London's Imaginarium Gallery to Open with The History of Panto: An Immersive Exhibit

The Imaginarium Gallery, a new venue for immersive art, is opening on Drury Lane in London’s West End Theatreland district. 

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

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.”