Pantomime: A play like no other

This very British form of drama held early in the Christmas season is beloved by most of my friends from the UK and leaves Americans a bit bemused.

Usually loosely based on a commonly known children's story, the play reflects on local culture, politics, and business foibles, has the male lead played by a young woman and a main female character enacted by a man. Plays include roles for many children and teens as well as offering beginning parts for persons wanting to try out their acting skills.

The interaction with the audience includes line-and-response i.e. "Oh no you don't." "Oh yes you do!" or "Behind you." With the audience giving one or more of the lines at the "proper" time with some guidence from one of the characters. Usually there is a time in the play where candy is thrown to the crowd, or audience volunteers participate in the action, only to get a pie in the face.

Frequently there are singing solos, to showcase real talent, lots of plays on words/phrases and puns along with slapstick kinds of humor enjoyed by children of all ages. The political satire keeps the adults focused while the children wait to see what will happen with their hero.

Of course, there are all the behind the scenes jobs and tasks as well: setting and managing the lighting, costume design and fitting, props creation, location and management, publicity, stage direction, orchestra and choreography practices, painting of backdrops and more.

The spoken lines of the play and the gestures or pranks of the actors are enhanced almost daily to incorporate local events and news, with each performance being somewhat different from the one before. On the last night, the actors begin to improvise, in keeping with the play of course, as part of the fun.

All in all, it is great fun. If you have a chance to see this part of British culture, grab the opportunity (but don't volunteer to go on stage unless you are dressed for it).