I've always wondered about "panto". What is it?
They bring it up from time to time on BBC - and I know it some kind of Comedy / Play - but is it a specific Play- or is it different all the time.
Right, I will try to explain what a panto is, although as I have found the explanation and what happens really do not explain well to non English folks. It's one of those things you have to see!!
So firstly it is a family show. It is aimed at kids, but the humour has lots of adult undertones and inuendos! So the whole thing is a comedy based on fairy tales. I have been in Cinderella (DH and I built the carridge based on our WDW photo!), Snow White, Jack and the Bean Stalk ( I played the back end of the cow - don't laugh, it was hard work!!) , Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast (I was the good fairy) and Dick Whittington.
So in the comedy we tell the story and sing songs. Now the traditional/wierd parts. The lead male character is always played by a girl. The traditional costume for this role is a jacket/tunic, fish net tights and knee high boots. So basically the princess marries at prince who is played by a girl. Then there is always a mother character, the dame. That is a comedy role. This role is played by a man dressed as a woman. But the costumes are hillarious, really bad OTT make up, shocking coloured wigs and huge dresses (last year one dress was made of news paper with a frying pan for a hat!) Plus there are always baddies, goodies (usully the good fairy), villagers and kings and queens. Oh and usually a comedy animal played by 2 people, usually a cow or donkey!!
Then at the end there is always a song for the audience to join in with and the characters come down into the audience to dance. And in this section there is always a final comedy sketch, this usually involves either, flour and water, wall paper paste or custard pie throwing!!
Like I said it is a family show, lots of singing, dancing, jokes etc. I love doing panto. My husband was the musical director for the past 2 years, and has been roped into being the MD this year. I shouldn't complain though as it has paid for our helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon in the summer!!
I know this all sounds wierd, but it is so much fun!!
Oh I forgot to say, these are only performed over Christmas time.
I'd better start getting some stuff ready, eh? Like buying my 
You know the colors would look good on her..
but maybe something a bit less draperyish..
So, please wish me luck, because I'm really praying for this to be a success. 
