Whether you love to go to the panto before the big day or just after Christmas, the old tradition of this eccentric, unique and very British way of women masquerading as young men and men dressing up as women have enlightened a crowd for many years and would Christmas be the same without the Pantomime?
Being someone who found this kind of entertainment later in life, I fell in love with the slapstick humour that draws huge laughter from the audience. The magic of these performances not only comes from the talent of the actors but also the grand theatres they are presented in and we are lucky to have 3 old and very beautiful theatres in the city. So what Pantos are they all showing this year?
Groundlings Theatre -Robin Hood 8th December until the 31st.
The theatre that was built in 1784 is one of the oldest theatres in the UK and brings Robin Hood this year.
'Deep in the heart of his foreboding castle, the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham is taxing the poor to pile up his gold, whilst imprisoning brave Maid Marion. But the most heroic outlaw of them all, Robin Hood, is determined to save Maid Marion and win her hand whilst outwitting the villain’s plans.
Will Robin save the Day?
Prepare for a show packed full of comedy, action and adventure with plenty of song and dance to clap along to. So get ready to shout for the goodies, boo the baddies and sing along with our merry hero in tights as he comes to save us at Groundlings Theatre.'
Tickets are £15 but there is an offer for a family of 4 being priced at £50, book here
Kings Theatre – Cinderella 2nd December until the 31st.
The dame in this panto (Jack Edwards) always brings huge love and admiration from the crowd!
This year, the Kings Theatre brings Cinderella and has some well-known stars to delight the crowd. Channel 4’s First Dates Grant Urquhart the dashing Prince, born to be bad Julia Worsley Harry Howle as the Wicked Step Sisters, Ben Ofoedu as Dandini and Peter McCrohon as the Fairy King. Join Search for Cinders Michelle Antrobus on this magical tale packed to the brim with breath-taking special effects, scenery and live music. Fun for all the family and has everything you can expect from a classic pantomime including sparkling costumes, hilarious jokes and plenty of audience participation.
Tickets from £10 book here
New Theatre Royal – Sleeping Beauty 9th December until the 31st.
The Princess is searching for happiness, evil Carabosse is searching for revenge, Chester the Jester is searching for someone to laugh at his jokes and Dame Nellie is searching for any man in the front two rows!
From the team that brought you last year’s panto Cinderella, get ready this Christmas for another spectacular show full of music, laughter, amazing special effects and plenty of surprises. Swash-buckling Prince Valiant will make dreams come true this Christmas!
Tickets from £10 book here
