We round up some top pantomimes for you to take your group to this winter.
Whilst some may prefer the class of a West End show, there is no denying the enjoyment of a slapstick, traditional pantomime, particularly during the festive season. There’s also plenty of alternative festive plays and shows taking place…oh yes there are.
Group rates can be found on the individual websites of each panto and show.
Cinderella
Cinderella is back on stage again this Christmas, marking 20 years since it first premiered in the West End. New Adventures is bringing back Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella with a tour that opens on Saturday 9th December at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, where it will run for seven weeks until Saturday 27th January 2018. It will then embark on a UK tour that will visit various locations up until June 2018.
Peter Pan Christmas in Neverland
The World’s Biggest Pantomine productions is presenting Peter Pan Christmas in Neverland this year, starring Martin Kemp as Hook and Bradley Walsh as Mr. Smee. It will involve a cast of 100 performers starring Matt Knight as Peter Pan. The panto will run from 20th - 24th December at then Barclaycard Arena Birmingham and then 29th -20th December at SSE Arena Wembley.
Cinderella
Hackney Empire, in London, has announced the casting for its highly anticipated 2017 Christmas pantomime, Cinderella, having last been staged at the venue in 2011. West End performer Aisha Jawando (Motown the Musical, Beautiful) will be stepping into the title role. She will be joined by Tony Whittle and Kat B as the Ugly Sisters. The panto will be staged from 18th November until 31st December.
Pictured: Anthony Costa in Beauty and The Beast.
Beauty and The Beast
Beauty and The Beast opens at the Grand Opera House in York from Friday 15th December until Sunday 7th January. Blue singer Antony Costa, model and singer Charlotte Maclachlan and Home and Away star Lynne McGranger have been confirmed as the lead characters in the Three Bears Productions show.
Nativity!
If you’re looking for something for your group to sing and tap along to, head to Leeds Grand Theatre and enjoy Nativity! The Musical from 20th December until 6th January 2018. It includes West End actors Daniel Boys, Sarah Earnshaw and Simon Lipkin. The Entertainment One (eOne) musical is based on the NATIVITY! film series, considered to be one of the most popular UK Christmas film franchises of recent years.
The Nutcracker
For ballet loving groups, English National Ballet’s Nutcracker could provide the ideal Christmas celebration. Over 100 dancers and musicians will bring The Nutcracker to life at the London Coliseum to the tunes of Tchaikovsky’s glorious score played live by English National Ballet Philharmonic. Groups of ten or more can save 30% per ticket for mid-week performances.
Pictured: Elf The Musical.
Elf The Musical
Elf: The Musical will run at The Lowry from 24th November until 14th January 2018. The show is based on the 2003 film, Elf, telling the story of Buddy the Elf. Ben Foster will star in the leading role, along with Liz McClarnon, who stars as Jovie, and Louis Emerick, who will take on the role of Santa Claus.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
This year’s festive Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs play at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre by UK Productions will run from Friday 8th December until Sunday 31st December. The show will see the return of the BBC 3 Counties Breakfast Show presenter Andy Collins playing Muddles and performer La Voix, who will star as Nursie. Actress and singer Su Pollard will star as the Wicked Queen.
The Box of Delights
A magical and festive adventure like no other, the stage adaptation of The Box of Delights by Piers Torday will show at Wilton’s Music Hall in London. Opening on 1st December and running until 6th January, the Hero Productions play is based on the festive novel by poet laureate John Masefield.
Pictured: The Krankies in Dick Whittington.
Dick Whittington
The Manchester Opera House will welcome John Barrowman and the Krankies in a Dick Whittington panto from 9th December to 7th January 2018. The production will include a 3D sequence that will see audiences travel on an adventure alongside the protagonist. John Barrowman will star as Dick Whittington, while double act The Krankies will play Councillor and Jimmy Krankie.
