This Christmas you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to which Christmas panto to book, and there’s a whole host of famous faces taking part - from Craig Revel Horwood who is playing Captain Hook in Milton Keynes, to Katie Price and Kerry Katona taking on the roles of the wicked step sisters in Cheshire.
Here's our guide to all the best pantos from around the country.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Bristol
Comedian Brian Conley is known for his cheeky charm and comic timing, so who better to perform in the 2024 celebrity pantomime in Bristol's Goldilocks and the Three Bears? The actor and comedian, who played Rocky Cotton in EastEnders, will be taking on the role of ringmaster. Described as a ‘riotous comedy’, the show centres on Goldilocks' circus, which is threatened by an evil rival circus owner. Can they save it with the help of the three bears?
Dec 7 2024 to Jan 5 2025 at Bristol Hippodrome St Augustine's Parade, Bristol BS1 4UZ. Tickets start at £13, plus a transaction fee of £3.95.
Cinderella, Cheshire
Katie Price and Kerry Katona will be taking on the roles of the wicked step sisters in a pantomime production of Cinderella at Northwich Memorial Court in Cheshire. They became friends in 2004 when they both went into the I'm A Celebrity jungle - however their friendship has been rocky and they had a bitter fall out in 2007 when Katie accused Kerri of being a ‘druggie’.
They’ve since made up and Katie credits Kerry with helping her bag the upcoming panto job amid her bankruptcy battle.
Dec 7 to 31 Northwich Memorial Court, Northwich, Cheshire. Tickets start at £20 plus booking fee of £1.77 per ticket.
Peter Pan, Milton Keynes
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PR HANDOUT)Image:
Phil Tragen)The shoe will be on the other foot for TV judge and musical theatre star Craig Revel Harwood this Christmas as theatre audiences get the chance to judge his performance. The Strictly Come Dancing judge, who is known for his harsh criticism of contestants on the show, is starring as Captain Hook in this swashbuckling adventure.
No doubt some of the audience will see it as the perfect opportunity to boo and hiss and perhaps give him a taste of his own medicine.
Dec 6 to Jan 5, 2025 at the Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ. Tickets start at £13 but there’s a £3.95 transaction fee.
Robin Hood, London
Julian Clary, Nigel Havers and Jane McDonald head up the star-studded cast of Robin Hood at the world-famous London Palladium. This is one not to be missed if you’re planning on visiting the capital this Christmas as the Palladium turns into Sherwood Forest for a night of magical mischief and mayhem.
Right in the heart of the West End, organisers say it’s a rip-roaring comedy that will have you laughing out loud.
Saturday 7 December 2024 – Sunday 12 January 2025 at the London Palladium, 8 Argyll St, London W1F 7TF. Tickets start from £25 and there’s a discount available for group bookings.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Plymouth
Birds of a Feather’s Lesley Joseph will star as The Wicked Queen, with broadcaster and barrister Rob Rinder as The Man In The Mirror in this adaptation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Theatre Royal in Plymouth.
They will be joined by comedian Andy Ford as Muddles and West End stars Samuel Holmes and Scott Maurice as The Governess and The Prince. Organisers promise a night to remember filled with comedy, fabulous costumes and stunning set designs
Saturday Dec 13 to January 11 Dec 2025 at the Theatre Royal, Royal Parade, Plymouth, PL1 2TR. Tickets start at £18 but discounts are available for children and groups.
Cinderella, Scarborough
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PR HANDOUT)Anne ‘The Governess’ Hegerty from ITV's The Chase is to headline the cast of Cinderella in Scarborough this Christmas. Known for her ruthless put-downs on the TV game show, she’ll be showing another side of herself as the Fairy Godmother. She said she loves taking part in panto because “it is a chance to act, sing and be funny”.
Dec 7 to Jan 1 at the Scarborough Spa, South Bay, Scarborough YO11 2HD. Tickets start at £19.
Rapunzel ‘A Hair-Larious Panto’, Newport
While the story of Rapunzel is well known, this promises to be a different take on the classic fairytale. Rapunzel is locked in a tower but with the help of local hairdresser Dame Fanny Follicle, her silly son Pascal and the dashing Prince Ryder, will she be able to escape?
Dec 13 to 15 at the Blackwood Little Theatre, Woodbine Rd, Blackwood NP12 1QJ. Tickets start from £15.
Cinderella, Manchester
Head to the Manchester Opera House to see if Cinders gets to go to the ball with her Prince Charming, played by the comedian loved by all generations, Jason Manford. Join Cinders as she goes from rags to riches, outwitting her very wicked step sisters and stepmother played by comedian and drag act Myra DuBois. Organisers promise laugh-out-loud comedy, beautiful costumes and plenty of opportunity to boo and hiss.
Dec 14 to Jan 5 2025 at Manchester Opera House, 3 Quay St, Manchester M3 3HP. Tickets start at £13 but there’s a £3.95 transaction fee.
Beauty and the Beast, Richmond, Greater London
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PR HANDOUT)She may play no-nonsense grandmother Evelyn Plummer in Coronation Street, but this Christmas you’ll get to see Dame Maureen Lipman in a whole new light as she returns to Richmond Theatre to play Mrs Potty in Beauty and the Beast.
When Belle finds herself transported to a cursed castle and held captive by a terrifying beast, she’s surprised to find the castle is full of magical characters placed under a spell by an evil enchantress played by the Corrie favourite.
Dec 7 to January 5 2025 at the Richmond Theatre,1 Little Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ. Tickets start at £13 and there is a transaction fee of £3.95.
Jack and the Beanstalk, Swansea
The Trotts are so poor they don't have a bean to their name and what's more, there's an evil and greedy giant terrifying the village. Will they really have to sell Buttercup, the family cow, just to survive? Join broadcaster Scott Mills at the Swansea Grand Theatre's Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime to find out.
December 7 to January 5 2025 at Swansea Grand Theatre, Singleton Street, SA1 3QJ, Swansea. Tickets start from £19.
Peter Pan, Birmingham
Everyone’s favourite Brummie Alison Hammond returns to her home town to reprise her role of the Magical Mermaid in Peter Pan this Christmas. The This Morning and Bake Off presenter will be joined by actor Danny Mac and Matt Slack, who returns for his 11th season as Smee in Peter Pan. Adored for her quick wit, big heart and infamous laugh, Alison was a huge hit with audiences last year.
December 21 to February 2 at Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst St, Birmingham B5 4TB. Tickets start from £19.50.
Cinderella, Edinburgh
You shall go to the ball this Christmas to see the spectacular family pantomime Cinderella described as ‘warm, funny and riveting’. Starring Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young, Cinderella at Capital Theatres - which is a group of three venues in Edinburgh, Scotland: Festival Theatre, King’s Theatre and The Studio. Allan is a Scottish entertainer who has performed at the Royal Variety Performance, while Grant and Jordan are both panto regulars.
November 23 to December 31 at Capital Theatres in Edinburgh. Prices start from £20.75.
Peter Pan, Glasgow
Pantomime legends Elaine C Smith and Johnny Mac return as Mr and Mrs Smee. They're joined by Darren Brownlie as Tink, Blythe Jandoo as Wendy, Hannah Jarrett-Scott as Captain Hook and Matt Kennedy as Peter Pan.
Saturday 23 November to Sunday January 5th at King's Theatre, Glasgow. Prices start from £13 plus £3.95 booking fee.
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