1. Boos and Cheers: The audience actively engages in the performance by expressing their emotions through boos and cheers. The villain or antagonist character, often referred to as the "baddie," typically receives boos, while the hero or protagonist and other beloved characters are cheered and applauded. This creates a sense of camaraderie among the audience members as they collectively support the good characters and disapprove of the villains.
2. Call and Response: Pantomimes involve frequent audience participation, and one of the ways the audience reacts is through call and response. The audience responds verbally to prompts or cues from the characters onstage. Common examples include shouting out phrases like "He's behind you!" or "Oh, no, he didn't!" when a character is in danger or being tricked. This active involvement enhances the interactive experience for the audience.
3. Singing Along: Musical numbers are an integral part of pantomimes, and the audience often joins in with the singing. The lyrics are usually straightforward and catchy, encouraging the audience to participate. Whether it's a rendition of a popular song or an original composition, the audience's collective singing creates a lively atmosphere and further contributes to the interactive aspect of the performance.
4. Laughter: Pantomimes are renowned for their comedic elements, and the audience reacts with laughter throughout. The slapstick comedy and exaggerated characters provide ample opportunities for humorous moments. The audience's laughter signals their appreciation for the comedic performance and sustains the light-hearted and festive ambiance of the show.
5. Hissing and Heckling: While boos are primarily reserved for the villain, hissing and heckling are occasional audience responses to certain characters' actions or behaviors. These reactions convey the audience's disapproval or dissatisfaction with specific moments in the performance, adding a layer of dynamic engagement between the audience and the actors onstage.
Overall, the audience's reactions in a pantomime are manifestations of their emotional investment in the characters and the story. The interaction between the audience and the performers is a fundamental element that distinguishes pantomimes from other theatrical genres and makes them a cherished tradition during the holiday season in the United Kingdom.