Pantomime — usually shortened to "panto" — is a uniquely British form of comic theatre traditionally performed at Christmas and into January. Common stories include Cinderella, Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk and Dick Whittington. The genre is famous for its cross-dressing conventions: the older comic female lead (the "Dame") is played by a man, and the young male hero (the "Principal Boy") is often played by a young woman.
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Audience participation is essential. Audiences are expected to boo the villain, cheer the hero, shout "behind you!" and sing along. Many regional theatres rely on the pantomime season for a substantial share of their annual income, and well-known television personalities often take starring roles.
You may be asked when pantomime is traditionally performed (Christmas), or what role is traditionally played by a man dressed as a woman (the Dame).
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