[HPFGU-OTChatter] Re: Festive Note - Nativity Plays

[Kathryn Cawte]

 Grannybat

> This is not the same as Christmas panto, yes? One of my Alan Rickman
> e-groups got into a discussion of that, but I'm still a bit unclear
> on the distinctions. Could you educate me a bit?
>
>
K

Panto - usually a fairytale (Cinderella, Peter Pan, Snow White, Aladdin
etc). Featuring the Principal Boy (main male role ie Prince Charming, Peter
Pan etc) played by a young, athletic girl in tights and a tunic and the
Panto Dame (comic female role i.e. Ugly Sisters, Widow Twanky) played by a
guy in big frocks a wig and make up. Featuring an evil villain (who you boo)
a happy ending and much shouting of "he's behind you" and "oh no he didn't"
"oh yes he did" from the characters and the audience. Usually there is some
'audience participation in the form of kids being dragged on stage by one of
the characters and much yelling of lines from the audience. Also sweeties
being thrown at the audience, bad jokes, awful puns and (usually) some
political comment.

Nativity Play - pretty much never done professionally (unlike pantos which
are usually put on at least one in each town by professional actors as well
as amateur productions). Tells the tale of Mary and Joseph travelling to
Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus. Pretty much only performed by kids in
schools at Christmas for the parents. Full of Angels, Shepherds, Wise Men
and, apparently, dancing Christmas puddings.

K