Pantomime is a peculiarly British tradition and goes back at least 100 years. Pantomimes always take place at Christmas and nearly always have stories based around well known children's stories such as Peter Pan, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty etc.
They are very audience interactive. You certainly boo the villian, etc., but you should also have several arguments between characters and the audience:
Wicked queen in Snow White - "I am the fairest of them all"
Audience - "Oh no you're not!"
Queen - "Oh yes I am!"
Audience - "Oh no you're not!"
The Panto takes these children's stories and and injects a bit of music hall (British Vaudeville) sensibility, contemporary references and audience participation to create a raucous, noisy entertainment that is fun for everyone in the family.
If you really want to know what a panto is like, you shouldn't miss The Madrid Players' Robin Hood Pantomime. Click on the link if you want to know more details.
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