Pantomimes

Nearly all my exams are over now - blogging time again. Hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year!____________________________________

There's a man in a a purple spotty dress and he's flirting the girl in fishnet tights and heels - but she's called Paul. And sweets are scattering down on the audience. Where are you? At a pantomime of course!

I think pantomimes are my favourite thing about January (despite my birthday on the 22nd). Brought about the liven up and excite the winter months, these bright and colourful musical plays with simple storylines are easy to follow, fun and filled with boundless audience participation. I'm guessing pantomimes are a British tradition, so I will explain.

In a pantomime there are several musts. Firstly, there is always a pantomime dame. This man is dressed as a woman for comedy effect. Note the silly make-up, high heels and colourful dress that will change into an even sillier one somewhere in the show. Probably for the wedding at the end. Also, note important lines on how attractive the male leads are.

The main roles will be a young couple. Both of these are usually played by women, but are different from the dame in that there's is not a comedy role. The girls are seriously playing a couple in love (or as serious as you can get in a panto).

And, the best role in my opinion, is always the comedy good guy. If the play's Cinderella it'll be Buttons, or Simple Simon.

You've also got your bad guy, with a pair of comedy henchmen. Make sure you boo and hiss a lot! You've got the "he's behind you" section and the "no, it's not", "yes, it is" bit. Probably a song, and some birthdays, with people getting up on stage.

Professional pantomimes at Nottingham or London on the big stage are always, in my opinion, not as good. Everything is much more polished, and there's less ad-libbing, which is an vital aspect alone. Sure, they're good if you want to see ex-soap actors and actresses being a bit less serious. And of course there are good bits. However, I believe to get the full pantomine effect you have to see an amateur one.

Every year, we go to see an amateur pantomime around where we live. There are a group of actors called the Enfield Players, who do an annual pantomime, always with the same people playing similar roles. This year it was Ali Baba, but it past years it has been Cinderella, Dick Whitington. It's always such a laugh, especially when we go with these old friends of ours, who are the same age. We're outgrowing it fast - but we don't care! Besides, it's fun to make as much noise as you want during a production , something sadly missing from ordinary plays.

This pantomime always has some wooden acting, and some droopy unenthusiastic dancers, but there are gems which make the whole thing brilliant. In fact, the less good bits are what makes the whole thing real.

So, when next time you're in Britain during January, search around for an amateur pantomime. You'll have a great laugh, and it's brilliant for cheering you up when you're down. Enjoy the bad acting, laugh at the dodgy lines and smile at the grumpy dancers! Feel cheerful and carefree when the show draws to a close with a wedding and animated finale, and forget about the depressing month until later.

Loads more info on a simple google search, if anyone's interested.