The Pantomime Book (The Only Known Collection of Pantomime Jokes and Sketches in Captivity)

In this, the first ever—and still the only—published collection of pantomime sketches and gags, actor Paul Harris has gathered together a hilarious selection of theatrical material, much of which originated in Victorian times and which has been updated and refined over the past century. He introduces us to the stalwarts of just about every panto—the Dame, Comic, and Feed—and the characters familiar to many generations of theatre goers: Dick Wittington, Cinderella, Buttons, Little Red Riding Hood, Sinbad the Sailor, Aladdin, Widow Twankey, Wishee Washee, Snow White, and Mother Goose. To place each sketch in context, Paul Harris provides lively and amusing introductions, full of theatrical anecdotes and helpful tips about props, special effects and stage "bits," the art of compromising on a comedy theme. All the standard sketches and gags are here: The Y Dance, The Tiddley Tree, A Little Bit of Heaven, The Magic Hat, The Busy Bee, and, perhaps the two most famous, The Schoolroom and The Kitchen Scene. For thousands of professional and amateur performers, directors, and producers, and for many pantomime enthusiasts in Britain and other parts of the world, this new and expanded edition of The Pantomime Book is an essential source book and guide.