Pantomime

Pantomime, often called panto in UK is a theatrical performance based on fairy tale, featuring music, comedy, and audience participation.  It also refers to the art of acting through physical gestures and body movements without words. It is a form of family theatre, especially during Christmas season based on familiar tales like Cinderella, Aladdin or Jack and the Beanstalk. 

The audience is expected to cheer the hero, boo the villian, and shout out comments. 

The leading male is often played by a woman, while an older comedian figure (the dame ) is played by a man. It is a kind of dumb show. The word is often used to describe any confusing, ridiculous or exaggerated situation. 

In Chapter 41 of Far From The Madding Crowd, Bathsheba Everdene sees Boldwood meeting Gabriel at long distance, and Joseph Poorgrass joining them. Nothing could be heard by Bathsheba of the conversation among them, it was a pantomime.  Moreover Bathsheba is disturbed by her married life with sergeant Troy.

Pantomime was evolved from classical theatre and 16th century Italian Commedia dell'arte. Its ancient roots lie in story telling bards. 

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