The (In)Famous Geoids 48-Hour Panto

Every January, Geoids brings together a fearless team of writers, performers, musicians, creatives and backstage volunteers to create and stage an entire pantomime in just 48 hours.

No months of rehearsals, no advance prep for the cast, just one gloriously chaotic weekend.

What is the 48-Hour Panto?

The 48-Hour Panto is exactly what it sounds like: a brand-new pantomime created, rehearsed and performed over one weekend.

The show is written in advance, but the cast arrive on Friday evening knowing almost nothing except the title. By Sunday, there’s a fully staged show in front of an audience.

It has become one of the highlights of the Geoids calendar, bringing together familiar faces and first-time participants for a completely unique weekend of theatre.

1. The show is created

Over the summer, the panto is written and the creative team assembled. They spend the autumn and winter getting everything ready.

2. Performer sign-ups open

Cast places are released in December on a first come, first served basis and can go very quickly. Once full, a waiting list opens for any drop-outs.

3. Everyone meets on Friday

The cast arrive knowing only the title. A short, optional audition that evening is used to allocate principal roles, with nothing to prepare beforehand.

4. We make a show

Friday and Saturday are spent learning lines, songs, dances and staging before dress runs and the Sunday performance.

Who can take part?

You do not need previous experience to join the cast.

The panto is designed to be accessible, fast-paced and fun, whether you’ve done dozens of Geoids shows or this is your first one.

You need to be a full Geoids member to take part. Because places go so quickly, we recommend sorting your membership before sign-ups open.

Become a Member

Don’t miss the sign up!

Panto places move fast.

Join our mailing list to hear when performer sign-ups open, as well as creative and backstage opportunities and ticket releases.

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FAQ

  • The show is written in advance but everything else happens in 48 hours!

    Rehearsed and staged across a single weekend, culminating in a live performance on Sunday. Some practical preparation takes place beforehand, but the pantomime itself comes together against the clock.

  • No. The 48-Hour Panto is not auditioned. Performing places are allocated through an online sign-up, so anyone with an active Geoids membership can try to secure a place.

  • Yes. You must be a Geoids member before you can sign up to perform in the panto.

    Places tend to disappear within minutes, so we strongly recommend joining or renewing your membership before sign-ups open.

  • Performer sign-ups usually open towards the end of the year. We announce the date and explain the process through our newsletter and Instagram, so follow us and keep an eye on your inbox.

  • Places are limited and cannot be guaranteed once the sign-up is full. You may still be able to join the waiting list or get involved backstage.

  • Each summer, we separately invite applications from directors, musical directors, writers, choreographers and producers for the following January’s panto.

    The application notice will explain which roles are available, what information to provide and when applications close.

  • No. The 48-Hour Panto is part of the Geoids calendar, but its creative-team application process is run separately from the annual process used to choose our main productions.

  • Not for every role. Some positions require particular skills or experience, but there are also plenty of ways to lend a hand, learn something new and join the fun.

    Individual call-outs will explain what is needed.

  • Join our newsletter and follow Geoids on Instagram. We announce creative applications, performer sign-ups, backstage opportunities and tickets as each stage opens.