| HOME | London Shows | London Theatres | London Archive | Half Price Tickets | Regional Theatres | Links |
Pantomimes and Christmas Shows 2008 / 2009
Pantomimes, Family Musicals and Ice Shows taking place around the UK Christmas 2008 and New Year: (Please note details and casting are subject to change).
See also - Ice Skating Rinks in London and around the UK during the Christmas and New Year holidays
| Blackpool | Tower Christmas Circus - Aladdin Family Show Wednesday 3 December 2008 to Sunday 18 January 2009 Blackpool Tower, Blackpool, FY1 4BJ Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online The Tower's Circus Pantomime is always one of the hottest tickets in Town and you need to book early to guarantee your seats. Once again Director and Producer, Laci Endresz Snr, has brought together a cast of international artistes from as far a field as China, Moscow, Belarus and Moldova displaying skill and daring in the Circus Arena while Blackpool's very own Mooky takes the lead role and Bubu plays The Genie of The Lamp. Cheer for our hero and boo the evil Abanaza in this unique version of the classic Arabian Nights tale mixed with some Circus magic that will delight all ages. |
| Birmingham | The Nutcracker - The Birmingham Royal Ballet Ballet Friday 28 November to Saturday 13 December 2008 Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B5 4TB Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online At Clara’s family's Christmas party, mysterious things start to happen and later that evening she begins a journey to a magical land. Magical scenery, including an amazing transformation and a giant flying snow goose. Undoubtedly the best production of The Nutcracker in the UK. The perfect ballet to become part of your Christmas tradition. |
| Birmingham | Robin Hood Pantomime Friday 19 December 2008 to Sunday 1 February 2009 Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B5 4TB Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online John Barrowman returns to the Birmingham Hippodrome to star in a brand new production of Robin Hood - The Pantomime Adventure. Robin Hood is a new and exciting modern pantomime with all the traditional elements of the story. Each year Birmingham pantomime delivers different elements guaranteed to surprise and entertain. This year we are transported from Sherwood Forest to Camelot to The Knights of the Round Table and the famous magic sword, Excalibur, and a full ice spectacular in the Ice Forest with ‘Dancing on Ice’ skaters from Russia! With lots of action, fights, hit songs, adventure and of course an abundance of great comedy makes this production of Robin Hood a 'must' for the family this Christmas. |
| Birmingham | Christmas with the Rat Pack Musical Tuesday 9 to Saturday 13 December 2008 Alexandra Theatre, Station Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B5 4DS Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online Beat the winter blues with the special Christmas version of the hit show for the festive season. With a talented cast and 15-piece orchestra, take a trip back to the glamorous, hot, glitzy nights of Las Vegas. Experience Frank, Sammy and Dean's world famous classic recordings and more in this sensationally staged production that brings the music and lives of these legendary characters together again. |
| Birmingham | Disney's High School Musical Family Musical Monday 15 December 2008 to Saturday 3 January 2009 Alexandra Theatre, Station Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B5 4DS Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online Disney's High School Musical on stage follows the much-loved story of the movie, featuring all your favourite characters and songs, together with two brand new numbers performed by the country’s hottest dancers and an electrifying live band. So “get'cha head in the game!” and go totally wild this Christmas for Disney's High School Musical. Watch the twists and turns of the lovable schoolmates – Troy, super-popular captain of the basketball team, and Gabriella, super-smart transfer student and a genius in science class – as they surf the tricky tides of peer pressure and canteen cliques to follow their dreams and score the leads in the big school show, and a place in each others hearts. |
| Blackburn | Peter Pan Pantomime Satirday 13 December 2008 to Sunday 4 January 2009 King Georges Hall, Northgate, Blackburn, BB2 1AA Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online The enchanting tale of the boy who never grew up. The highly professional Stageworks Worldwide Productions will produce our magical pantomime. Our production will feature amazing flying scenes, dazzling costumes, exciting battle scenes together with lots of interaction, music and lively dance performed by a professional cast of actors, singers and dancers. |
| Bristol | Disney's Beauty and the Beast Family Musical Wednesday 3 to Saturday 6 December 2008 Bristol Hippodrome, St. Augustines Parade, Bristol, BS1 4UZ Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online One of the most popular and enchantingly romantic stories ever told comes to life in Disney’s multi-award winning musical Beauty and the Beast at The Bristol Hippodrome this Christmas. Seen by over 25 million people, one of the biggest musicals of all time brings to life the beloved “tale as old as time” with a burst of theatrical magic. Be our guest and bring someone you love to experience the enchantment of an unforgettable performance of Disney’s classic musical. |
| Bristol | Cinderella Pantomime Friday 12 December 2008 to Sunday 11 January 2009 Bristol Hippodrome, St. Augustines Parade, Bristol, BS1 4UZ Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online The Bristol Hippodrome this year promises a dazzling, high quality, million pound pantomime. Packed with all the thrill and excitement that only pantomime can provide, this fantastic production of Cinderella has stunning sets and costumes, amazing song and dance routines, romance, laughter, audience participation and real Shetland ponies! Award winning Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney is Baron Hardup, Michelle Collins is The Wicked Stepmother and Buttons is played by Bobby Davro. Starring alongside them as Cinderella is Vicky Longley, (Emma Norton in Nickelodeon’s Genie in the House), Jan Rooney plays The Fairy Godmother and George Wood is Prince Charming. |
| Bristol | Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat Family Musical Tuesday 13 to Sunday 18 January 2009 Bristol Hippodrome, St. Augustines Parade, Bristol, BS1 4UZ Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online Having enjoyed sensational reviews, Bill Kenwright's production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's sparkling family musical continues to enjoy huge success across the country. With the liveliest, most energetic company of actors, singers and dancers you’ll ever see, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat is brimming with non-stop action, laughter and infectious fun that is sure to delight the young and the young at heart. |
| Darwen | Scrooge - a Christmas Carol Christmas Show Thursday 11 to Wednesday 24 December 2008 Darwen Library Theatre, Knott Street, Darwen, Lancashire, BB3 3BU Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online Proper Job Theatre Company and Small Light Theatre present Darwen's Annual Christmas Show - Scrooge - a Christmas Carol - keep Christmas with us this year and let yourself fall into the magic of Charles Dickens' classic tale. |
| Dublin | Cinderella Pantomime Sunday 30 November 2008 to Sunday 1 February 2009 Gaiety Theatre, South King Street, Dublin 2, IE Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online Take a beautiful princess, a delightful fairy godmother, the love of a handsome prince and a single glass slipper and you have the recipe for a night full of music, laughter and youthful excitement. This holiday season, the timeless tale of Cinderella receives a contemporary touch from the finest Panto in Ireland. The Gaiety Theatre welcomes you to a captivating retelling of a time-honoured classic that is sure to enthrall the bright-eyed dreamer in all of us. |
| Edinburgh | Mary Poppins Family Musical Wednesday 1 October to Saturday 6 December 2008 Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, 18-22 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 3AA Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online Option Two: Buy Tickets With different seat / date availability Following a triumphant run in London's West End, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's spectacular hit musical Mary Poppins visits The Edinburgh Playhouse as part of a major UK tour. Brilliantly adapted from the beloved stories of P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, this unforgettable production includes the best-loved songs from the film, including Chim Chim Cher-ee; A Spoonful of Sugar; and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. |
| Edinburgh | The Witches of Eastwick Musical Wednesday 10 December 2008 to Saturday 3 January 2009 Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, 18-22 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 3AA Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online Something magical is on its way to Edinburgh this Christmas! Marti Pellow stars as the devilish Darryl Van Horne in The Witches of Eastwick, a bewitching musical based on the Warner Brothers motion picture starring Jack Nicholson, Michelle Pfeiffer and Cher. When three desperate housewives in small town america wish for a man of their dreams they get far more than they bargain for. All hell breaks loose - quite literally - when Darryl Van Horne arrives to liven things up! |
| Edinburgh | The Tiger Who Came To Tea Children's Show Friday 12 to Saturday 27 December 2008 Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, 18-22 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 3AA Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online For the first time ever, this much loved tale of a tiger creating tea time mayhem is brought vividly to life on stage in a show packed with oodles of magic, sing a long songs and clumsy chaos. Expect to be surprised! This live stage production of Judith Kerr's classic picture book has been adapted for the stage by David Wood OBE and is suitable for children aged 3 and above. Daytime shows, running time approximately 55 minutes. |
| Edinburgh | Fame Musical Friday 9 to Saturday 17 January 2009 Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, 18-22 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 3AA Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online Fame is the original high school musical following a group of star struck students in New York's school for the performing arts. From auditions to graduation you will share their dreams and disappointments in the quest for success. Inspired by the Oscar winning movie, Fame the musical has encouraged generations to reach for the stars. |
| Edinburgh | Cinderella On Ice Ice Show Tuesday 20 to Saturday 24 January 2009 Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, 18-22 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 3AA Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online The world-famous Imperial Ice Stars, who have won international critical acclaim and five-star reviews with their previous tours of The Sleeping Beauty on Ice and Swan Lake on Ice, are set to thrill audiences once more with their brand new production, Cinderella on Ice. The Imperial Ice Stars specialise in performing theatrical ice skating in the intimacy of the theatre. Synonymous with innovation in the skating world, The Imperial Ice Stars are renowned for their daring on the ice and unique style of story-telling. |
| Felixstowe | Dick Whittington Panto Saturday 20 December 2008 to Sunday 4 January 2009 Spa Pavilion, Undercliff Road West, Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 2DX Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online Dennis Lowe Theatre Company’s 43rd Truly Traditional Pantomime at the Spa Pavilion is Dick Whittington and his Cat. Cheer on Dick and his trusty sidekick Tommy the Cat as they battle to save London from the evil baddie King Rat. With songs galore, dancing, and plenty of chances to boo, hiss, cheer and shout. It’s everything a great Christmas panto should be and more. |
| Folkestone | Dick Whittington Pantomime Thursday 18 December 2008 to Saturday 10 January 2009 Leas Cliff Hall, The Leas, Folkestone, CT20 2DZ Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online Following last year's successful panto, this year the plans are even more ambitious, with brand new sets, fantastic special effects and exhilarating song and dance routines and even the youngest family members will have plenty of slapstick fun to look forward to when the cast are joined on stage by accident-prone Mr Man, Mr Bump! |
| Grimsby | Aladdin Pantomime Friday 5 December 2008 to Wednesday 31 December 2008 Grimsby Auditorium, Cromwell Road, Grimsby, DN31 2BH Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online |
| Hastings | Peter Pan Pantomime Wednesday 10 December 2008 to Sunday 4 January 2009 The White Rock Theatre, White Rock, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 1JX Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online White Rock Theatre manager Gareth Booker said “We’re delighted to be bringing this fabulous production of Peter Pan to the White Rock Theatre. The show has everything: a great story with characters we all know and love; superb sets and colourful costumes; well-known songs mixed with musical classics; pirates, Indians, a crocodile and a Peter Pan that flies through the auditorium! There is only one word to describe it – magic!” |
| Liverpool | Cinderella Pantomime Thursday 11 December 2008 to Sunday 4 January 2009 Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside L1 1JE Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online Cinderella, featuring an all-star Liverpool cast, promises to be a truly magical show. The one and only Cilla Black returns to her native city to play the Fairy Godmother, alongside actress, model and singer Jennifer Ellison as Cinderella, comedian and TV star Les Dennis as Buttons, actor Ted Robbins as Baron Hardup and Hollyoaks' Nick Pickard as Dandini. Radio presenter Pete Price and Brick up the Mersey Tunnels star Roy Brandon play the Ugly Sisters. Traditionally the most popular pantomime title of them all, the Cinderella story has timeless appeal to old and young alike, with lavish, glittering costumes and spectacular staging and lots of laughter |
|
London West End | The Gruffalo Children's Show Wednesday 26 November 2008 to Sunday 4 January 2009 Duchess Theatre, Catherine Street, London (Nearest Tube: Covent Garden) Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online "A Gruffalo? What is a Gruffalo?" ... "A Gruffalo. Why don't you know? He has terrible tusks, and terrible claws, and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws." Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep, dark wood in search for hazlenuts in this magical, musical adaptation of the award winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The Gruffalo in London promises songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged three years and upwards and their adults! The perfect holiday treat! |
|
London West End | Horrid Henry – Live and Horrid! Children's Show Friday 21 November 2008 to Sunday 11 January 2009 Trafalgar Studio, Whitehall, London (Nearest Tube: Charing Cross) Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online This Christmas, Horrid Henry takes his rightful place in the spotlight on the West End stage! Horrid Henry is the hero of a phenomenally popular series of books by Francesca Simon and a CITV series, which tells the story of Henry who lives with his mum and dad and his little brother Perfect Peter. |
|
London West End | Treasure Island Family Show Wednesday 7 November 2008 to Saturday 28 February 2009 Haymarket Theatre Royal, Haymarket, London (Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus) Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online A major production of Ken Ludwig's new stage adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's novel starring Keith Allen as 'Long John Silver' and featuring a live band on stage. This show is recommended for children 5 years and older. |
|
London Central | Cirque du Soleil's Quidam Family Entertainment Sunday 4 January to Saturday 7 February 2009 Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London (Nearest Tube: South Kensington) Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online Cirque du Soleil returns to London with the dazzling show Quidam. The show contains all elements Cirque du Soleil is famous for: astonishing acrobatics, awe-inspiring aerial acts, unique lighting, and an elaborate set design. Get ready to discover an acrobatic show where hope and beauty come to life. |
|
London West End | West End Ballet and Dance Shows Sleeping Beauty - English National Ballet - from 3 to 14 Dec 2008 - buy tickets The Nutcracker - English National Ballet - from 17 to 30 Dec 2008 - buy tickets Edward Scissorhands - Matthew Bourne - from 3 Dec 2008 to 17 Jan 2009 - buy tickets The Snowman - Based on the book - from 3 Dec 2008 to 11 Jan 2009 - buy tickets |
|
London West End | West End Family Musicals and Entertainments Hairspray - buy tickets Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - buy tickets The Lion King - buy tickets Mamma Mia! - buy tickets Oliver! - buy tickets The Sound of Music - buy tickets Stomp - buy tickets Wicked the Musical - buy tickets |
|
London South Bank | Lost and Found Orchestra Family Show Friday 19 December 2008 to Sunday 11 January 2009 Royal Festival Hall, The South Bank Centre, Belvedere Road, London (Nearest Tube: Waterloo or Embankment) Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online Featuring an incredible array of invented instruments, this spectacular musical event features over 32 multi-talented performers plus a choir live on stage - presented by the creators of Stomp. |
|
London Hackney | Mother Goose Panto Saturday 29 November 2008 to Saturday 10 January 2009 Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online Packed with spectacle, mayhem, comedy and cool music, Hackney Empire's tenth anniversary production is London's must-see pantomime this Christmas. Starring Clive Rowe and Sharon D Clarke from Holby City and Last Choir Standing along with a host of top performers. |
|
London Edmonton | Cinderella Panto Saturday 29 November 2008 to Sunday 4 January 2009 Millfield Theatre, Silver Street, London, N18 1PJ Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online |
| Manchester | Peter Pan Pantomime Saturday 6 December 2008 to Saturday 31 January 2009 Manchester Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester, Lancashire M3 3HP Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online Fly to Neverland on a swashbuckling pantomime adventure this Christmas with a star-studded production of Peter Pan featuring top entertainer Gary Wilmot as Smee - the hilarious bumbling pirate, Bury-born beauty Gemma Atkinson in the title role of Peter Pan and another Manchester favourite, TV actor John Thomson, as evil Captain Hook. Also starring Key 103's Mike Toolan, Britain's Got Talent finalists Strike, Milkshake presenter Jen Pringle and Karen West as Mrs Darling. Peter Pan will be the most spectacular pantomime for all the family this festive season! |
| Manchester | Mary Poppins Family Musical Thursday 11 December 2008 to Saturday 7 March 2009 Manchester Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 6FT Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online Option Two: Buy Tickets With different seat / date availability Following a triumphant run in London’s West End, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular hit musical Mary Poppins comes to Manchester this Christmas and New Year. Brilliantly adapted from the beloved stories of P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, this unforgettable production includes the best-loved songs from the film, including Chim Chim Cher-ee; A Spoonful of Sugar; and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. |
| Newcastle | Cinderella Pantomime Friday 5 December 2008 to Saturday 3 January 2009 Tyne Theatre Newcastle (Formerly Opera House), Westgate Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK NE1 4AG Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online This year's Christmas production is the ever-popular Cinderella, the favourite family panto of all time. It promises to be our brightest and best show yet, with Maxie and Mitch as the ugliest Ugly Sisters you ever saw, and even Brendan Healy is donning a frock for the first time (so he says) to play their very dippy Dame of a mother. With stunning special effects, including a 'flying horse and carriage', to whisk Cinders off to the ball, wonderful sets and costumes, and our usual splendid cast, you are sure to see another fantastic North East family panto at The Journal Tyne Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne. |
| Oxford | Flashdance the Musical Musical Monday 15 December 2008 to Saturday 3 January 2009 New Theatre Oxford, George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AG Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online Set in Pittsburgh, USA, Flashdance tells the story of 18 year old Alex, a welder by day and 'flashdancer' by night, whose dream is to obtain a place at the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy. Based on the Paramount Pictures film Flashdance is an unmistakably unique musical about holding onto your dreams and love against all the odds. The show features an iconic score including the smash hit Maniac, along with Manhunt, Gloria, and the Academy Award winning title track Flashdance - What a Feeling as well as 10 original songs created for the musical. Recommended age is 12 plus. |
| Salford | The Wizard of Oz Pantomime Saturday 29 November 2008 to Sunday 4 January 2009 The Lowry (Lyric Theatre), Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online Based on the classic Judy Garland film, all the famous songs and characters are here. Join Dorothy, the Tin Man, Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion and enjoy such classics as We’re Off To See The Wizard, Follow The Yellow Brick Road and of course the unforgettable, Over The Rainbow. So, come with us, over that legendary rainbow, to the magical land of Oz, and your dreams of a very special seasonal treat for the whole family really will come true. Starring Lorna Luft, daughter of the legendary Judy Garland. |
| Salford | 'Allo 'Allo! Comedy Tuesday 16 December 2008 to Saturday 10 January 2009 The Lowry (Quays Theatre), Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online One of the greatest British TV comedies ever written comes to The Lowry this Christmas with the 25th anniversary production of 'Allo'Allo. Adapted by the original writers from the hugely popular series, this stunning new stage production follows the hilarious adventures of René, a hapless café owner in war-torn occupied France, as he and his wife Edith, struggle to keep for themselves a priceless portrait stolen by the Nazis and kept in a sausage in their cellar. |
| Southport | Cinderella Pantomime Thursday 11 December 2008 to Sunday 4 January 2009 Southport Theatre and Hall Complex, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 0DZ Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online |
| Sunderland | Aladdin Pantomime Friday 5 December 2008 to Sunday 4 January 2009 Sunderland Empire, High Street West, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, SR1 3EX Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online Join the heroic Aladdin on a magic carpet ride with all of your favourite pantomime characters including the mystical Genie, a beautiful Princess and the evil Abanazar and be transported to the Far East on a magical pantomime adventure! Starring Paul Michael Glaser (Starsky and Hutch), Sheila Ferguson (The Three Degrees) and returning following his role as Dandini last year, Dale Meeks (Emmerdale). The most mystical pantomime of all will fly in on a magic carpet guaranteeing another fantastic show for all the family! |
| Torquay | Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Pantomime Friday 12 December 2008 to Sunday 4 January 2009 Princess Theatre, Torbay Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5EZ Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online This years family Pantomime at The Princess Theatre, Torquay is brought to you by New Pantomime productions and will star Michael Starke (Coronation Street and Simbad in Brookside), Sophie McDonnell (CBBC) and of course the one and only. . . Stuart Wade (Biff in Emmerdale)!! Whether you’re 0 yrs of age or 100 yrs of age, you will be guaranteed a professional pantomime packed with jokes you’ll love, music you’ll recognise, villains to boo and hiss at and characters you’ll fall in love with! |
| York | Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomime Friday 12 December 2008 to Sunday 4 January 2009 Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York, YO1 9SW Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 or buy tickets online Fe, fi, fo, fum… This year’s fantastic family pantomime at The Grand Opera House Theatre in York is Jack and the Beanstalk! With the usual mix of traditional pantomime fun with lots of singing and dancing, plus beautifully bright costumes and sets, including a magical growing beanstalk, this year’s pantomime is sure to be another magical hit for all ages. Starring Leah Bracknell from Emmerdale and The Royal Today plus Ace from Gladiators! |
