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Pantomime and the Edinburgh Festival

Study note

Pantomime is a traditional form of comic theatre in the UK that is performed around Christmas. It is usually based on a well-known fairy tale and is aimed at families. A typical pantomime includes a comic character called the 'Dame', who is a woman played by a man, and the audience is encouraged to join in by booing and cheering.

The Edinburgh Festival is a major cultural event held each summer in Scotland's capital and is famous around the world. It is made up of several different festivals, and the largest part of it is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. So remember pantomime as Christmas-time comic theatre with a Dame, and the Fringe as the biggest part of the summer Edinburgh Festival.

Memory tip: Pantomime = Christmas comic theatre (with a 'Dame'); the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is in summer.

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Question 1 of 2

Pantomime is a type of theatre traditionally performed at which time of year?

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Show all questions and answers for Pantomime and the Edinburgh Festival(2 questions with explanations)

Pantomime and the Edinburgh Festival: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. Pantomime is a type of theatre traditionally performed at which time of year?

    • Christmas
    • Midsummer
    • Easter
    • Hallowe'en

    Correct answer: Christmas

    Pantomime is a comic theatre tradition performed around Christmas.

  2. 2. The famous Fringe is the largest part of which festival?

    • The Edinburgh Festival
    • The Chelsea Flower Show
    • Glastonbury
    • The Proms

    Correct answer: The Edinburgh Festival

    The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest part of the summer Edinburgh Festival.

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