British culture. This festive entertainment is more than just a theatrical performance; it’s a celebration of storytelling, laughter, and togetherness that resonates with audiences of all ages.