An exploration of the extent to which British pantomime might make a social or cultural intervention in the wider world.
On first inspection, pantomime appears to provide an archetypal example of mainstream British theatre. The assimilation of a previously popular culture into the heart of the establishment with the sole purpose of economic success through the use of entertainment, pantomime appears to offer none of the ingredients of what could be described as radical or alternative theatre.
And yet, particularly in terms of poetics, its roots in popular culture still exist. Pantomime as we know it now may not bear any resemblance to its origins within popular culture in the middle ages and the influence of Commedia Del’Arte, but a study of its past reveals a heritage of carnivalesque, mimicry and, latterly, music hall are still evident today. And, in terms of fundamentals, as a genre there are clear resemblances to Brecht’s epic theatre.
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