The Story of Pantomime

At Christmas time many British theatres present apantomime. This is a very lively show which is alwaysbased on a traditional fairy tale. People of all agesenjoy pantomime, and especially children. Pantomime has a long history. Although Britain hasits own traditions, the origins of pantomime are interna-tional. The stories come from all over the world. ’Pussin Boots’, a play about a cat, comes from an Italianstory of 1534. ’The Sleeping Beauty’ was a Persianfairy tale. ’Little Red Riding Hood’, (about the