I wrote roles for a villain, dame, genie, Snow White and two monologues about chorus members. I wrote a collection of six panto-themed monologues under the title, It’s Panto, Boris – But Not As We Know It which has since been published by Lazy Bee Scripts. If pantomimes weren’t being staged I would need to adapt my writing. Like many in the industry I set about trying to overcome the challenges facing me as a writer. IT’S PANTO, BORIS – BUT NOT AS WE KNOW IT I have all these ideas that need to be channelled into a script, subsequently, I wrote four pantomimes last year. A pantomime takes time to write – it is a craft. As well as the storyline I add production notes, lighting cues, props list, characterisation, costume ideas, specific detail for comedy routines and a suggested song list. They are invariably over ten thousand words long, have two acts, an engaging storyline, comedy routines which need to be thought through, romance, snappy one-liners, great characters and fun adventures. I get a thrill out of researching the historical facts as well. My history plays for schools are written to show children that history can be interesting and fun. It isn’t about the money, though to earn more than four figures at the moment would be nice… For me, it is about being creative. Writing is not a quick way to fame and fortune – unless you’re a top-selling author.
Like many writers, I have been even more creative during the various lockdowns. I am a prolific writer, with over one hundred published scripts and more awaiting publication. This has a huge financial knock-on effect to writers and publishers alike, as the whole industry is playing catch up. Societies that were due to stage pantomimes have invariably rescheduled them for the 2021/2022 season. With so much uncertainty about a return to staging shows, pantomime sales are few and far between.
What do pantomime writers do when there are no pantomimes being performed, especially in the amateur sector? For many, their income has dried up. No pantomimes, no performance rights, no royalties Humpty Dumpty, Jack and Jill, Old King Cole,Ĭomplete with his fiddlers, pipe and bowl.Ībove: Cheryl Barrett as the Isle of Wight Fairy Here’s a little something to whet your panto appetites:ĭon’t forget Dick Whittington and his cat I particularly enjoy writing something that rhymes.
For my part, I love to ring the changes and write something different. As a writer I continue to be amazed at the varied panto titles that have been performed over the years.
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