How To Choose a Panto Script?!

As the final curtains close on one show, all thoughts turn to the next.  But where to start? There are so many scripts to choose from and websites to look at.  We've put together our Top Ten no nonsense tips to choosing your next script!

 

Tip 1: A Panto is not Just for Christmas!

Here at PantoFun we believe that a pantomime is not just for Christmas!  Many of our scripts make perfect Easter or Summer Pantomimes.  We know that for many amateur groups, their pantomime is the best selling show of the year - so why not do a summer one too?  If you are exploring family friendly scripts for spring or summer show, take a look at The Elves and the Shoemaker, The Goose Girl or The Frog Prince which all work perfectly whatever the weather.
 

Tip 2: Traditional Story or Something New?

Now this is a big question and one that sometimes we don't agree on.  Sarah always favours the traditional stories (even if they are not well known) and Helen likes something new or a "mash up" of pantomimes!  Both have their pro's and cons.  We are often guided by our audience and to a certain extent our cast who may wish to step away from the traditional castle and woodland scenes!  We've written a few pantos that tick both boxes though - traditional stories but not necessarily ones that are often made into a pantomime!  Have a read of our Snow White and Rose Red and Goose Girl scripts on our website. If you like traditional pantos then have a read of Aladdin or Cinderella. 

Tip 3: Full Length or Short?

Recently we've been finding that shorter pantomimes are becoming increasingly popular.  They require less rehearsal time and are perfect for children (both to perform and watch).  Our shorter pantomimes are not short on content or fun and deliver all the joy of a pantomime in a pocket sized script.  Our shorter scripts have a run time of approx 1 hour which can be run with or without an interval. Shorter pantomimes can include a full chorus such as our Three Little Pigs script or just main characters as our Cinderella script which uses some clever doubling of puppeteers in the ballroom scene.

 

Tip 4: Does it fit my company?

So many times, we've looked at scripts only to realise that we can't possibly cast them as we don't have the right people.  You could of course pick your dream script and scout out talent to make it come to life but it's a risky strategy.  We'd always suggest you are confident you can cast and deliver.  Expanding your capability is one thing, but don't pick something that is above the skill set of your members or it will be an unpleasant experience for everyone.   In our scripts we try to give companies a few options when it comes to casting and setting, but if you do pick one of ours and find something doesn't quite work for your company then get in touch and we'll help you find a solution.

 

Tip 5: Can I stage it?

 

Tip 6: Can I alter it?

Most scripts have a clause which allows you to make very minor alternations with respect to location names etc but that anything else requires permission of the author.  We understand how this can be frustrating, but as writers we do understand the need to protect our work.  At Pantofun, we are more than happy to help tweak a script to fit - in many of our pantomimes, roles can be doubled or removed entirely with a few bits of additional dialogue. We can also create new characters for you for a small charge.  Please see our website for indicative costs.  
 

Tip 7: Do I know what other societies are doing?

This is a really useful exercise.  Talk to other local societies and also your local professional theatres to see what productions are in the pipeline.  Audiences are really important to local groups, but if everyone is planning to put on Jack and The Beanstalk then audience numbers for everyone will be affected.  Try and make sure you are all putting on difference titles to maximise your audience numbers.  You could also support each other by advertising other societies shows too - having enjoyed one amateur show it's amazing how many people will be minded to go to another - especially when ticket prices are approximately 1/4 of a professional production.
 

Tip 8: Does it make me laugh?

Don't rely on your actors to bring the script to life! If it doesn't make you laugh the first time, just think how it will make you feel on your umpteenth reading!  Pick something that inspires you! Don't just settle for the first script you read!

 

Tip 9: Does it have all the elements that I as a Director and my cast want?

Many societies have things that are always included in their productions, be this a slop scene, an it's behind you scene or a physical comedy scene.  If you like one of our scripts but are looking for a particular type of scene that makes your society "you" then talk to us - we can pop one in for you at a minimal cost.  

 

Tip 10: What if I still can't find anything I like?

So you've trawled the Internet and read 10 different versions of Aladdin, 14 Cinderella's and 2 Princess and the Pea's and you still can’t find what you want? You have an idea for a show but you don't know where to start?  Well, why not commission us to write a bespoke script just for you. We’d be delighted to help you create your ideal pantomime of any length or any story! What better way to make the most of your company’s talents and make you stand out from the crowd?  Contact us for more details.


At PantoFun we have lots of fun and original scripts just waiting for you to bring them to life.  Come and have a look at what we have to offer, all our preview scripts are currently FREE to download.

 

Happy hunting! Sarah and Helen 🤗