Where does the story come from The History of Cinderella

Timeline of making a Pantomime

Producing a Pantomime is a year long process, which involves lots of planning and preparation.

January

This year’s pantomime story is selected. The Writer, Director and Designers are hired.

February

The writer begins to write the script. March Tickets go on sale to schools and groups, before going on sale to the public. Lead performers are cast.

April

The first Pantomime advert goes in the brochure. The first draft of the script is submitted.

May

A Production Meeting takes place, where the production team discuss the styles and themes of the show. The costume and set design begins.

June Casting Calls are issued for the main cast.

July Main cast auditions take place.

August Final casting is announced.

September The Writer, Director and Designers have a production meeting to discuss set and costume designs.

October

Cast receive their contracts. Pantomime adverts begin to appear in local press, magazines and on buses. November Rehearsals start. On day one the full cast meet for a read through of the script. Rehearsals take place over the full two week period until Opening Night. December It’s Panto time! “Oh no it isn’t” “Oh yes, it is!” This year the Pantomime is performed throughout 27 days of December/January and 13 of these days are school performances. 13 of these days have double performances. The theatre closes for 2 days over Christmas!

Meet the Characters

In a Panto, there are several character types that are traditionally included to have a well-rounded cast that will provide a combination of drama, comedy and sometimes romance.

The Heroine: Cinderella

Traditionally the heroine was innocent with very feminine qualities, and often sometimes becomes a Princess at the end of the story. In recent years, Pantomimes have moved more with the times and the heroines have been updated to be individual, powerful female characters that can affect the story and save the day for themselves.

The Principal Boy: The Prince

In traditional pantomime, the principal boy was played by a female actor, although in recent years many pantomimes cast a young male actor. The principal boy is brave, heroic and adventurous. They will often be drawn into a quest to rescue the heroine of the story, defeating the villain along the way.