American Reacts to British Panto for the First Time | Dick Whittington

[@ActingNortherner]

A friend of mine just forwarded this to me. Lovely to see your reactions! I played the Dame in the show, and thought it worthwhile mentioning (after reading some of the comments) that this wasn’t recorded with any intention of being broadcast professionally. It was done for hospitals and educational groups who couldn’t make it to the show, which might explain the lack of several cameras etc. It was broadcast live to them one morning, hence why the show is “tamer” than an evening’s performance might be. As this is a 10am school’s performance, aimed entirely at primary school children, the more risqué humour is omitted. As others have said, the Dame’s core humour is aimed more at the adults who come to the evening shows. Unfortunately these weren’t recorded. Even so, it wasn’t ever an adults-only panto, but there were definitely more adult jokes. To confirm, this is an independent, professional pantomime at the Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury. Thanks again for sharing and indeed watching! We’re all missing panto (and the bad jokes) here in the UK!

[@SoGal_YT]

Wow - never thought anyone in the show would see this, but I loved your performance! Whenever I think back to it, you’re the first character that pops into my head :) You’ve got a wonderful stage presence. I’ve seen other thumbnails of videos with you on them, so I’ll have to check those out. Also, thanks for the additional info. I didn’t want to watch one of the commercially produced ones right off the bat, as I know that some of the most fun shows happen at the smaller local or regional theatres. I’ve worked on the same type of shows where we did matinees just for the kids, so I totally get it :) Take care!

[@alisonanthony1228]

I still loved it. It brought back so many happy memories of being a kid. Thank you all, you were all great!

[@ghughesarch]

I would imagine that Ben's evening Twankey, in happier times, might give you a better idea of what pantomine means to all us Brits.

[@cyberash3000]

"we’re all missing panto (and the bad jokes) here in the UK!" OOOHHHHH NOOO WWWEE ARRRNTTT!!! Pmsl

[@garygalt4146]

My dad worked the lights, as a second job. In the 60, so started my love of going for a special night out to a small or large theatre for any type of show. But even today. Panto is always special, because of the excitement of the children. Long my it survive

[@tonywalton1464]

Panto is pervasive. I was in the supermarket today and passed the end of an aisle as a gentleman called to his wife who was looking for something: "It's behind you". Had to be done; I stuck my head round the corner and called "Oh no it isn't!". Much laughter all round - even Brits talk to each other when pantomime's involved!

[@lordeden2732]

Nice fairy tale. GOT ANY MORE KIDDIES LOVE MADE UP STORIES

[@sarahatkin366]

Northern Brits talk to each other all the time!! 😊

[@tonywalton1464]

​@@lordeden2732 Sainsbury's in Selby, the jams and spreads section, July last year. Now go away.

[@tcroft2165]

That was quite a 'clean' panto. Many have a lot more double entendres and innuendo and semi contemporary jokes. The kids don't notice but it keeps the adults interested!

[@gracereads2917]

I was once in a Pantomime where they made a joke about Swallows bringing no babies....I was too young to understand it and when I was 18 it hit me...and I was disgusted

[@tcroft2165]

@@gracereads2917 That sounds v like certain pantos!

[@stevenr6397]

it does seem that some panto's have gone to extreme, i have seen a couple that are too distatefull. in one the dame had to stretch a balloon before blowing it up so held one and to her crotch and tugged at the other in a suggestive manner, i was not impressed adult jokes should be more like a cheeky carry on reference not blatent filth

[@tcroft2165]

@@stevenr6397 Yeah that seems ott. I'd usually say its fairly obvious which pantos are going to be tame/stronger. Either from the posters or the casting.

[@itwoznotme]

the one that the local panto troupe used to put on at my kids school, was filthy as anything - but it all skipped over the kids heads.......while the parents try not to laugh to hard. its exactly what panto shout be about!

[@Alun49]

Pantomime is a British institution. There is nothing quite like it and the atmosphere is unique. Love it!

[@paul-antonywhatshisface3954]

Screaming HES BEHIND YOU! At a willfully blind man in a dress is everything you need to understand the english

[@mrb.5610]

OH NO IT ISN'T !!

[@cogidubnus1953]

@@mrb.5610 OH YES IT IS !

[@petervaughan9111]

OH NO HE ISN'T!!

[@paul-antonywhatshisface3954]

@@petervaughan9111 oHhHhH YES IT IS!!!

[@harminder_philora]

@@paul-antonywhatshisface3954 OOOOOOOOHHHHHHH NOOOOOO IT ISN'T!!!!

[@stephensinclair3771]

British humour. George Orwell wrote "....facism could never work in England because someone would laugh." The great leader prepares to address the rally. Old lady in the crowd "oh he looks like a nice boy. I'm sure they polish each others helmets!"

[@stephensinclair3771]

@TheRenaissanceman65 thanks. During my misspent youth I watched a documentary about King 🤴 Arthur. It mainly centred on his (possible) struggle with the Anglo-Saxon tribes. Two of my flatmates were Welsh and Scottish. During the show (Not unkindly I must add) completely spontaneously they turned to each other and simultaneously said "......bloody immigrants!!"

[@sandtable8091]

From the London Palladium to your local town and school there's a panto. All major TV stars down to the kid next door has, is or will be in a panto. The pantomime is a merciless poker of fun at tradition, authority and current affairs. If your only claim to fame is playing the back end of a horse at school...you must be British.

[@stephensinclair3771]

@@sandtable8091 love pantomime. Happy 😊 new year. May the jab give us all wings 🙏. Am off to hide for six months in a tunnel under a canal.

[@joyfulzero853]

One of the truly great political truths!

[@thiskamg]

Love that quote! Can you attribute it?

[@chasfaulkner2548]

British panto is an institution we are very proud of, I used to take my Grandkids to both the pro performances in the major theatres and the local Amdrams in the village hall, both are brilliant.

[@louiseglasgow]

You're the first person from outside the UK that I've seen not be totally bamboozled by panto! It doesn't matter what country they are originally from, it's so confusing at first. It's really cool that you're theatre background means you have a frame of reference and are actually quite familiar with parts of it.

[@DavidSmith-xf7fu]

I worked on a USAF airbase here in England driving school buses.. I remember taking the base elementary kids, teachers + some parents to a panto at a theatre in Peterborough in Cambridgeshire.. The kids soon got the idea of being encouraged to make a lot of noise etc. and LOVED it , the adults thought it was a whole bunch of fun and really enjoyed the experience

[@lordeden2732]

Didvyou drive during the ninetees? Then I might have been the security officer on some of your trips

[@pikricky]

Love the way you actually take the time to research the background of the subject you are reacting to,so many of the American reaction videos that I've watched which concentrate on British comedy or theatre have great difficulty in understanding what the subject is about,well done,you are a very professional and intelligent lady who knows what she is talking about,really enjoyed your reaction,thank you from Bonnie Scotland UK

[@mikecook7530]

@SoGal - this was a breath of fresh air; thanks! After years of badgering I finally got my Aussie missus to attend a Panto, and she totally got it. The double entendres were flying that night - it was funny to watch the parents laughing whilst the kids were looking at them puzzled. I had the privilege of joining my daughters on their primary school trip to the local theatre's Panto production each year, and it's magical watching 500 kids all having a ball, totally immersed in the moment. In the smaller regional theatres the feeling is very parochial and there's a lot of local in-jokes, which obviously resonate with the audience. If you ever get over to this side of The Pond during Panto season I'd recommend seeing a production at a larger theatre (e.g. Manchester Opera House) with a well-known celebrity lead - and then a small provincial theatre (e.g. Oldham Collisium) to experience the different feel to them. Keep up the good work lass...

[@ftumschk]

That was one of the happiest half-hours I've spent this Christmas. Loved your reaction, and I loved the nostalgia trip I got from watching the panto! So much fun :)

[@SoGal_YT]

So glad you enjoyed!

[@johnturner8383]

O no you didn't.. O yes i did...

[@mr.mmarkham9014]

As an American, I wasn't sure what a panto was until I started going to our local one in Oxfordshire. We have tried to go to them every year since. They are great fun and audience participation is a must. Often we throw foam balls provided at certain scenes or say things like "Oh no your not!" in response to a trigger they tell you about before hand. The dame is the best part of the show too. Colourfully dressed man dressed up like a woman in woman's clothing. If you ever get a chance to visit the UK in December (when everything is back to normal) I highly recommend going to see one for a good time. They do sell snacks usually. Soda, crisps, chocolate, cake, tea and coffee. Ours usually do a raffle too for a gift donated by local businesses.

[@Revolución_Socialista]

"Americans" are all people who live in the American continent, not just in the United States

[@tonyjames5444]

Strange it hasn't taken off in the US, I went to a cinema there and was surprised by how people shouted and cheered during the movie so its only natural Panto where audience involvement is encouraged would be popular.

[@coling3957]

if someone shouted or cheered in a cinema in England we'd think they were either drunk or mental :D

[@chrislyne377]

They'd hate the double entendres, especially around kids. Americans are too prudish

[@zaftra]

Didn't hear the most famous line from the show said by Alice - 'it's twelve o'clock and still no sign of Dick'

[@janettesinclair6279]

You would need to be at Panto live in the theatre to get the full experience! Usually the dialogue is written amusingly around local or political current events, or local people and organisations, and the songs can be modern or well known songs that everyone enjoys. This means that although the basic story is the same, every panto will be slightly different.

[@ElliotSunshine]

One time it played castle on the hill by ed Sheeran and set off an obsession with that song, there was another one I went to recently at my secondary school and it played a tik tok song or something I cant remember and nearly everyone in the school sang along

[@SoGal_YT]

So fun watching my very first pantomime! Love the unique British twist on theatre - wish we made this a holiday tradition here in the States. Let me know which panto I should see next! Also, like and subscribe if you enjoyed this video 👍🏻

[@neilgayleard3842]

Robin hood is a folk hero. Not dick Whittington who was a politician.

[@SoGal_YT]

You’re correct. I was mostly thinking about how his story is somewhat folklore also according to my research, so there’s a bit of truth and fiction to him from the sound of it.

[@SoGal_YT]

Thank you! Perhaps one day I’ll make it across the pond :)

[@neilgayleard3842]

That's a bit of a stretch. But the streets of London being paved with gold bs fools still fall that rubbish today.

[@michaelrae297]

'Official Dick Whittington - A Pantomime For 2020' is well worth a watch. It is put on KZbin for a week by the National Theatre. Think there are two days left to watch it.

[@dianeshelton9592]

Every theatre does a pantomime they are big business for theatres. Often bringing in more in panto season than the rest of the year. They sometimes have quite big stars , David Hasslehoff, Henry Winkler, and Dolly Parton has done it. They tend to make local references , when he was yelling the Winston.? Way he was probably talking about the road the theatre is on. We start the kids young 2 or 3 and extended families attend. We went to a panto in Newmarket which is right next to several USAF bases and they had obviously invited 10 airmen from the base. We were right next to then in the theatre all in their dress uniform and on their best behaviour, it started of with them not having a clue what was going on. By the end they were joining in the audience participation with great enthusiasm. Booing and yelling “ he’s behind you” etc with the rest. They often invite children from the audience say 5 or 6 to participate and get them to be part of a little magic trick etc. At the end they get a little prize often little bags of sweets. One year it was Cinderella and Buttons was handing out the sweets. My eldest son was about 3 and a half and when the audience children were leaving the stage, he stood up and in front of the whole theatre shouted “ please Mr Buttons , may I have some sweets too.” It brought the theatre down with everyone going ahhhh! Buttons got a special prize of sweets from back stage because he had asked so politely and he was so young. One of the USAF men went onto the stage with my son in his arms to collect the prize and they made the airman do a bit of karaoke with an awful lot of innuendo in it. There is a script but they improv little moments like that and those moments are golden. The script is similar panto story to panto story but it is varied every year to encompass recent events and also local interest. Say at a fishing town they will bring in slap stick with (rubber ) dead fish. Panto is a much loved Christmas family tradition but the one you watched was very clean, the innuendo that goes over the children’s head is part of fun of it.

[@markjarrett6893]

A few years ago I used to work (in the UK) for a large American multinational company. The CEO was visiting the UK one December and I was tasked with entertaining him. What to do - Lets go to the Panto! That started a tradition whereby this otherwise hard-nosed businessman and I went to one of the large London Panto's for a number of years, in fact right up to his retirement. He always participated loudly and had an amazing time. Funny how he always contrived to be in London for December...

[@jillelliott8175]

What an eclectic series you investigate, Yippee. Absolutely lovely, one of these days you might do a brief investigation of the evolution of Punch and Judy Shows.

[@charlestaylor3027]

Henry Winkler (the Fonz) used to star in Panto every year. He loved it because he was dyslexic and could ad-lib.

[@SoGal_YT]

I didn't know that!

[@johnturner8383]

Yes the people loved him, you could tell he was having a great time..

[@tonypate9174]

@@SoGal_YT Try Tubes of You hole of rabbits for.....YEOMAN OF THE TOWER OF LONDON VERY FUNNY .....you may find it a window to British "banter" from a dry old none "PC" soldier please please please do a reaction ...pity please

[@johnmichaelson9173]

@@SoGal_YT I'd started a new job in a Bank in downtown Liverpool & I'd been working late anyway I leave & I'm standing at the bus stop & a guy walking towards who I recognise & I just think he's from the new job so I say hello & we chat bus comes he leaves I'm getting on the bus the driver says "wow is the Fonz one of your mates?" Winkler was doing panto at the Liverpool Empire. I watch him in Barry & he's fantastic, that's a great show.

[@jazzx251]

wow. which panto was he in? - was it in the UK? Or does the USA have panto?

[@Guevara1015]

I grew up with pantomimes, it brings back some of my best memories growing up in England (and I’m barely in my 20’s for reference!). It was really fun watching you see it for the first time, I’ve been recommended a few of your videos before and I must say it’s wonderful to watch! Thank you

[@lindsayvankroonenburg713]

The best Pantos are amateur drama groups. My dad was the Dame for years. One year the kids got called on stage to have a dance, and then were given the choice between half a cucumber or a chocolate Freddo. The rest of us chose chocolate, but my sister being awkward chose the cucumber and got given both. The cast and audience alike cracked up, and for the next night they bought a potato so it wouldn't happen again lol.

[@alexh3614]

The clubs that are spoken about are kids clubs. The primary school is where we do our primary education - from ages 4-11. The local clubs / schools will go on certain days and the actors will call out to the audience to get the kids involved.

[@markcotton3481]

Oh no they're not.

[@Korrihor]

@@markcotton3481 oh yes they are!

[@jamieforrester2857]

Great humour 😂 especially in these horrid times

[@stevebiddell2839]

Great reaction! 30 minutes of pure joy. I really felt the love, well done!

[@Lord_Williams]

Firstly I am so glad you enjoyed the performance as Panto’s are truly amazing. You would love being involved. Years ago the characters on stage would throw out sweets to the audience, however this has been stopped due to health and safety, gone mad! But if you watch a panto in the theatre then it is so magical. Love the channel and much respect. Stay safe 😷

[@PolarBear4]

Wait, kids don't get sweets stotted off their heads anymore? Sad.

[@iangrimshaw1]

@@PolarBear4 In Wellingborough they used to chuck massive Pork Pies from the local Saxelby's manufacturer.

[@angievara7355]

I took my daughter to see Jack and the beanstalk when she was 4,she is now 46. Lots of audience participation makes it a lot of fun.

[@markcotton3481]

You're old lol no offense just saying. Cool that you can operate KZbin. x

[@TheSmittenman]

You will never see the same Panto performed the same, every theatre writes their own version

[@terencejay8845]

A local charity group was putting on a pantomime, but also wanted an 'Adults Only' version for a second performance. I wrote that and was given total free reign. 'The ruder the better'. So I wrote the Adult Aladdin. After spending many hours on it, they decided to scrub it as they though it would be too difficult for the cast to learn two versions. They could have realised that before I put pen to paper!

[@madrad21]

If you fancy a different panto, I'd suggest checking out Peter Pan Gone Wrong it was an hour long adaptation of a panto where things to go quite to plan... :-)

[@leehallam9365]

It's a great show, but it's not a panto.

[@Jake-d8d]

@@leehallam9365 Oh yes it is

[@leehallam9365]

@@Jake-d8d Oh no it's not!

[@Chumber3403]

@@leehallam9365 is your real name Chris Bean?

[@LadyLocket]

The Gone Wrong's "A trial to watch" is also a great showcase of British farce. To be honest anything by the Mischief theatre is gold, this year's Nativity Gone wrong was brilliant!

[@BarnDoorProductions]

18:10 About scared kids in the audience. We did a Red Riding Hood panto recently and, when the Big Bad Wolf chases Little Red off stage with the intent of eating her, one little voice was heard over the tumult saying "This is going to be bad!"

[@AliceMaryAnne1]

I come from Canterbury, we have a local tradition of the bench scene in our pantomime. 4-5 people sing the ghost busters song and each verse one of them gets chased away by a ghost until there is only 1 left. There's lots of knee slapping and singing - I'm sure you'll find a video online. It's super fun and unique to the Marlowe theatre. It's also quite traditional for lower tier celebrities to be in these shows - ex singing show contestants or soap actors for example.

[@andyambrose2921]

Only just found this yesterday, and already I am becoming addicted to her smile.

[@colinratford416]

Lovely isn’t she

[@davesy6969]

@@colinratford416 We should all propose marriage to her, I'm first in the queue!😍

[@colinratford416]

@@davesy6969 well all I can say is that she’s lovely….

[@Psycopathicus]

Oh, this brings back memories. I saw one of these when I was over in England visiting my aunt, back in the early '90's. It was 'Jack in the Beanstalk', and it was relatively restrained compared to this one - I don't remember it being a musical - but it was still absolutely bonkers. The 'Dame' was Jack's mother; 'she' was called Dame Trot, and she had two catchphrases that I still remember: she'd yell 'Hiya, kids!', and everyone would yell back 'Hiya, Trotty!' And also 'Hap-PEE!', which my mom still quotes to this day. There were a whole bunch of characters which are not in the original story at all - Jack's brother, the king, beanstalk spirits - who would show up completely at random; the actual giant was a big puppet who was only onstage for like five minutes at the most, and at one point, Dame Trot dressed up in a giant can of beans for no reason. It was complete and utter fluff and silliness, but the fact that I still remember it so vividly all these years later (and so, for that matter, can my parents) speaks well for it - and British kids get to see 'em every year. We really do miss out over here in the States.

[@coldcomfortfarm8557]

Thats a shame - start a tradition?? love from UK xx

[@molybdomancer195]

My son was born Christmas Eve which means whenever we went to pants we could get him a mention. One year they announced there was a boy called James whose birthday it was that day and they wanted him to make himself known. He sat there thinking “cool someone else called James has the same birthday”. The announcements can be given for adults with birthdays too

[@andywright8803]

I used to be (part time) musical director of a local theatre company and also part time teacher. I remember spending quite a bit of a day in the previous summer holiday riding around London on the top of a double decker bus going through a script for Goldilocks and the three bears and working out what songs would best go where. I had no clue where I was going, but had a ticket that covered the whole of London so it really didn't matter. I wouldn't normally use a bus as an office, but somehow, all the kids running up and down the bus helped. That was over 10 years ago and a lot has happened since. Thanks for the memories

[@fullwoodTOM]

Great video. In terms of the Ester Way joke, generally in panto, casts add extra jokes referencing local shops/landmarks etc. :)

[@Inaflap]

@11:18 Not Lord Mez... he said, "It's Lord Mayor's Day". I see this was a production by the Roses theatre, Tewkesbury. I know this part of the UK. The groups and clubs they were saying hello to, besides some elementary schools in Gloucester, were New Horizonz, a club for older people in Gloucester, and the Guiting Power Cheery Club, a village social group in a typical Cotswold village a few miles west of Cheltenham. The National Star, is set in some nice countryside, just south of Cheltenham, and is a further education college specialised in teaching students with disabilities.

[@bushchat28d]

Its your down to earth, willingness to learn (about just about anything to do with us Brits) that sets you apart from all the rest of those with similar channels. Your choice of subjects is also wonderfully illustrative and there are a lot of us I'm sure who are learning more about our own country whilst you are. Keep it coming - you're doing a grand job. Oh and yes, we do have Smarties - only they are similar to M&M's :-)

[@Georgestella100]

I performed in a number of Pantos when I was young. Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Robin Hood to name a few. I've played King Rat, Widow Twanky, a belly dancer and did a duet song and dance, with a top hat and stick, made up as a witches green cat in Sleeping Beauty (not everybody can say that). Something always went wrong somehow, but they were the best bits and the audience loved it! Happy days!

[@oz25]

It was nice to see you smile and laugh. Thank you for the reaction xxx

[@purplepete7703]

I think a lot of (especially smaller) theatres make quite a large percentage of their annual revenue during panto season, so this actually subsidises more traditional plays and shows and allows them to keep their doors open.

[@jessicaable5095]

So happy to see this. Had to miss our usuall trip to the panto this Christmas. 23 years old and still going to the same theatre company to watch it. You know, if you want to watch more, there are a few professionally filmed production you can find for TV airing.

[@JeremyMacMull]

Man I miss panto. 2020 clearly has made this impossible but it is very much a tradition and so much fun (says the 38 year old here.....)

[@ramboalpha6915]

When people can travel again you should check out the marlowe theatre panto in kent. Probably one of the best Pantos in the UK. Incredible quality with usually a few British B or A list celebrities

[@kevinshort3943]

Pantos aren't a set story, they are altered to include current affairs, local events, whatevers popular at the time, etc..... The Rocky Horror (picture) Show has mutated into a bit of an Adult Panto, with audience participation and dressing up.

[@donnawinter7561]

Oh that's so true I'd never thought of that even though I've been in panto and gone to see RHPS in costume.

[@kevinshort3943]

@@donnawinter7561 There's that terrible film where they throw spoons at the screen too, can't remember what it's called............

[@lmcgregoruk]

@@kevinshort3943 I wish that was some film Uri Geller was in, but alas no, it's "The Room"

[@kevinshort3943]

@@lmcgregoruk That's the one!! The guy that made it is such an idiot, he tried to stop a documentary being made about it, that would have given loads of publicity to his last film.

[@paulmoore4223]

Great to watch a fellow theatre geek. I really enjoyed this and your dimples are really lovely. Thank you for uploading this

[@markthomas2577]

Some panto conventions ....... the 'principal boy' is always played by a girl, the 'Dame' is always played by an older man, the stories are the same but the scripts are rewritten every year to stick in topical jokes and pop songs. Many stars of film, TV and pop music do a panto every Christmas

[@admiralcraddock464]

And the principal boy MUST have a cracking pair of legs and strut around the stage in knee length high heeled boots along with a tight waist coat; this to keep the dads` interest going.

[@davidhoward2487]

@@admiralcraddock464 You missed out the thigh slapping.......

[@terryjimfletcher]

What about the regular feature of the slapstick song, to the tune of The Twelve Days of Christmas, generally they introduce props from the story to substitute those from the traditional song. There are 4 singers, each responsible for 3 props, the singers try to remove their co-singer's props to make it difficult for them, increasing the humour.

[@Anonymous-wq1rf]

​@@admiralcraddock464 A friend described a recent Panto he attended with his grandchildren. A particularly attractive young lady in a white mini-dress stood stage left and announced herself as "I am 'Totty', your narrator". 'Totty is British slang for 'sexually desirable'.

[@BillySugger1965]

You really seemed to enjoy that! We’ve taken our kids to pantomime since they were small, and they’re now in their twenties and they still love it. I think you’d enjoy coming to the UK and taking part in a few, then maybe taking it back and putting on a US tailored version. I think it could go down really, really well if introduced to American audiences by someone who knows what they’re doing. Enjoyed seeing you enjoy the show 😃

[@Nick_r]

Some local theatre groups buy scripts but most write their own, often with characters invented to make fun of local politicians. Some versions stay close to the classic stories, others are looser. Essentially anything goes as long as it is Panto format :-)

[@marshallwestley8100]

One of my favourites was Lorna Doone the Panto - and it works!

[@GedUK]

Oh no it doesn't!

[@duckwhistle]

@@GedUK Oh yes it does!

[@leecal5774]

Wow! This brought back memories from eons ago. I love all your videos by the way. But particularly love this one. Just watching your own reactions is amazing. I’m smiling just watching you. Glad you enjoyed it as well as appreciated it. I think your commentary is really good to. Thanks again,

[@chrismackett9044]

Richard Whittington undertook many charitable works in London, and one of the main hospitals in north London is named the Whittington Hospital after him.

[@Tonyblack261]

There's a statue of the Cat outside the hospital that got so worn down by passers by stroking it, that they put a cage around it. It's right at the base of Highgate Hill. :)

[@itwoznotme]

dick!

[@mk1cortinatony395]

@SoGal it was nice to see you smile and get it like it wasnt foreign :) (British humour)

[@SoGal_YT]

I understand theatre quite well :)

[@neilboulton9813]

Also a very accurate use of spelling, on what you understand well!

[@DaisyAjay]

That "Lord Mez" thing you heard is them saying "Lord Mayor's". Some areas of the UK pronounce it as 'mares'.

[@coldcomfortfarm8557]

Ive painted the backdrops for panto which was a lot of fun - when all this madness has ended Im going back to Panto and Im in my 60s - good video, glad you enjoyed our bonkers humour.

[@larryfroot]

"Ah, Pantomime! The smell of oranges and wet knickers!" Harry Secombe. A friend of mine who worked as a lighting engineer for theatres burst out laughing at this, describing the quote as absolutely spot on.

[@Jamie-sg4bq]

Lots of pantos visit schools before Christmas so ones like this one take out the adult humour and add more stuff kids would find funny. I remeber loving going into the hall for the pantomime

[@michaeljones825]

Panto's are often small scale in that they are very local, so the jokes wouldn't necessarily be understood out of the area. That said they are great fun for both adults and kids.

[@aiesha9090]

the hesters way joke is making fun of a local district where the show is being performed in gloucestershire! it genuinely completely threw me off because I'm literally in hesters way lmaoo

[@derekmiles7358]

Pantos are good for all the family I have seen a panto performed in village halls and in larger professional productions in large theatre’s the kid love ❤️ them happy Christmas

[@mrsbrownsboys81]

I grew up going pantomimes. So even though its not Christmas I loved watching your reactions and watching the show. Even better the comment from one of the cast members x

[@temptemp633]

Experience not captured on camera: Intermission ice cream. Wide spread conspiracy that the theatre turns the heating up to sell more ice cream. December is freezing in the UK, so it's no bad thing.

[@oliversherman2414]

I love your channel keep up the great stuff!

[@viviencockle2116]

British Pantomime is now drawing American actors to star in them…..Panto’s are a must for children pre and post Christmas, like “Punch and Judy” on the beach in Summer.

[@ianstonebridge7324]

We had Henry Winkler, play captain hook in Peter pan

[@doobiedootwo3517]

So refreshing to see someone who takes the time to learn about the format and appreciates the amazing thing that is Panto. There is a reason it has survived and is so very popular. Itis timeless 🤗

[@johnbrereton5229]

Jack and the Beanstalk is another traditional Christmas pantomime. My son used to love the story when he was a child, and I well remember him getting very carried away at the show, and telling the giant off. Which the giant thought was very funny to see this little chap getting so protective of Jack and getting so drawn in to the show. Great memories!

[@TheNgandrew]

I am new to your channel and enjoying the videos you make. Thanks. I do love attending the panto, and they're great for all ages. There are silly dad jokes which everyone enjoys, slapstick, much innuendo (which the adults appreciate but goes over the kids' heads), singing, dancing, audience participation and much fun. I think it's probably the biggest earner for most theatres (even small ones put them on, or they're sometimes staged in community halls), so helps subsidise them staging more arty and esoteric stuff at other times of the year. The stories only loosely follow the original tales, and obviously need to wedge in a pantomime dame somewhere. Hopefully we'll be able to attend a live panto this year.

[@Finjen22]

I’ve been in 2 pantos and I can guarantee there’s always at least one show out of a 5 show run where improv has had to happen. It just adds to the fun. Especially sat in the audience haha. I did mine at my school, Mother goose and Snow White. But they are done more like a professional panto and one of the teachers write it. It was meant to be Cinderella this year 😣. Many pantos are the same story, but they change lots of plot panto to panto. Same with the ‘Disney’ ones. So I recommend you watch them too. So that would explain Tom not being sold. It may be in a different production, but it also may not. That’s the beauty of panto

[@castorj.b.1257]

I was involved in a panto from my teens onwards, firstly as backstage crew (painting scenery and changing scenes/moving props) then in the cast for several years, and then as director for 4. It was a small community group made up of mostly school age kids and teenagers with a handful of adults. We'd buy and then adapt the script (each script is different, you can go see 5 panto's of Cinderella and they will all be the same main story but with different characters and plot changes, and current events mentioned. there are lots of sites you can buy panto scripts and most authors are happy for you to make changes to lengthen or shrink the run time, edit the cast size, etc. We always added in extra speaking parts so that everyone who wanted a speaking part could have one, even if it was just a few lines.) We'd start rehearsing in September (weekly at first and then daily for the week before the first show) and then do 4 performances at the end of November and start of December. Scenery and costumes etc were all made by the group (usually parents or the adult cast/spouses) and we performed at a church hall that had a stage and simple lighting rig. Ticket costs would cover our costs (which were always kept very low) and then profit donated to local charities. Was great fun but very time consuming, especially when I was directing. We'd start planning a show in february (ie picking script and getting songs sorted etc) for the next november.

[@galaxycoder]

You need to watch Julian Clary in Panto, he is hilarious and is the king of inuendo.

[@williamcaley-lightingandso870]

Isn't Julian in the Palladiums

[@paulrice8358]

@@williamcaley-lightingandso870 - No he's behind you.

[@johnbiggscr]

@@paulrice8358 he’s where?

[@paulrice8358]

@@johnbiggscr BEHIND YOU!!

[@qwertyTRiG]

On Just a Minute, Julian was once asked to speak on the subject of Brighton Rock. Without pause for thought, he came out with "There's a lot to be said for having a long hard pink thing in your mouth". I must say I agree.

[@Roberto_79]

My father worked at the large iron and steel works in my town… It was probably the town's largest employer and had a social club with it. Every year the social club would put on a pantomime for the workers children. Best days of my life I would love to see you watch another pantomime this year… So many to choose from and so many different variations of each and everyone of them. I'm in my 50s and still remember the pantomimes of my under 10 days.

[@raver4lyfe16]

Going to the pantomime with your school in the early years of primary school is a tradition I used to love going to them when I was a kid

[@jontalbot1]

As someone else has said panto is very important for theatres financially. They sell every seat for two months and that underwrites everything else. Most people will never go to the theatre for anything else. It’s so popular there are thousands of amateur productions which are often more fun as the jokes are often about local people

[@gnatlou]

The dame is also really similar to our most british/popular style of drag show - campy, OTT and comedy/innuendo heavy! A lot of famous drag queens have become the dane too, check out Paul o Grady's dame/lily savage

[@markharris1125]

Hi. Glad you enjoyed this! I took part in a half dozen or so pantos at the school where I taught, first just in the 'chorus' or background, then a bit more into leading roles. We did our pantos at Easter, as you could never give staff and children and parents enough rehearsal time before Christmas. You can buy panto scripts and get the rights to put the show on, and then obviously adapt it with local and timely jokes. We must have done Dick Whittington as I remember being the Sultan of Morocco. Sadly any video of that, and my performance as the prince in Sleeping Beauty, have been lost to time. It's all behind me now. Oh no it isn't!!

[@drewstanaway4058]

Really enjoyed this video! It Was amazing to see what you thought of the show. Something you might be interested in, there is a large company in the uk that produces most of the uk pantomimes called “Qdos entertainment” they will supply the larger venues with the pantomime. Such as the script, set and costumes. The set and costumes are usually manufactured by other companies. “Rocket scenery” make a load of scenic elements from the cloths, props and the main set. The lighting and sound is usually supplied by another company’s However, theatres tend to use there own equipment for panto as it can be cheeper and easier to use rather than hiring equipment. The big pantomimes in London and the big city’s. Like to use celebrity’s as the main characters as this is a good marketing position for the box office tickets. 😁

[@lindafirth1562]

Hi I do miss these pantos now that my kids are all grown up. My daughter took part in one when she was three. She was the youngest of six kids who did a song and dance routine for the scene changes. Although they rehearsed for months before, nothing was perfect - which made the audience cry with laughter, especially when Kate saw me in the audience and started waving. Her dance partner (he was six) got annoyed with her and things went down hill from there. It was a small community panto (of Dick Wittington) with all the production by local residents. But, the show was packed out for a full 10 nights in January - so really popular and the humour was brilliant - just as good as the professional performances. Such a lot of preparation and all voluntary. This brings back so many great memories. Thanks x

[@TheClairem75]

Pantomimes are great for the kids. It’s usually their first time seeing live theatre and then you’ve got theatre fans for life.

[@carriannhill9787]

So glad I have found your channel :) Loved this reaction! Would love to see you react to more (if that was something you wanted to do) I know there are a few 'ITV' pantos on KZbin which I believe are London productions? They normally have a lot of celebs in them so I assume they are the London ones. This reaction has deffo made me want to check out other productions though! It was a classic panto :) Loved it!!

[@SoGal_YT]

Thanks for watching! I would definitely like to do more of these :)

[@ajes3987]

pantos are alot of fun and we tend to get alot of quite good actors and comedians doing pantos

[@lucyfur]

I saw Brian Blessed as Captain Hook one year. It was amazing.

[@smasheduppumpkinette]

This video has cheered me up as all the pantos were closed this year so we didn’t get to go. We usually go as a family with all the children (cousins) and have a great time. It’s worth mentioning that the stories are always a little different than the original stories. They also tend to cater to the local area so there will be very much local jokes (areas/street names/ local slang). The big shows tend to always have a ‘celebrity’ (well an actor etc that was perhaps relevant in the 80’s or 90’s or starred in local channel tv shows). Sometimes I’ve seen them had out sweets to the children in the audience or soak them with water guns or shower them in confetti etc. Depends on the show and the production company.

[@thedeewolf]

This seemed like a local panto...a lot of big panto's in England have household/famous ppl in to get the crowds in, maybe do a bigger production next time???

[@terryjimfletcher]

Our local panto specifically DOESN'T have a "star" in it because the story tends to get written around their stardom rather than be a good panto. I've been to both types, and I prefer our star-less ones. We have people travel FROM cities that have stars in their city's panto precisely because we're star-less. They come every year. We have to book a year in advance the panto's so popular, and that's despite it running for over 8 weeks with at least 2 performances a day. Each to their own.

[@Theragll]

Thanks for the film, I am always fascinated to learn what non UK people think about something so British as a pantomime. The panto you watched is one of the standards which is performed each year. Others include Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Puss In Boots and Mother Goose - there are probably others. Going to a pantomime at Christmas is a right of passage for children in the UK . I agree with you when you say that it is the first introduction to theatre for children which is a very important point. It also presents an opportunity for local young people in stage school or theatre groups to have their first professional experience on stage (as per the young people in the chorus in the production you watched). The other important part of panto is that for a lot of theatres it represents a big chunk of income - a 10 week sold out run each year guaranteed, sweet shop sold out and other merchandise sales helps keep the wolves from the door. There were a few times you asked about different things that happened. When one of the actors reading out a list it is likely that it was a shout out to a local community group who was there - it is okay to request that when you book. Also, a name of a street was mentioned, that is likely to be a reference to a local high street, again it is common to use lots of local references in the script. Hope you enjoyed it.

[@TukikoTroy]

I was involved in amateur musical productions in my youth, and yes, panto was a regular gig. The whole company were involved, not just with acting but stage crew, props, set building, advertising, all the usual things that make am/dram such a great thing to be part of. The only panto I was involved in was Aladdin (stage crew) which was also written by the company and reflected the local flavour (as many pantos do). Much less serious than things like Sondheim's 'Sweeny Todd'[ (which really stretches your singing ability), panto is, above all fun... for public and company alike.

[@therealpbristow]

At 16:40 - Hester's Way is a VERY local reference! When I heard that, I thought "wait, was this performance here in Cheltenham?". So I looked up the Roses Theatre... It's in Tewkesbury, just a few miles north of here. =:o}

[@fordcorsair]

For goodness sake - take the tea-bag out of the cup!!! 😱 😱 😱

[@neilt1889]

Where I live in Sheffield in England We have a famous Manor Operatic Society who do a panto Where the kids bring bread dough And throw it on stage at the villain and all the jokes are local to the area .

[@samurai2k455]

They're so much better in real life because of the atmosphere and actually taking part in the crowd. Its amazing

[@paulmaxey6377]

Glad you enjoyed the video and want to watch more pantos, really enjoyed your reaction. Yeah they do smaller pantos in most towns and cities for schools to take kids to. Most of them will have stars in them who people will recognise and for a lot of comedians will do seaside shows during summer and pantos in winter.

[@SoGal_YT]

Awesome, thanks!

[@qwertyTRiG]

Everyone is aware of the conventions of panto, and can riff on them. I remember a dispute in school where a the teacher was asking for some homework, and one of the kids claimed she hadn't set that work. "Yes I did." "No you didn't." "Yes I did." At which point another lad yelled out, "It's behind you!"

[@CarolynneBarnett]

I'm British and I've been going to the Panto for 66 years - not as a part of the show, but just to enjoy the fun of Panto. Partaking in the show, shouting out He's/She's is behind you! or - Oh no he didn't or Oh yes he did - and fact anything as asked for by the players. So even now, as a pensioner, with my Sisters, brothers-in law, nephews and nieces, in fact anyone, any age who wants to come along, we go for the fun of the humour and being a part of the show. In the UK Pantomime season is an eagerly awaited item of Christmas. Yes, it's crazy, fun, loud, and totally different every season, and much loved. We never miss it.

[@dannoble1273]

The music is actually real the bands called kaiser chiefs their from Leeds in Yorkshire

[@tonycritcher3419]

I used to love doing panto. Hated the rehearsals for months on end but well worth the audience' laughter. Loved your reactions. Great fun! Your smarties looked like our Swizzels here in the UK Smarties are chocolate beans

[@andrewpantling7112]

A lot of panto jokes can be local jokes, observations. Pantos tend to run from Nov-feb. With 3-4 performances a day

[@SoGal_YT]

That’s an insane schedule. Doing just two shows a day always wears me out.

[@karlmuller4067]

I use to be a flyman at our local theatre and we did do three shows a day and after hearing the same set of songs day in day out really begins to grate.😂Our theatre use to put on a COD panto on the last night and have a party in the front of house bar.

[@mikeman584]

SoGal - loved your review of this and glad you enjoyed it, pre Covid most moderate size towns would put on a panto on the run up to Christmas. It varies in cast and scope from small time lower cost productions in small villages towns etc to larger city productions involving well established actors comedians and even sport stars. Different theatre companies will put on their own versions. I remember going to see them as a child and they were magical. I watched on the BBC Alecia Keys in LA and Jools Holland Hogmanay bringing in the New Year with associated fireworks and drone display on the Thames London. Great start to the year and perhaps might be worth a watch on KZbin. All the very best all for 2021.

[@catherinerobilliard7662]

Traditionally you know who the baddies are by what side of the stage they appear: Baddies stage left; Goodies stage right.

[@moth1365]

I haven't been to a panto for maybe thirteen years, but we used to go to every year to see whatever panto production Clive Webb and Danny Adams were doing. They were always my favourites, they were super famous for panto (at least where I'm from) and they're still going today. Panto was my first introduction to live and interactive theatre, and ill always love it for that. Will say though, its so strange to see how updated the shows have become in terms of music and Fortnite dances, I never thought about how they'd have to adapt as years went on.

[@unitedkingdomoffiveeyes9765]

This in one of many reasons why the british are considered fantastic actors, artists, we have a great grass roots programme.

[@christinewright110]

I worked on performances of Pantomimes for five years as a Leader of our Local Youth Theatre. I usually helped with auditioning singers and sourcing the music, and occasionally writing songs. We also put on productions in the summer of well known shows such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Some Like it Hot an the Rocky Horror Show etc.

[@mattdowds8505]

It's actually pretty close to what theatre used to be in the Shakespeare era, give or take.

[@prisssaa3527]

Oh this is so fun to watch !!! glad you enjoyed it xxx from Tommy the cat

[@SoGal_YT]

Hey! Thanks so much :) Loved your performance 🎭