How to work the crowd: 5 lessons from Dick Whittington

My family got back into the pantomime three years ago. It’s camp, it’s funny, it’s nostalgic.

What is not to love?!

While the fam have decided the novelty has already worn off, my partner and I are hooked. We’ve decided the panto is our new Christmas tradition.

This year, after a slap-up dinner of chips and mulled wine, we took to our seats at Hackney Empire’s Dick Whittington (and His Cat, to use the full title).

The show was glorious. Laughs, singing, boos, aaaas.

Oh no there wasn’t…!

(Sorry, couldn’t resist).

Here are 5 things I learned on how to work the crowd to keep everyone happy, whether your audience is giggling 5 year olds or a networking business women.

1. If you don’t get the response you want the first time, say it again.

“Can you help me find him?”, asked the magic fairy. A faint “yeahhhh!” came from the crowd. “I saaaiiiid, CAN YOU HELP ME FIND HIM?!”. “YEAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!”. Repetition and more gusto. Works every time.

2. Why tell one joke when you could tell ten?

The Widow Twanky character had an impressive repertoire of one-liners that she rolled out in every scene. The volume of jokes was just as entertaining as the (sometimes) hilarious punchlines. Using humour throughout helps to keep your crowd waiting for the next pun.

3. Be THAT backing dancer you can’t take your eyes off.

My favourite scenes in a panto are always the big song and dance numbers where the ensemble prance around the stage. There is ALWAYS one person who dances like they’re the main character. This time it was a blonde-haired man who shook his hips like he was strutting around the Strictly dancefloor. If you’re part of a crowd, give the same energy as if you were centre stage to make sure you stand out.

4. Wait until the final moment to get the crowd on their feet.

The panto ended with everyone standing up, clapping and singing along to a song about cats. It worked because the cast had successfully got the crowd on board and in the mood to join in throughout the show. Ask for interaction too soon and you risk it falling flat.

5. Never underestimate the power of a freebie.

Widow Twankie (Sarah the Cook) marched into the audience and threw out sweets early on. A simple trick but it immediately got everyone excited - and not just the kids. Giveaways might feel naff but at the end of the day everyone likes a surprise freebie.

If you’re watching a panto this Christmas, pay attention to what the actors are doing that really hooks the crowd in. There’s lessons to be learned on even the most flamboyant of stages.

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