Widow Twankey would be unable to eat her custard pie without this.
Students can take the first degree in pantomime, following the same path as stand-up comedy and surf science at universities.
Staffordshire University will soon offer a Master’s Degree in “contemporary Pantomime Practice” starting next September.
For 13 months, Dick Whittingtons and Cinderellas-to-be will be combining research with practice to learn about the British tradition that dates back to Victorian times.
Clive Rowe played Dame Trot, and he spoke with a traditional pantomime Cow during an evening production of ‘Jack and The Beanstalk at Hackney Empire. Pantomime students can now get the first ever degree.
Before performing their show, they will have to master the elements of slapstick and audience participation.
The students will examine panto from a 21st-century lens, looking at the changes made by Covid and Disney.
Around 260 professional pantomimes are staged in Britain each year, generating nearly £63million for theatres.
Panto features Stephen Mulhern as Christopher Biggins. Mr Mulhern said: ‘Pantomimes have become the highest grossing productions for theatres – the lifesaver in the industry due to the profit each generates.’
Christopher Biggins and his Orchard Theatre dressing room last month.
Biggins is the man behind Aladdin, Cinderella, and Winnie the Pooh. It is important to preserve traditions and Britain’s history.
Richard Cheshire is the course leader and calls pantomime “one Britain’s great contributions in world theatre”.
Robert Marsden is the co-developer of this course. He hopes it will change perceptions that pantomime skills cannot be acquired informally.
Dr Marsden is currently touring in Halifax his 27th pantomime. He said that pantomime was unique. It is a difficult style to perform and everything that comes with it.
“The truth is, producers are not willing to cast inexperienced actors. Therefore formal training opportunities are crucial.”