Pantomime has many different meanings, the word pantomimus, meaning actors who were masked when performing would rely on gestures and not speak when playing their roles in a fable (story with a moral). Although they would have chorus members who would narrate the story. At the start of the twentieth century pantomime became more known as entertainment for children based around nursery tales.
English pantomime's are known to have taken inspiration from 'Commedia dell' Arte'. This became an international performance when comedy companies toured outside of Italy. Characters wore half masks and costumes that were true to their characters meaning that the audience members were able to know who and what their characters were the second they stepped on the stage.
Emphasis on the singing and dance became when commedia toured Great Britain as they could not speak English they had to mime as well as much singing and dancing involved.
Music then became involved when Harlequin carried a baton which had a hinged flap which meant it would be used as a slapping noise of clapping noise. This gave the performance a better theatrical effect. Even today we have comic timing with the drummer to make sound effects to enhance trips, falls, hits etc.
English pantomime's are known to have taken inspiration from 'Commedia dell' Arte'. This became an international performance when comedy companies toured outside of Italy. Characters wore half masks and costumes that were true to their characters meaning that the audience members were able to know who and what their characters were the second they stepped on the stage.
Emphasis on the singing and dance became when commedia toured Great Britain as they could not speak English they had to mime as well as much singing and dancing involved.
Music then became involved when Harlequin carried a baton which had a hinged flap which meant it would be used as a slapping noise of clapping noise. This gave the performance a better theatrical effect. Even today we have comic timing with the drummer to make sound effects to enhance trips, falls, hits etc.
Pantomimes are a form of entertainment for children near Christmas time, it's a time when children get a chance to travel with their families or schools and enjoy a piece of theatre.
Pantomimes are such an important part of Christmas I believe and will live on for many, many years to come and will keep on evolving!
Pantomimes are such an important part of Christmas I believe and will live on for many, many years to come and will keep on evolving!