Pantomimes tend to be based on fairy tales, folklore,
legends, myths, or nursery rhymes.
The term ‘Fairy Tale’ comes from the translation of Madame
D'Aulnoy's Conte de fées, first used in her collection in 1697, and
a dictionary definition informs us that a fairy tale is… “A traditional story
written for children, that usually involves imaginary creatures and magic.”
There are
hundreds of different kinds of fairies…some are minute, others grotesque, some
can fly, and all tend to be able to appear and disappear at will.
In my scripts
I deliberately try to get away from the tutu fairies in satin and lace, with
ribbons and bows. I reckon funny, frivolous, funky, sometimes flustered fairies
are more enjoyable for the person playing the part, and for the audience.
So here are
some ideas for costumes, for the role to be played by the more mature miss or mrs.
Right... shades of
Isadora Duncan, the American choreographer and dancer… or maybe it's the ‘Spiwit of
Spwing’… tra-la! Nervously adjusting the bloomers would be a lurverly bit of comedy
business.On the left, this illustration has a look of Phyllis Diller, the rather eccentric American actress and stand-up comedienne. She has been described as a surreal version of femininity, an absurd caricature with garish baggy dresses and gigantic, clownish hair. She made fun of her lack of sex appeal punctuating the humor with a hearty cackle to show she was in on the joke.
This illustration right is from a 1895
poster, and shows 'Miss Evetta',
the only lady clown with the Barnum & Bailey ‘Greatest Show On Earth’
Circus. Forget the decorations on the pantaloons, but add a tiara and a wand
and you have a costume that should guarantee a funny, eccentric character. Go on... I dare you!
On the left we have a children's costume, but I reckon it could work well for a teenager, or even a somewhat older,
jolly, slightly chubby lady.Keep the dress short, and find a curly blonde wig.
To me, this costume suggests a certain voice and a particular kind of stance. I think she would be a very full of hope fairy, ever so enthusiastic, and determined to do her best.
On the right, a really quirky character, who looks as though she will try very hard, but is likely to cause a hiccup or two. An ideal image for the slimmer lady.Again, a voice immediately springs to mind, perhaps a bit Joyce Grenfell, or maybe even Theresa May.
I really go for the headband and the socks. Perhaps she is a bit gawky, and a little uncoordinated.
Finally, on the left, Miss Flighty-Frisky. She's bubbly, bouncy, and badabing badaboom!Beautiful, and full o' beans, she has got energy to burn.
Again we're looking not at a child playing this role, but someone at least in her late teens.
The look suggests a whole repertoire of perky poses. She could steal the show.
Hopefully, these are fun fairies, so why not give 'em a whirl?
