Is it Ok to ad-lib in a Christmas Panto ?

Question

A local Amdram have given my the part of "Prancer", Santas main reindeer.

I have enhanced the script of the lunacy, to the amusement of the writer / director

Such as turning to audience an singing "I've got charisma, I've got prescence... I've got crismapresents, who could ask for anything more"

Do you think I may be given the sack ?

Should I bung that and other ad-liberatums in ?

The fellow thespians will not know what I will say next.

I also plan to have my mobile 'phone mounted on the antlers, to go off aat an unsuitable juncture

What do you you reckon > it is all supposed to be fun for the kids !

Bob

Answer 1

I'm sure you can ad-lib if you're not like a chorus person in a musical. Some people might argue that panto is funny enough without ad-lib, but the professionals do it all the time, so i reckon you could get away with it, but tell a stage partner about it so they can work off you

...

:D

Answer 2

just ask the director. just go for it if you enjoy it do it. but i would make sure you are aloud first. the kids in the audience will always love something if you are loving doing it just enjoy what you do and it will show in your performance.  

Answer 3

In a past life I worked (professionally) as technical manager in a small theatre popular with the local Amateur Theatre community. I hesitate to use the derogatory term amdrams. Many of these companies presented theatre to equal many of the pro companies we also hosted in the venue. One local company presented their Pantomime for the whole of December and its production was always geared toward being fun for all.. audiences and participants. As regards the question of adlibbing.. here's the techie's point of view... its ok in short bursts.. the odd "aside" to the audience usually wont turn a techie's hair, but protraced "rambling" will cause some consternation, especially if it happens close to any major changes in the scenery, lighting, props setting etc. this can become a problem .. missed cues will sooner or later catch up with everyone and our collective (thespains and techies alike) embarrassment can be acute. In the right place, ad-libbing will work well.. just take care of when you do it and hopefully it will stay fun-for-all.

Answer 4

Do it Bob, we could all do with a laugh.

Answer 5

Ad libs are usually more fun for the one doing them than the rest of the cast or the audience.

We all believe what we are doing is funny, and think others believe it also.

If you are doing this without approval, you are likely to get sacked.

You don't have to be the star of the show for it to be good.

find a different place for your humor, You might make a decent stand up.

Merry Christmas

Answer 6

Go for it!

The best thing about live theatre is that anything can happen. By improvising and ad-libbing, you're carrying on this great tradition (which has almost been eliminated from films and prerecorded TV).

The best part about our local amdram panto last Christmas was when the Dame forgot her lines and started making it all up as she went along!