THE DEEP ROOTS OF PANTO
Hertfordshire Life|December 2019
It’s as Christmassy as sleigh bells but just where does the peculiarly British tradition of pantomime come from?
Tricia Thompson
THE DEEP ROOTS OF PANTO

The lights dim, the music starts, the villain enters stage left to boos, the fairy from stage right to cheers, and so the pantomime begins. For many of us, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to the panto, but where did this peculiarly British form of entertainment come from?

You can argue that pantomime began its journey in ancient Greece and Rome. Based on myths and legends, a solo male performer danced all the roles, relying on masks, poses and gestures to portray the characters (Greek pantomimus – ‘imitator of all’). Over time more performers were added and audiences cheered and jeered as good triumphed over evil.

In medieval Britain, bands of so-called ‘mummers’ travelled the country at Christmas festival time, enthralling audiences with plays on themes such as St George and the dragon. With masked actors, chases and comedy they were a highlight in the dark winter months.

Pantomime as we know it today has its roots in the Italian commedia dell’arte. Commedia was a street theatre, popular from the 16th to the 18th century, using music, dance, acrobatics, clowning, chases and tricks. It was fast paced, anarchic and often very risqué. The characters were an overprotective father, Pantalone, who refused to allow the hero Harlequin to seek his daughter Columbine’s affections, and Pulchinello the Clown, also in love with Columbine. The characters and storylines can be seen today in opera, the theatre and even Punch and Judy.

この記事は Hertfordshire Life の December 2019 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は Hertfordshire Life の December 2019 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

HERTFORDSHIRE LIFEのその他の記事すべて表示
Hertfordshire Life

Explosive history

With bonfire night this month, author Harry Smee recounts the explosive story of his family’s firework company, Brock’s, creators of wonders and war-changing weapons

time-read
6 分  |
November 2020
A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer
Hertfordshire Life

A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer

Laurie McGrath, senior designer at Harriet Kelsall bespoke jewellery in Halls Green, gives an insight into her working day

time-read
2 分  |
November 2020
Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES
Hertfordshire Life

Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES

Meet the fire investigation dogs securing convictions against arsonists and murderers who otherwise may go free

time-read
5 分  |
November 2020
The greatest traveller
Hertfordshire Life

The greatest traveller

Exploring ancient civilisations and rising powers, Violet CressyMarcks became the most travelled woman of her age. Fifty years after her death we look at her incredible life

time-read
6 分  |
November 2020
Hertfordshire Life

Return of the Queen of Romance

Twenty years after the death of record-breaking novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, Gillian Thornton talks passions, plots and a new audience with her son at the family home in Essendon

time-read
7 分  |
November 2020
In bed with CELEBS
Hertfordshire Life

In bed with CELEBS

Marking its 70th year, Welham Green soft furnishings company Ashley Wilde has grown from a pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap business into an industry leader with A-list partnerships

time-read
6 分  |
November 2020
Roam with a view
Hertfordshire Life

Roam with a view

We may not have coastline or mountains, but Herts has beautiful views all the same, if you know where to look

time-read
7 分  |
November 2020
Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
Hertfordshire Life

Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle

The secret life of a much-loved British mammal and simple steps we can take at home to stop its extinction

time-read
3 分  |
November 2020
Hertfordshire Life

A walk down Surreal Street

Paul Crowley draws on his graphic designer’s eye to capture scenes from the country to the street, all tinged with surreality

time-read
3 分  |
November 2020
5 minutes with
Hertfordshire Life

5 minutes with

Carole Spiers, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member and founder of International Stress Awareness Week

time-read
2 分  |
November 2020