Archive · 11 Dec 2025
UK's Best Christmas Pantomimes of 2024
This year, the UK has some amazing Christmas pantomimes (or 'pantos') that are fun for the whole family.
There are many different shows to see, like 'Mama Goose' in London, which has a villain inspired by Elon Musk and even an AI love interest.
Another show, 'Jack and the Beanstalk' in Bristol, features Will Young and has lots of music and special effects.
In Edinburgh, you can watch 'Cinderella: A Fairytale' with a modern twist.
Manchester has 'Robin Hood' with local star Jason Manford.
Canterbury's 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' stars Sarah Hadland, who was in 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
And in London, the 'Sleeping Beauty' show at the London Palladium is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a star-studded cast.
These pantos are all about bringing laughter, music, and magic to the holiday season.
Jeremy Corbyn and Sir Ian McKellen starred in a unique panto mash-up of 'Wicked' and 'The Wizard of Oz' in north London.
'Mama Goose' at Theatre Royal Stratford East features a villain inspired by Elon Musk, afrobeat music, and an AI love interest.
Will Young makes his panto debut in 'Jack and the Beanstalk' at Bristol Hippodrome, featuring live music and vibrant costumes.
Sally Cookson's modern adaptation of 'Cinderella: A Fairytale' at Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh combines music and puppetry.
Jason Manford stars as Robin Hood in the traditional panto at Manchester Opera House, with comedian Ben Nickless as one of his Merry Men.
Sarah Hadland stars as the Wicked Queen in 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' at Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, featuring 'Strictly Come Dancing' choreography.
The London Palladium's 'Sleeping Beauty' celebrates its tenth anniversary with a star-studded cast including Julian Clary and Catherine Tate.
- Who
- Various theatre productions across the UK
- What
- Christmas pantomimes featuring notable actors and unique adaptations
- When
- Various dates until January 2025
- Where
- Different theatres across the UK, including London, Bristol, Edinburgh, Manchester, Canterbury, and more
- Why
- To celebrate the festive season with family-friendly performances and entertainment
- Mama Goose
- Theatre Royal Stratford East, London, until 3 January
- Jack and the Beanstalk
- Bristol Hippodrome, until 4 January
- Cinderella: A Fairytale
- Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, until 3 January
- Robin Hood
- Manchester Opera House, until 4 January
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, Kent, until 11 January
- Sleeping Beauty
- London Palladium, until 11 January