Pantomime

Pantomime is a branch of theatre in which the performer uses no voice but acts out the performance using only motion, body language[?] and gesture. It is usually, but not always done in white face.

In the UK, "pantomime" has come to mean a non-silent form of theatre traditionally performed at Christmas, with audiences consisting mainly of children. Pantomimes tend to be based on traditional stories, and there is only a small number of basic themes and titles, the most popular being:

• Aladdin
• Babes in the Wood[?] (often combined with Robin Hood)
• Cinderella
• Dick Whittington
• Jack and the Beanstalk
• Mother Goose
• Puss in Boots
• Sleeping Beauty

The form has a number of conventions, which include:

• The leading male character (the "principal boy") is played by a young woman.
• An older woman (the "dame") is played by a man in drag.
• There is a great deal of audience participation, including calls of "he's behind you", and "oh yes it is" or "oh no it isn't".