The pantomime book : the only known collection of pantomime jokes and sketches in captivity / Paul Harris ; with a foreword by Roy Hudd

"In the first ever collection of pantomime sketches and gags, the actor Paul Harris has gathered together a hilarious selection of theatrical material, much of which originated in Victorian times and which and refined and updated in many productions since. He introduces us to the stalwarts of just about any '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 'biz' - the art of improvising 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- with favourite bits of slapstick involving everything from eggs and echoes to ghosts and gorillas. For the thousands of professional and amateur performers, directors, and producers, and for the many pantomime enthusiasts in Britain and in many other parts of the world, this will be ans essential source book and guide." -- Coberta