Why pantomimes are a key part of the festive period

Everybody loves a pantomime, right? The cheesy jokes, glittering costumes and endless opportunities to shout at the top of your lungs for two hours without being judged are all a classic part of a British Christmas. Unfortunately, thanks to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, most pantomimes around the country have been cancelled for the 2020 season.

I work front of house at a theatre, so I’ve seen first-hand just how important pantomimes can be to people. I’ve seen kids’ jaws drop as they step into a theatre auditorium for the first time in their lives, and three generations of families sitting together to take in the show. For many kids this may be their first exposure to the arts and for many families, it may be the only time of the year they’re all able to get together. Pantomimes are a symbol of festive cheer, fun and togetherness - all things that 2020 is desperately in need of.

The impacts of pantomime cancellations stretch beyond the audiences missing out on festive fun. Pantomime dames stepped out in London to protest the lack of support offered to the arts industry throughout the pandemic (https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/panto-dames-protest-government_52497.html), highlighting the importance of pantomime to the industry.

It’s not just the performers who are missing out this year - everybody from costume designers and lighting technicians to front of house staff like myself have lost a vital source of income during the most expensive time of the year. As somebody who works in a relatively small, local theatre I can attest to the fact that pantomime season is by far our busiest time and is essential for making sure the theatre makes enough money to continue operating.

Christmas without the bright costumes, sparkling sets and flashing lights of pantomime may seem bleak, but it’s not all bad. Programs such as the National Lottery funding (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-54477298) have allowed a small number of pantomimes to go ahead, and various pantomimes such as Panto Online’s Jack and the Beanstalk will allow families to enjoy the show from the comfort of their own home.

Still, nothing quite compares to live theatre and I can only hope that the Dames will be back on stage where they belong by this time next year.

Edited by Hannah Youds