Home / Arts and Entertainment / Scotland's 100-Year Panto Love Affair
Scotland's 100-Year Panto Love Affair
20 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Scottish pantomime blends music hall tradition with unique local humor.
- An exhibition celebrates Glasgow's nearly century-long love for panto.
- Panto's multi-generational appeal lies in shared jokes and live unpredictability.
Scotland's vibrant pantomime tradition, stretching back nearly 100 years, is celebrated in a new Glasgow exhibition. This unique theatrical form evolved from commedia dell'arte and music hall, developing a strong local identity characterized by "working class Glasgow humour" and a "subversive" spirit.
Glasgow, in particular, has a deep affection for panto, with multiple shows running concurrently in the late 1930s and often extending into spring. The exhibition features historical footage, tracing the lineage of panto stars from Harry Lauder to contemporary performers.
Panto's enduring popularity stems from its multi-generational appeal and the unique thrill of live performance, where unexpected mishaps are embraced by audiences. This tradition, passed down through generations, continues to pack theatres across Scotland.
