Does Ben Have a Favourite Panto Script?
- Mar 19
- 2 min read
At this time of year, many of you are busy reading panto scripts and I’m often asked which one is my favourite. The honest answer is that I really don’t know! They all contain ideas or bits which I’m particularly fond of. So, here’s something from each panto script which really pleases me. Click the titles to check them out!
ALADDIN (Version 1) Nobby, the frequently psychotic panda, always makes me laugh!
ALADDIN (Arabian Version) Dame Gertie’s utter meltdown in the second half is very, very funny!
ALI BABA The Shadow Puppet Scene contains a dynamic different from any other panto.
ALICE IN WONDERLAND You will not beat the Flamingo in the cooking scene for sheer panto comedy!
BEAUTY & THE BEAST Felix, the Giant French Poodle who thinks the story is entirely about him… The Audience always love Felix!
CAMELOT THE PANTO The only panto where one half of a comedy double act is entirely invisible!
CINDERELLA (Version 1) I love the scene with the amorous tree!
CINDERELLA (Version 2) Doubling the Fairy Godmother with the Evil Baroness creates a barnstorming double role!
DICK WHITTINGTON King Rat has the best verse I’ve ever written and Tommy the Cat always steals the show!
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK The Dancing Tree is pure Morecambe and Wise.
MOTHER GOOSE The “Frozen” Scandinavian winter setting works beautifully.
PUSS IN BOOTS No other version has Killer Rabbits and the Audience always love them!
RAPUNZEL Waylon the Weasel, who inhabits both human and puppet form. I love him!
ROBIN HOOD “The One Doored Tower of Doom” is a brilliant audience participation scene.
SLEEPING BEAUTY The competitive rivalry between Carabosse and her cat, Spindleshanks is
always extremely funny.
SNOW WHITE The totally useless murderers, Bogwort and Stinkwort, are probably my favourite double act.
TREASURE ISLAND The Smuggler’s Cove Women’s Institute becoming part of Long John Silver’s crew is the comedy gift that keeps on giving!
In short, I'm very fond of all the titles in my collection. The key thing is that I always try to ensure that the traditions of pantomime are balanced with new ideas and ludicrous variations which are wholly unique and enjoyable.
But don't take my word for it. Check it out for yourself! I'm always happy to send out scripts, so do have a look and let me know which PDF reading copies you would like to see. They’re free!