Choosing the Perfect Song for Your Pantomime Production

Music is the heartbeat of every pantomime. 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.

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. This change gave it that big, bold sound pantomime audiences love.

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.

Look Beyond the Title

It's tempting to pick a song simply 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.

Understanding the Emotional Connection

When selecting songs, consider the emotional connection they can create. A well-chosen song can deepen the audience's investment in the characters and their journeys.

Example: If a character faces adversity, a powerful ballad can amplify the emotions involved, making the audience cheer for their triumphs.

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.

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. Always opt for a clear ending over a fade-out.

The Impact of Timing

Timing is everything in pantomime. When you choose shorter snippets of songs, you control the pacing of the show. This keeps the audience's attention rapt, ensuring they remain glued to their seats.

Tweak the Lyrics to Suit the Scene

If a song is nearly 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, transforming "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 them a warm, fuzzy feeling—like sharing an inside joke!

Create Unique Experiences

A well-chosen song can create memorable moments that stick in the audience's minds. Consider how interactive elements, such as encouraging the audience to sing along during familiar tunes, can enhance the experience.

Engaging the Audience

Engagement doesn’t stop at the songs. Use popular tracks that invite participation. Have fun with call-and-response techniques or even dance challenges that audiences will remember long after leaving the theater.

Need More Inspiration?

Looking for additional ideas? Check out our Panto Song Ideas for curated suggestions tailored to every scene and character. We offer a variety of music choices that suit any storyline and enhance the pantomime experience.

Happy rehearsing! 🎭🎶