This year’s panto season is fast approaching (oh no it’s not!, oh yes it is!).

There are lots of great productions coming up this Christmas from Aladdin and Cinderella to Peter Pan and Treasure Island.

But what is this slightly crazy, funny, annual festive event all about?

A Christmas tradition

For many families, the annual trip to the watch the local pantomime is as much part of the Christmas traditions as the turkey, Christmas tree and presents.

Three generations of my family, ranging in age from teenagers to the over 80s, enjoy a show every year.

It’s a great family outing that can be enjoyed in the run up to the big day, or in the down time between Christmas and New Year. Some amateur shows take place in January meaning you can extend the festive fun and laughter into the new year.

Pantomime history

Many people believe pantomime can trace its roots back to Commedia dell ‘Arte, the 16th-century Italian entertainment which featured Harlequin, Pierrot and Columbine.

The Victorians introduced elaborate scenery, audience participation, fairy tale characters and pantomime dames which helped to create the shows we still enjoy today.

You can read more about the history of pantomime in this article from the V&A Museum.

Panto facts and figures

Pantomimes are not pantomimes without a bit of gender role reversal. In most shows this happens in the roles of principal boy and of course, the pantomime dame.

Did you know the villain always enters from the left side of the stage, which historically represented the “bad” side, and fairies from the right.

Arts Council England estimates that almost three million people watch at least one panto performance each year in the UK.

Panto expressions

There are certain phrases and gags that reappear in every pantomime and help make shows the crazy, fun experience we all know and love.

  • “It’s behind you” – probably the most well-known panto phrase used to warn of the arrival of a ghost or evil villain
  • “Oh no it’s not!” / “Oh yes it is!” – shouted by the audience to deny or agree with something one of the characters says
  • “I did, I did, I did!” / “You didn’t, you didn’t, you didn’t!” – a humorous back-and-forth between characters or the audience

And of course, no panto would be complete without lots of cheers and boos and the odd soaking from a water pistol!

Backstage chat

We caught up with Lewes Roberts and Martyn Knight who are starring in this year’s production of Peter Pan at the Devonshire Park Theatre in Eastbourne to ask them about their own pantomime experiences.

Lewes, you’re playing Captain Hook and Martyn your role is Mrs Smee. What do you like best about playing your characters in Peter Pan?

Lewes: “He’s the most downright dastardly despot to ever sail the seven deadly seas!”

Martyn: “Although I’m technically a baddie the character is still funny and loveable.”

For many families, panto is an annual tradition. How many pantomimes have you appeared in?

Lewes: “I’ve starred in four, but Eastbourne Devonshire Park is my favourite!”

Martyn: “I’ve starred in 33!”

Panto wouldn’t be the same without the silly gags and ‘must have’ moments, like a magical transformation scene. What’s your favourite pantomime scene or gag?

Martyn: “I love doing the 12 Days of Christmas – but boy, is it tiring!”

Many actors are superstitious. Do you have any pre-show rituals?

Martyn: “I like to have a mug of lemon and honey and be alone in my dressing room.”

Finally, being in panto usually means working over the festive season. What do you love about Christmas?

Lewes: “The food!”

Martyn: “Coming to Eastbourne and working with my ‘panto family’.”

East Sussex Pantomimes

As well as the Devonshire Park Theatre’s production of Peter Pan, there are many other professional and amateur pantomimes being staged locally this year. Read our Plenty of Pantos article for details of all the panto fun taking place in East Sussex this Christmas.