Is it true that pantomimes are theatrical performances based on fairy tales?

Pantomimes are a beloved British theatrical tradition, especially around Christmas time. Think of them as lively, musical comedy stage shows loosely based on well-known fairy tales or folk stories. They're not just any play; they're a specific type of performance with stock characters like the Dame (a man dressed as a woman), the principal boy (often played by a woman), and a villain who the audience loves to boo. The stories are familiar – Cinderella, Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk – but the plots are often twisted with slapstick humour, audience participation, and popular songs. The key is that they draw inspiration from these classic tales, adding a uniquely British spin. So, when you think of pantomimes, remember the magic of fairy tales brought to life on stage with lots of laughs and audience interaction. That's why it's true that they are based on fairy tales.