Best pantomimes to see across the UK for Christmas 2024

But few things will truly get you into the spirit of Christmas like a good old pantomime.

We always keep an ear to the ground throughout the year to see what events are going on up and down the UK — just take a look at our guides to the best film studio tours, the best chocolate making experiences and the best immersive experiences — but we know it's especially important when it comes to Christmastime.

There are plenty of pantomime options across the UK, and we've narrowed down the best ones in a range of cities. Many of the most popular pantos will be in the largest cities, especially in London, with tickets for these likely selling out quickest. Even if you usually head to your local panto, there will be popular dates like Christmas Eve that sell out in no time.

Without further ado, here are the best shows to see this year to have the panto-time of your life.

Looking for some family-friendly days out? Check out the best kids theatre shows, best UK family days out, and what is the Merlin Pass?

Best pantomimes to see in the UK at a glance:

• Jack and the Beanstalk at Sunderland Empire, from £13
• The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook at Aylesbury Waterside, from £13
• Goldilocks and the Three Bears at Bristol Hippodrome, from £13
• Peter Pan at King's Theatre, Glasgow, from £13
• Sleeping Beauty at New Victoria Theatre, Woking, from £13
• Jack and the Beanstalk at New Wimbledon Theatre, from £13
• Cinderella at Manchester Opera House, from £13
• Jack and the Beanstalk at Princess Theatre, Torquay, from £13
• Dick Whittington at Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from £13
• Beauty and the Beast at Richmond Theatre, from £13
• Peter Pan at Milton Keynes Theatre, from £13
• Robin Hood at the London Palladium, from £35

Best pantomimes to see in the UK for Christmas 2024

Robin Hood at the London Palladium

• 7th Dec 2024 – 12th Jan 2025

This Christmas, the London Palladium will be hosting a brand-new production of Robin Hood, comedian Julian Clary as the Earl of Loxley himself, alongside Jane McDonald as Maid Marion – making her West End debut.

Also taking to the stage as the Merry Men are: Paul Zerdin (Will Scarlet), Nigel Havers (Friar Tuck), Charlie Stemp (Alan-A-Dale) and Rob Madge (The Spirit of Sherwood), plus West End star Marisha Wallace as the infamous Sheriff of Nottingham and Tosh Wanogho-Maud as Little John.

Buy Robin Hood tickets from £35 at LW Theatres

Jack and the Beanstalk at Sunderland Empire

• 13th Dec 2024 – 5th Jan 2025

This classic story sees panto veterans Miss Rory as Dame Rorina Trott and Tom Whalley as Silly Simon. Together the pair go on a madcap adventure with magic beans, scary giants and a golden goose.

Buy Jack and the Beanstalk tickets from £13 at ATG Tickets

Check out more of the best musicals on tour UK and the best open air theatre shows.

The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook at Aylesbury Waterside

• 6th Dec 2024 – 5th Jan 2025

In this exciting new rendition of Peter Pan, we re-join Peter, Smee, Tinker Bell, Emily, and Ethyl the Mermaid as a brand-new danger comes to Neverland. Despite defeating the evil Captain Hook years ago, Peter is left to wonder if he may be coming back.

This sequel is coming to Aylesbury Waterside this December and you won't want to miss it. Although we feel we should pass on this warning from the theatre: "There is a live water fight in Act 2. Please come prepared with coats and umbrellas to keep you and your family dry!"

Buy The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook tickets from £13 at ATG Tickets

If you're looking for more of the best kids theatre shows, our friends at MadeForMums have put together a brilliant list.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears at Bristol Hippodrome

• 7th Dec 2024 – 5th Jan 2025

Goldilocks and the Three Bears is coming to Bristol this Christmas. The Bristol Hippodrome is one of our favourite venues, and it'll be a great place to see the panto whether you're based in the city or are travelling from further afield. Plus, this year's event has TV and musical theatre star Brian Conley returning to the stage.

Buy Goldilocks and the Three Bears tickets from £13 at ATG Tickets

Peter Pan at King's Theatre, Glasgow

• 23rd Nov 2024 – 5th Jan 2025

Pantomime legends Elaine C Smith and Johnny Mac are back this winter in Peter Pan, at the King's Theatre Glasgow. Join your favourites from Neverland including Tinker Bell, Wendy, John and Michael Darling on this incredible journey.

Buy Peter Pan tickets from £13 at ATG Tickets

Here on the RadioTimes.com Going Out team, we like to review the theatre shows we recommend, just take a look at The Lehman Trilogy review, Why am I so Single? review, and Witness for the Prosecution review.

Sleeping Beauty at New Victoria Theatre, Woking

• 6th Dec 2024 – 5th Jan 2025

Sleeping Beauty is an enchanting story that follows Aurora, a young princess cursed by her evil aunt Carabosse. On her 21st birthday, Aurora is destined to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and sleep for 100 years, but can the dashing Prince Charming break the spell?

Buy Sleeping Beauty tickets from £13 at ATG Tickets

Jack and the Beanstalk at New Wimbledon Theatre

• 7th Dec 2024 – 5th Jan 2025

The New Wimbledon Theatre is set to welcome pop star and stage icon Alexandra Burke this Christmas. Fresh off her time in West End hits like The Bodyguard and Sister Act, the singer will be bringing her incredible talents to Jack and the Beanstalk, as she takes on the role of Mrs. Blunderbore.

Buy Jack and the Beanstalk tickets from £13 at ATG Tickets

We were lucky enough to have an exclusive interview with The Lehman Trilogy's John Heffernan ahead of his role in the West End show.

Cinderella at Manchester Opera House

• 14th Dec 2024 – 5th Jan 2025

Cinderella is an absolute classic for a pantomime and this is sure to be a great one. A wicked stepmother, a fairy godmother, prince charming and a glass slipper — what's not to love?

Buy Cinderella tickets from £13 at ATG Tickets

Jack and the Beanstalk at Princess Theatre, Torquay

• 13th Dec 2024 – 4th Jan 2025

Join Jack, Dame Trott, and Clarabelle the Cow on an unforgettable adventure at the Princess Theatre in Torquay. Together, you and the heroes will journey up into the clouds, into a realm where an evil giant lurks. Expect live music, vibrant costumes, stunning sets and breath-taking special effects.

Buy Jack and the Beanstalk tickets from £13 at ATG Tickets

Dick Whittington at Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent

• 13th Dec 2024 – 5th Jan 2025

Stoke-on-Trent is welcoming back TV presenter Jonathan Wilkes for his 20th Regent Theatre panto. This time, he'll be taking the lead in Dick Whittington, a hero on the hunt for fame, fortune and happiness who winds up becoming the Lord Mayor of London. Oh, and there's a cat.

Buy Dick Whittington tickets from £13 at ATG Tickets

Looking for some more family friendly activities? Our friends at MadeForMums have put together some great guides on the best UK waterparks, best UK zoos, and everything you need to know about the National Trust family pass.

Beauty and the Beast at Richmond Theatre

• 7th Dec 2024 – 5th Jan 2025

It's an iconic romance full of wonder, magic, and French food – what could be better? Beauty and the Beast tells the story of Belle, an inquisitive young girl whose life is turned upside down when she finds herself trapped in an enchanted castle with a terrifying beast. But will she be able to see past the Beast's frightening appearance before the last rose petal falls?

Buy Beauty and the Beast tickets from £13 at ATG Tickets

Peter Pan at Milton Keynes Theatre

• 6th Dec 2024 – 5th Jan 2025

Join Wendy, Michael and John Darrrrling in this production of Peter Pan starring none other than Strictly's Craig Revel Horwood. The dancing judge will be taking on the role of the fab-u-lous pirate Captain Hook.

Buy Peter Pan at Milton Keynes Theatre from £13 at ATG Tickets

For more days and nights out, check out our Going Out section. For other activities, check out our best London escape rooms, best flight experiences and best VR Experiences.