How to Choose the Perfect Panto Song: Six Tips to Soundtrack Success

Music is the heartbeat of every pantomime, and at The Panto Jukebox, we've spent years helping productions find the right tunes for every scene. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you choose songs that will captivate your audience and enhance your story.

1. Know Your Audience

Choose songs that resonate with your audience. Whether it's a classic hit they can sing along to or a contemporary tune that's trending, familiarity breeds engagement. Mixing up musical styles keeps things fresh and exciting. For instance, we once transformed a quaint 1950s number into a vibrant opening by adding synth brass—giving it that big, bold sound panto audiences love.

2. Serve the Story

Every song should have a purpose. Use music to introduce characters, convey emotions, or advance the plot. Avoid inserting songs just to fill time; if it doesn't move the story forward, it's best left out.

3. Look Beyond the Title

It's tempting to pick a song because the title fits your scene, but consider the overall feel. Does the mood match the moment? Is it easy to sing? Is the melody catchy? A fitting title doesn't guarantee a suitable song.

4. Choose the Right Structure

A well-structured song keeps the audience engaged. Be cautious of long instrumental sections or pauses; if they exist, ensure there's on-stage action to maintain interest. Don't leave your cast standing idly—keep the momentum going.

5. Keep It Snappy

Short and sweet often wins the day. Use only the parts of the song that serve your scene—start at the chorus, skip to the bridge, or trim lengthy intros. Aim for about 90 seconds unless there's a significant dance break. And always opt for a clear ending over a fade-out.

6. Tweak the Lyrics to Suit the Scene

If a song is almost perfect but the lyrics don't quite fit, make minor adjustments. Small changes can make a big difference. For example, in Aladdin, changing "Go West" to "Go East" aligns better with the setting. Or, for the Ugly Sisters, turning "She's So Lovely" into "We're So Lovely" adds a humorous twist. The trick is to keep some key words the same as a nod to the original, the audience is likely to know the original lyrics, so this gives a warm, fuzzy feeling that they're sharing an inside joke!

Need more inspiration? Check out our Panto Song Ideas for curated suggestions tailored to every scene and character.

Happy rehearsing! 🎭🎶