British Pantomimes was born from a simple belief: that the joy of live theatre shouldn’t be reserved for the lucky few who happen to live near a big regional playhouse. Founded under the Howlin’ Entertainment umbrella by entertainer and producer Kev Orkian — drawing on over 30 years in live comedy, variety, and family entertainment — British Pantomimes set out to take one of Britain’s most cherished theatrical traditions and put it within reach of every child, wherever they are.

What started as a passion for keeping the great British panto alive has grown into a mission-driven production company, blending classic storytelling — the booing villains, the singalongs, the “he’s behind you!” — with fresh, contemporary staging that speaks to today’s young audiences. Our Pop-Up Pantomime touring format, bringing productions like Jack and the Beanstalk directly into children’s hospitals, reflects that mission in its purest form: panto isn’t just entertainment, it’s a lifeline of laughter for children who might otherwise miss out entirely.

Our Mission

To reach every child in the UK with the magic of pantomime — traditional in spirit, innovative in delivery, and built to make every child smile.

We believe panto works because it’s participatory, silly, warm, and shared. Our aim is to protect that heritage while modernising how and where it’s delivered — touring beyond traditional theatres and into schools, hospitals, community halls, and studio spaces, so that no postcode and no circumstance stands between a child and a great pantomime.

What Makes Us Different

• Traditional at heart — call-and-response, pantomime dames, big musical numbers, and villains you love to hate.
• Innovative in execution — pop-up and touring formats, adaptable staging for non-traditional venues, and production values designed to travel.
• Purpose-led — prioritising access for children who wouldn’t otherwise get to experience live panto, including hospital and community touring.
• Rooted in decades of live entertainment craft — produced by a team with a long track record across comedy, variety, and family shows.