The pantomime finale is the glittery ending to an epic adventure. It usually involves a lot of energetic dancing and the balancing of many large headpieces worn by various members of the cast! I love to put a song just after the walkdown and the final rhyme. It really helps the audience go out on a high. Then at the end of the number, the curtain can touch down and fly back up again to make the most of the applause. Are you always looking for inspiration for songs to fill that coveted spot? Here’s some of the numbers on my ever-growing list:
- Happy by Pharrell Williams – “It might seem crazy what I’m about to say” but Happy is the perfect fun-filled finale number for the whole cast to take part in.
- I’m A Believer by The Monkees – beloved by panto producers up and down the country, this feel-good hit is an all-singing, all-dancing sensation. I personally like the arrangement on the cast recording of Shrek: The Musical.
- We Are Golden by Mika – this song is filled to the brim with joy and it’s perfect for any celebratory occasion!
- Live While We’re Young by One Direction – I love using this song for Peter Pan as it matches up really well with the idea that Peter is the boy that never grew up.
- Firework by Katy Perry – the firework metaphor works perfectly for a pantomime finale and Katy Perry’s cheerful delivery comes over well in the arrangement.
- Just Can’t Get Enough by Depeche Mode – This 80s floor-filler is sure to get your audience up and clapping along. The beat is infectious.
- Mamma Mia by ABBA – You might want to change the lyrics if you decide to use this one, but it’s a classic that everyone is sure to enjoy. I like to change the main phrase to ‘Cinderella’ which has the same number of syllables. A perfect finale for when Cinderella has found her prince.
- Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves – I don’t think you could ever find a person who doesn’t perk up when they hear this song. It’s infectious and a great tempo for a finale.
- Don’t Stop Believing by Journey – This song made a come back when it was re-popularised by Glee around 10 years ago. If you’re looking for an epic finale that builds and builds, this is your best bet.
- Dancing on the Ceiling by Lionel Richie – “What a feeling” it is listening to this number. It already feels like you’re on a dancefloor at a disco.
- Bring it All Back by S Club 7 – a 90s classic that came out just before the millennium. It’s got a brilliant moral message in the lyrics and lends itself to a finale setting.
- Reach by S Club 7 – The better known of S Club 7’s classic hits, everyone knows the lyrics to Reach!
- Life’s a Happy Song from The Muppets Movie – A lesser known song, but perfect for a pantomime finale with lots of parts for a large cast to sing.
- Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon – A great upbeat finale for a Cinderella, this dance-themed number is a real go-getter.
- I Got You from Bring It On: The Musical – This musical theatre finale is ripe for the panto treatment. I’ve re-worded it before to include all sorts of British references and character/plot points from the show.
I hope this list has given you some inspiration from across the musical decades for songs you can use to finish your production with a bang! If you have your own suggestions of songs to add to this list, let me know.