The Pantomime Book

Paul Harris

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 and essential source book and guide.

'Will prove valuable to both the professional and the amateur as a reference but will provide more than a few chuckles for the man in the street in need of cheering up' - The Stage

'Lively and amusing...this will be an essential source book and guide' - Call Boy, Journal of the British Music Hall Society

'Paul's book should be a must for every amateur group that does
pantomime and in the hands of most professional producers' - KentToday

About The Author

PAUL HARRIS (born 1943) was born in London and moved to Rochester as a small boy. Leaving school at an early age, he entered the theatre as an actor/comedian and has made numerous TV and radio appearances. His first love has always been pantomime, however, and he continues to write and produce, as well as performing regularly as one of the UK's longest serving pantomime dames