Everyone loves a bit of a cheesy panto, right? From the classic ‘it’s behind you!’ to ‘oh no it isn’t’! The dazzling costumes, hilarious laugh-out-loud comedy and sensational songs. As kids, you have to admit going to a panto was the best part of your primary school days… Well, if you still love them and have kids that you know would thoroughly enjoy watching one, then you’re in luck! But before you start searching for a ‘pantomime near me‘, have a read of this!
We’ve collated the best panto favourites that are still to show this year – so grab those tickets and make unforgettable memories with your kids!
If you’re a panto lover, you know that the season generally starts in November, so you have plenty of time.
Pantomimes Showing in the North East
Jack and the Beanstalk, Billingham
With a reimagining of the classic story with lavish costumes, enchanting production and an interactive adventure – it’s the perfect festive treat and a fabulous family fun day out this Christmas!
Forum Theatre Billingham, Queensway, Billingham, Stockton on Tees
2nd December 2023 to 31st December 2023
Tickets start from £21.00
Shrek the Musical, North Yorkshire
They’re outta the swamp and onto the stage, ready to blow you away.
Join Shrek and Donkey on their quest to save Princess Fiona from the fearsome dragon! A spectacular production and magical pantomime that is filled with your favourite characters and memorable songs.
It’s a family musical you can all get on board with this Christmas!
Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York, YO1 9SW
27th November - 2nd December 2023
Tickets start from £13.00
Pantomimes Showing in the North West
Cinderella - Bolton's Christmas Family Pantomime, Bolton
You’ll certainly have a ball watching this exciting panto performance full of glitz and flair.
It’s the bell of the ball and family-friendly of course. You and the kids will be laughing out loud, singing along and booing the ugly step sisters!!
Victoria Hall Bolton, 37 - 39 Knowsley Street, Bolton, BL1 2AS
2nd to 10th December 2023
Tickets start from £5.00
Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, Lancashire
It’s up to you to find out! Join Snow White, the Wicked Queen, Dame Dolly and the seven dwarfs on a rollercoaster of a ride!
The entire family will laugh along, boo at the evil stepmother and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon out.
Psst…adults, you might recognise a familiar face here – Kerry Katona will be starring in the panto!
Marine Hall, The Esplanade Fleetwood, Lancashire FY7 6HF
29th - 31st December 2023
Tickets start from £15.00
Pantomimes Showing in the Midlands
Fairytale of New York, Leicester
From Christmas classic songs like The Fairytale of New York, to the greatest Irish sing-a-long songs like Danny Boy! It’ll be a magical show that will have everyone in the panto audience up and standing!
De Montfort Hall, Granville Rd, Leicester, LE1 7RU
29th November at 14:30 or 19:30
Tickets start from £30.00
The Adventures of Treasure Island, Coventry
The stage will be set like the perfect island and packed with hilarious songs, the thrill of adventure and of course, audience participation – that’s you!
Boo the evil Pirate John Long Silver, burst into fits of giggles and meet the friendliest cat ever!
85 Moseley Ave, Coundon, Coventry CV6 1HR
23rd December 2023 at 13:00
£7.50 per person
Pantomimes Showing in the South East
Alice in Wonderland, Oxfordshire
Follow Alice and the White Rabbit as they head off on a colourful, whimsical and topsy-turvy adventure. You’ll meet all sorts of curious characters along the way too – from Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts to Cheshire Cat!
This panto will be an absolute hit for both children and adults! Jam-packed with hilarious antics, audience participation, outrageous songs and so much more!
The Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2BP
Saturday 17th February 2024
13:30 and 17:00
Adult £17.50
Child (under 16) £15.50
My Neighbour Totoro, London
Winner of 6 Olivier Awards, it was too good to stop – so this fantastic, fan-favourite panto is back! Don’t miss out on it this time.
Barbican Theatre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS
21st November 2023 — 23rd March 2024
Tickets start from £25.00
Pantomimes Showing in the South West
Zog and the Flying Doctors, Bristol
With Zog now taking his role as an air ambulance, it’s up to him, Princess Pearl and his flying doctor crew to help a sunburnt mermaid, a unicorn with one too many horns and a lion with the flu! But Princess Pearl’s uncle, the King has deemed that Princesses can’t be doctors…
It’s up to Zog and a few friends to make him realise he’s being silly! Can they do it?
Bristol Old Vic, King Street, Bristol, BS1 4ED
2nd to 14th April 2024
Tickets start from £15.00
Elf the Musical, Exeter
Come down to the huge and spectacular stage, with mesmerising backdrops, a HUGE LED screen, a mobile stage and LOTs of audience interactions with Buddy the Elf…
From a snowball fight with the audience, an indoor snowstorm, Santa’s flying sleigh and an aerial cirque act – you’ll be totally blown away.
Westpoint Arena, Clyst St Mary, Exter, Devon, EX5 1DJ
18th - 20th December 2023
Tickets from £25.75
Pantomimes Showing in Wales
Beauty & the Beast, South Wales
Based on the much-loved animated film with the classic songs and breath-taking production. You’ll step into an enchanting world full of magic and dazzling costumes. It’s set to be an absolute showstopper!
The Riverfront, Kingsway, Newport, NP20 1HG
29th and 30th November 2023 and 3rd - 5th January 2024
Tickets start from £15.00
Peter Pan, Llandudno
But ho…what’s this? The island is under threat! Can Wendy and her brothers help Peter and the Lost Boys defeat the villainous Captain Hook?
Venue Cymru, Promenade, Llandudno, LL30 1BB
9th - 31st December 2023
17:00
Tickets from £22.00
Pantomimes Showing in Scotland
Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR.
After years in blissful…captivity…they venture off with the elusive penguins for bigger pastures. As the gang heads out on a crack-a-lackin escape, they find themselves in the world of King Julien in the tropical paradise of Madagascar!
Webster Memorial Theatre, 64 High Street, Arbroath, DD11 1AW
3rd February 2024
Tickets start from £12.00
Sleeping Beauty with The Pantomime of Your Dreams, Aberdeen
Can true love break the spell? Will Prince Charming find the sleeping Princess and awaken her?
You better watch out for the evil Enchantress…she’ll be sneaking around!
A family panto full of magic, music, comedy and all things spectacular!
His Majesty's Theatre, Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen, AB25 1GL
2nd December 2023 to 7th January 2024
Tickets start from £39.50
Pantomimes Showing in Northern Ireland
Hansel & Gretel, County Antrim
Join Hansel, Gretel and a mischievous mouse called Monty as they tumble through a storybook into an enchanted forest. Full of woodland creatures and…a house made of sweeties!!
With a sprinkle of magic and a dusting of icing sugar, this wonderful panto will blow your socks off this Christmas.
Lyric Theatre Belfast, 55 Ridgeway Street, Belfast, BT9 5F
24th November 2023 to 6th January 2024
Tickets start from £12.50
With so many pantomimes to discover and watch with your family this panto season, you’ll start off winter with a festive bang! From the hilarious to the spectacular and magical. There’s a pantomime near you for every one!
Looking for some family-friendly adventures? Try paddle boarding, visit some beautiful lakes, bounce your way to a trampoline park and find some outdoor fun here!