The History of Panto: An Immersive Exhibit to open at London’s new Imaginarium Gallery

The History of Panto: An Immersive Exhibit will have a limited run at the Imaginarium Gallery in London this February.

The Imaginarium Gallery, a new venue for immersive art, opens on Drury Lane in London’s West End Theatre-land district this February.

An intimate cellar space, this ‘secret’ venue offers immersive digital experiences. Its first exhibit, The History of Panto: An Immersive Exhibit, is open for a limited run of only 16 days from 2-18 February 2024.

The exhibit traces the development of Panto across 300 years. Spread across five rooms, it mixes animation based on traditional toy puppet theatre with historical exhibits drawn from Panto’s rich London legacy.

Pantomime or “Panto” evolved over the centuries into what has been called ‘the only art form ever truly invented in England’ by writer and caricaturist Max Beerbohm.

John Kissane, curator at The Imaginarium Gallery said: “We’re delighted to open this new exhibition in the heart of London’s West End.

“More than most forms of theatre, Panto is closely tied to the locality in which it is performed as well as steeped in tradition and superstition. Exploring its history in an exhibit has been deeply rewarding.”

Tickets for the exhibition start from only £7, see website below.

The gallery is open Wed-Sat: 12:00 – 19:30 & Sun 12:00 – 16:00.

Address: Imaginarium Gallery, 185 Drury Lane London WC2B 5PR

Links:

The Imaginarium Gallery London