Pantomime

Marsden, RM (2022) Pantomime. In: Routledge Companion to Audiences and the Performing Arts. Routledge, pp. 477-483. ISBN 9781003033226

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Abstract or description

Pantomime is a uniquely British artform, with deep European influences and worldwide roots in folk law and fairy tale. Far from being passive, the audience in a contemporary pantomime can be seen as the final character in the theatrical event. This short argues that pantomime requires the audience and performers to enter into an inter-dependent relationship, including completing the routines (such as the ‘ghost gags’), warning characters of a threat (the infamous ‘it’s behind you’) and often bringing about the story’s denouement. Drawing on practitioner interviews and personal reflections, the short also acknowledges Marvin Carlson’s notion of ‘ghosting’ in relation to an audience’s implicit expectation of their role in the pantomime experience.

Item Type:	Book Chapter, Section or Conference Proceeding
Faculty:	School of Digital, Technologies and Arts > Drama, Performance and Theatre Studies
Depositing User:	Robert MARSDEN
Date Deposited:	23 Sep 2022 14:54
Last Modified:	06 Oct 2023 01:38
URI:	https://eprints.staffs.ac.uk/id/eprint/7426

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