ao link

‘Cut the story down to its bare bones, then pump it full of jokes’: how to write a hit pantomime

Cinderella by Vikki Stone at the Lyric Hammersmith, London, in 2023 starring (from left) Meghan Treadway, Emmanuel Akwafo and Charlie Cameron. Photo: Tristram Kenton
Cinderella by Vikki Stone at the Lyric Hammersmith, London, in 2023 starring (from left) Meghan Treadway, Emmanuel Akwafo and Charlie Cameron. Photo: Tristram Kenton
What’s the secret to a good pantomime script? From eliciting boos and hisses from audiences of all ages, to making sure there are enough local jokes and updating old stories for today, Holly Williams hears from playwrights tackling their first pantos and veterans who pen several every year about how they keep the tradition alive

THIS IS NOT A PAYWALL

Serious about theatre?
Join over 100,000 theatremakers who rely on The Stage for trusted news, reviews, and insight.

 

🔓 Sign in below or create a free account to read 5 free articles.

 

Want to support independent theatre journalism? For a limited time, you can subscribe today and unlock:

 

🗞️ Unlimited access to award-winning theatre journalism

⭐ 1000+ reviews from across the UK

📧 Breaking news and daily newsletters

💡Insight and opinion from writers including Lyn Gardner & Amanda Parker

🎟️Discounts and early access to The Stage’s events

 

Remember Login

Your subscription helps ensure our journalism can continue

Invest in The Stage today with a subscription starting at just £7.99

The Stage

© Copyright Playbook Media Trading Company Limited 2026

Facebook
Instagram
X
Linked In
Pinterest
YouTube