Pantomimes for the Whole Family this Christmas
20 November 2022
Is pantomime season approaching? Oh, no it isn’t. Oh, yes, it is! Pantomimes are always guaranteed to entertain the whole family. Even if you feel it’s not your thing, there’s always something in there to make you smile. With that in mind, here is a rundown of some of the best pantomimes for the family to enjoy across the country this Christmas.
Jack and the Beanstalk - London Palladium
The London Palladium has been putting on pantomimes since 1948, so you know you’re in a safe pair of hands here. This year it’s Jack and the Beanstalk, starring Dawn French, Julian Clary and Alexandra Burke. The show is big, bold, lavish and, above all, fun. Tickets always sell fast so be sure to book early. Shows run from 10th December to 15th January.
Beauty & the Beast - Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline
This is one of the smaller pantomimes, but worth seeing as the Alhambra’s pantomimes are very well-received every year by audiences and critics alike. This year’s show has been chosen through an audience vote, with Beauty and the Beast being the clear winner. The show runs from December 8th through to the 28th.
Dick Whittington - Birmingham Hippodrome
The Hippodrome is another venue with an impressive track record for putting on fun and successful pantomimes. The venue is situated with good links to the station and car parks, making this one an easy one to get to. So - a bit like Dick Whittington himself - why not head out on a journey to seek a fun night out for all the family? The show runs from the 17th December to the 29th January.
The Little Mermaid - Portsmouth Guildhall
It’s nice to see a show that isn’t one of the traditional pantomime pieces. This show runs from December 19th to December 29th 2022. It’s smaller in scale than some other pantos on this list, but the production design (complete with large LED screen) does an amazing job of making you feel as though you’re really under the sea.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - New Theatre Cardiff
It’s always a fun experience at the annual New Theatre pantomime. This year, “H from Steps” leads the cast of sports people, soap stars and talent show finalists in a wacky and entertaining show for the whole family. Plus, it features one of the most experienced pantomime dames, Mike Doyle. The show runs from the 10th December to the 8th January.
The King's Panto: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
A host of experienced and popular Scottish actors assemble for this pantomime, which for the first time moves from the King’s Theatre, Glasgow to the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh. None of the magic of the show will be lost though, as with over 60 years' experience, the King’s Panto keeps going strong. The show runs from 17th December to 22nd January.
Cinderella - Grand Opera House Northern Ireland
From 3rd December to 15th January, the Opera House plays host to the traditional pantomime. Like many others, there’s a rich history of quality pantomimes at this venue, and people always flock from over the country to come for an evening of song, dance and belly laughs.
The Rock 'n' Roll Panto: Robin Hood - Everyman Theatre Liverpool
If you’re up for something different, head to this one. The show is filled with high-energy antics and pop music. The rock ‘n’ roll spin suits the story of Robin Hood surprisingly well and families will have great fun being part of the mayhem that ensues. Running from 27th November to the 15th January.
The All New Adventures of Peter Pan - York Theatre Royal
The inclusion of Cbeebies star Maddie Moat as Tinkerbell will be enough to have most children hooked. This one is pitched perfectly for all-ages, with accessible jokes, fun characters, and enchanting sets and costumes. It’s running from 2nd December to the 2nd January so book now!