Twelve Days of Irish Holiday Traditions: Go to the Panto!

Inspired by that traditional carol, and the funny Irish version, Christmas Countdown, we're bringing you Twelve Days of Christmas (Traditions). These Irish traditions make the season so special for so many on the Emerald Isle. You may even want to try one for yourself!

Day 7 - Go to the Panto

The word ‘pantomime’ might bring to mind some sort of silent, one-man, performance. But in Ireland ‘pantomime,’ or ‘panto’ as it’s more commonly known, is an irreverent, slapstick, live show for the whole family. Loosely based on classic tales like Snow White, Cinderella or Puss 'n Boots, ‘the panto’ is a treasured Christmas tradition for many Irish families that simply cannot be missed.

What does the Panto have to do with Christmas?

They often satirize the year gone by, with plenty of in-jokes for the adults in the audience. It’s a chance to collectively take stock and laugh at mistakes and celebrate victories, safe in the knowledge that good will prevail in the end. But mostly, it’s time to spend with family and friends in the novel surroundings of a theater. Some schools treat their students to a trip to ‘the Panto,” before they break for Christmas, and for many children, it’s the first time they see a live performance.

What happens at the Panto?

As theatrical experiences go the Panto is curious - there’s no fourth wall here - audience participation is paramount. One or more of the performers takes on the role of cheerleader and interlocutor, letting the audience know when to boo and hiss at the villain or cheer, clap, and whoop when the hero makes an appearance.

You’re pretty much guaranteed to hear shrieks of “It’s BEHIND you!!!” from the crowd as someone on stage artfully misses something happening under their nose. And a call and response from the stage “Oh No They Didn’t” … to the crowd “Oh Yes They Did!!” is an integral element.

Besides that, in Panto land everything is possible or even probable. Men play female roles and vice versa. Kids or grandparents can take over the stage, there are sing-songs, and dancing and heaps of silly fun.

How did the Panto Start?

Panto reportedly has roots in ancient Greece, and migrated via Italy and its ‘commedia dell’arte," to France and finally the UK in the 18th century. Back in 1873 the Gaiety Theater staged its first panto, ‘King Turko the Terrible,’ to great reviews; the Irish Times stated that it was ‘worth going miles to see.’ It certainly made an impression. Leopold Bloom ruminates over the Gaiety Panto in the famous Ulysses, and this Irish Christmas institution celebrates its 150th anniversary this year.

And in community centers, schools, and town halls around Ireland there will be smaller productions featuring kids from the neighborhood schools and local theater groups.

Want to join in?

More than a few miles to travel to make your way to an Irish panto? Have a hunt round for a production where you are - they are not common outside of Ireland and the UK, but they do exist. Or you could always enjoy a trip for whatever production is being staged at your own local theater. And of course, for the more artistically minded among you - you could always stage your own panto!!

What's Next?

Check back in with us tomorrow for Day 8 of our Twelve Days of Irish Christmas traditions. You might also like to see our Twelve Days of Christmas offers too!