Edinburgh Fringe 2026 · Casting Call
Pantomonium
An improvised pantomime. OH YES IT IS.
Danny O'Hara / Dogface Improv
Hi, I'm Danny O'Hara — one half of Bendy House and a founder, teacher and performer with Dogface Improv in Norwich. I'm a theatremaker, director and actor. This year marks my 9th Edinburgh Fringe and 3rd year working with PBH.
I'm casting a brand new improvised panto for the Edinburgh Fringe, and I want people who are ready to:
- Sing like no-one asked you to
- Play characters so big they need planning permission
- Engage with audiences (nicely)
- Fully commit to the absolute chaos of making a panto up on the spot
We need performers who have experience in musical improv and/or musical theatre, understand and deeply respect panto nonsense, and are excellent humans on and off stage. No divas, no punching down.
Expect: Dames. Baddies. Chaos. Songs that go wrong. Songs that go right. Probably a ghost gag.
If you're the kind of performer who goes "yes I'll play the cow AND sing a power ballad" → I want to hear from you.
Format: Improvised pantomime
Dates: August 8th–30th (2 days off TBC)
Time: TBC — possibly 12pm or an afternoon / early evening slot
Status: Pending confirmation at a new PBH location near George Street — looking very promising.
About the show
A brand new improvised panto celebrating the traditions of the form — while making it completely up on the spot.
Expect big characters, audience interaction, classic panto structure, and fully improvised songs with and without backing tracks.
We'll rotate roles including the Dame, the Principal, the Baddie, and the Clown.
Requirements
- Experience in musical improv and/or musical theatre
- Strong understanding of panto traditions and structure
- Confident singing
- Bonus: instruments, dance, circus skills, etc.
Rehearsals
- Weekly online rehearsals from mid-May
- At least 4 full in-person rehearsal days pre-August (likely Norwich / London)
- Additional rehearsals during the run
- Possibly a WIP show on June 20th in Norwich and another in London
Expectations
- Help with flyering and promotion — online and on the streets
- Collaborative, hard-working, positive attitude
Pay
Profit share (after expenses). Fringe costs will be recouped first and payment is not guaranteed. If we make a profit and you've been a long for the ride, it will all be shared out, with an additional share allocated to Dogface Improv to cover ongoing expenses such as insurance.
Who we're looking for
- Experienced in longform and/or musical improv
- Collaborative, kind, and generous on stage
- Keen to work hard, push quality, and have fun doing it
- Believe comedy comes from connection — not punching down or laughing at someone's identity
We actively encourage submissions from performers of all backgrounds, identities and experience levels within improv. We're committed to creating an inclusive, supportive rehearsal and performance environment. The venue is wheelchair accessible.
Practical notes
- We can't cover travel or accommodation for rehearsals or the Fringe.
- Fringe accommodation is expensive — this may best suit performers already planning to be in Edinburgh.
- Rehearsal locations will be confirmed based on cast locations.
Apply
Deadline: May 16th 2026, 11:59pm.
Invites to the next stage go out by May 20th 2026. First step is a Zoom chat and a group Zoom audition; the shortlist will meet for a workshop audition, location TBC.
