Script Guidelines

• We only use bespoke scripts written for the Haddenham Pantomime. This is to ensure that every person who auditions can be cast in the show, which is the principal tenet of our community production and must be adhered to.
• Previously published scripts (e.g. from a script website) are ineligible.
• Scripts are usually written by the director, however, you may submit a script for somebody else to direct if you wish.
• You can choose any story for your script – a classic fairytale, a traditional folk tale, or a children’s story that is out of copyright (UK copyright is the life of the author + 70 years, so Peter Pan is out of copyright).
• Scripts must be approved by the Pantomime Production Team, a volunteer group which includes trustees of the Arkenstall Village Centre. No racist, sexist or homophobic language/comedy is allowed. Mild innuendo is encouraged.
• The total running time of the pantomime must be no longer than 2hrs – take into account the length of music and time to change sets in your running time calculations.
• Script submissions are accepted from any interested parties, but priority is given to residents of Haddenham and Aldreth.

Script outlines for 2027 need to be submitted by February 1st 2026, with completed scripts submitted by April 1st 2026. It is expected that the script will be revised after the auditions to ensure that all those who want to take part are cast. No script revisions may take place after December 1st, when a final script must be submitted to the Production Team.

• Act and Scene divisions
• Page numbers
• Stage directions for cast and crew (all entrances, exits, music, SFX, props, furniture, curtain directions and blackouts for each scene must be listed)