That’s because Christmas in British theatre means pantomime season. With so many theatres in London, there’s plenty of pantos on throughout the capital and we’ve listed the best of them for you below.

What Pantomimes can you see in London for Christmas 2025?

Cinderella at the Rose Theatre, Kingston-upon-Thames

Nestled in the leafy, market town of Kingston-upon-Thames, this year the Rose Theatre offers a magical fairytale that’s not quite the story you know. With direction by Olivier Award winner Chris Bush (Standing At The Sky’s Edge), this show also features brand new songs. 

Cinderella retells the fairy story of a girl forced to spend Christmas with her wicked new step-mum and horrid twin step-sisters. When she’s whisked away into a magical world of castles and princes, will she find her happy ending?

26 November 2025 – 4 January 2026

Dick Whittington And His Catford Cat at the Broadway Theatre, Catford

Proving you don’t need to fly to New York to visit Broadway, Catford’s own Broadway Theatre presents a modern and local version of Dick Whittington, who was the actual Lord Mayor of London in the 14^th and 15 centuries.

In this version, Dick Whittington sets sail from the West Indies on the Empire Windrush to seek his fortune on London’s streets of gold. Accompanied by who else but the Catford Cat, join Dick as he takes on the Queen Rat, meet an eccentric fairy and fall head over paws in love.

9  – 31 December 2025

Jack And The Beanstalk at the Lyric Hammersmith

After the success of last year’s smash sell-out Aladdin, the panto team of Sonia Jalaly and Nicholai La Barrie are back at the Lyric Hammersmith. In this reinvention of the fairy story, Jack and Jill have joined the strictest school in Hammersmith, where the headteacher sends naughty kids off to the giant – whatever that means.

With musical bangers, jaw-dropping magic and whip-smart comedy, join Jack and Jill on the climb of a lifetime to find the Fairy Godmother and bring joy back to West London

15 November 2025 – 4 January 2026

Beauty And The Beast: A Horny Love Story at the Charing Cross Theatre

For the third year running, Charing Cross Theatre hosts the big gay panto that is strictly for adults only. Expect plenty of outrageous outfits, colourful contouring and saucy word play as you’re transported to the Scottish village of Lickmanochers where a naïve mummy’s boy is taken prisoner by an aristocratic brute.

21 November 2025 – 11 January 2026

Potted Panto at Wilton’s Music Hall

If you can’t decide which panto is for you, then why make that choice? In this madcap show, you can experience seven classic pantomimes in 80 hilarious minutes all within the confines of Wilton’s, one of London’s oldest surviving music halls. What better venue for a pantomime than the music hall, one of they key influences on pantomime?

3 December 2025 – 3 January 2026

Directed by Anthony Banks and starring Kara Tointon (Relatively Speaking, Absent Friends, Pygmalion), Steel Magnolia tells the story of six women who regularly hang out at Turvy’s beauty salon in small-town Louisiana. Packed with laugh-out-loud humour, follow the group of ladies as they joke about life’s highs and lows until a tragic event leaves them and the whole town reeling.

Based on the true story of Robert’s mother and sister, this play ran for over one thousand performances Off-Broadway and was even adapted for the screen. 

Both powerful and heartwarming, this fast, funny and vibrant dialogue brings alive the strength of female friendships. To find out more information and to book tickets, head to Rose Theatre’s website.

The Prince Of Egypt today released some stunning portraits for the principal cast.

The brand new musical which is currently previewing at the Dominion Theatre was pleased to reveal some beautiful portraits taken by Darren Bell.

If you loved the classic Dreamworks movies, you’ll definitely want to snap up tickets to this unmissable show where you’ll be transported to the sands of Egypt for the adventure of Moses and Rameses. Featuring a cast and orchestra of almost 60 artists, the screen-to-stage adaption opens on 25 February for a limited time until 12 September 2020. With tickets in demand, be sure to snap up your tickets to avoid missing out!

La Cage Aux Folles [The Play] opened at the Park Theatre last night to a star-studded audience.

Celebrities such as Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Derek Jacobi, Vanessa Redgrave and many more came to celebrate the much-awaited opening night of Simon Callows English adaption of Jean Poiret’s classic farce for the stage.

Directed by Jez Bond, Artistic Director and Founder of Park Theatre, and starring Michael Matus (The Phantom Of The Opera) and Paul Hunter, the play follows the story of nightclub owner Georges and his drag artiste partner Albin who create the most spectacular shows in St. Tropez. But the real performance only begins when George’s son Laurent announces his engagement to the daughter of a right-wing politician who is on a mission to bring down the town’s vibrant nightlife.

If you want to see the original, riotous play for the first time in English language, head to the Park Theatre’s website now to grab your tickets. 

Tuckshop today announced the opening of Drag! Live At The London Coliseum on Sunday 5 April.

Starring RuPaul’s Drag Race UK finalists Baga Chipz and Divina De Campo, The Family Gorgeous from Channel 4’s Drag SOS along with a host of the UK’s other best drag performers, this drag variety extravaganza is sure to be a hit!

Producer Christopher Clegg said: “I remember my first time at the London Coliseum, I was blown away by the talent, the people and the building… so to be the first EVER drag show in history taking over this iconic venue is just an incredible honour. We have an amazing line up of drag performers and we will be filling the theatre with TuckShops signature brand of madness, music and mayhem.”

If you fancy some glitter, sass and fabulousness, head to the London Coliseum’s website as tickets are now on sale!

Shook’s sensational UK tour broke box office records, won rave reviews and earned nominations for seven Off-West End Awards including: Best Production, Best New Play, Most Promising Playwright, Best Director (Plays), Best Set Design, Best Sound Design and Best Performance Ensemble.

George Turvey said today: “We’re thrilled to transfer Shook in Samuel Bailey and Papatango’s West End premières. After a record-breaking run at Southwark Playhouse and a national tour, it’s a joy to revive this very special show and share it with a wider audience.”

The production will open at Trafalgar Studios 2 on 14 April, marking Papatango’s first West End transfer. Artistic director George Turvey reunites the company from the acclaimed debut run at Southwark Playhouse and on tour in 2019.

Follow the story of Cain (Josh Finan), Riyad (Ivan Oyik) and Jonjo (Josef Davies) who, instead of GCSEs, got sentences. Locked up in a young offenders’ institution, they trade sweets, chat shit, kill time – and await fatherhood. Grace’s (Andrea Hall) job is to turn these teenagers into parents, but can they grow up quickly enough to escape the system?

Winner of the 2019 Papatango New Writing Prize from 1,406 entries, Shook tenderly and honestly examines the young men society shuts away.

Playing from 14 April, with previews from 8 April, and running until 9 May, book your tickets now to see this cracking debut!

The Rose Theatre, Kingston today announced the full cast of The Creature: Frankenstein Retold opening on 28 February. 

Based on Frankenstein by Mary Shelly, and adapted for the stage by Ciaran McConville, the unflinching, contemporary masterpiece will play from 28 – 29 February, with previews on 27 February.

An arctic vessel trapped in the frozen ocean, takes on a stranger far from shore, who warns of an impending attack from a creature of superhuman strength. As the captain tries to find some way of defending his cargo, a horrifying story emerges.

Directed by Lucy Morrell, the cast is formed of Rose Youth Theatre alumni and includes: Billy Brown (Henri/Landlord), Eleanor Clark (The Creator), Katherine Liley (Flic/Safi), Louis Mertens (Mr Kirwin/Elias/Aleksei), Joshua King Milne (Professor Waldman/Fira/ Moritz), Frankie Oldham (Mr Kremp/Vadim), Anna Pryce (The Creature), Francis Redfern (Ralf Wile) and Daisy Tucker (Elizabeth).

Director Lucy Morrell said today: “It is brilliant to be working with a group of our outstanding young performers in bringing The Creature: [Frankenstein Retold] to the Rose main stage. This is an exciting production and these young artists are a testament to the Rose’s commitment to supporting young people in the community. I’m thrilled that we’re able to offer them this opportunity to make their professional stage debut.”

The Snow Queen (Park Theatre)

Park Theatre – Until 4 January 2020

Fans of Frozen will love this original tale of The Snow Queen brought to you by Julie Clare Productions (with two Olivier Award-winning shows). Join Gerda as she travels through the seasons to save her best friend from the endless winter with the help of nasty teachers, bickering flowers and Bae the talking Reindeer.

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

Theatre Royal Haymarket – Until 19 January 2020

When Sophie and her Mummy invite a hungry tiger into their home for tea, they get more than they bargained for. Complete with lots of chaos, mayhem and laughter, this cheerful show is one that will be enjoyed by both nostalgic adults and kids alike. 

The Snowman

Peacock Theatre – Until 5 January 2020

Now in its record-breaking 22nd year at the Peacock Theatre, this enchanting theatre favourite is a must-see. When a boy’s snowman magically springs to life on Christmas Eve, an exciting but unexpected adventure beckons. Join his escapade as he encounters dancing penguins, a beautiful snow princess, her wicked beau Jack Frost, and, of course, Father Christmas himself. 

Cinderella

Lyric Hammersmith – Until 5 January 2020

Polish your glass slippers and get ready for some fairy-tale magic in the Lyric Hammersmith’s 11th annual panto; Cinderella. You will be graced with the wicked stepmother, ugly stepsisters, pumpkins, mice and even a twist we have come to expect from the Lyric. Follow along to see if Cinderella will get her happily ever after in one of London’s top Christmas shows for kids.  

Oi Frog & Friends!

Lyric Theatre – Until 5 January 2020

Based on Kes Gray and Jim Field’s beloved award-winning children’s picture books, Oi Frog And Friends! is leaping into the West End this winter. Watch FROG, DOG and CAT come to life at Sittingbottom school in this action-packed show complete with original music, songs, puppets and plenty of rhymes. 

The Snail And The Whale

Apollo Theatre – Until 5 January 2020

This adventurous story tells the tale of tiny snail who hitches a ride on a humpback whale, heading off on an amazing trip around the world through live music, storytelling and lots of laughs.  When the whale gets beached, how will the snail save him? Come along on this magical adventure based upon the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffer, perfect for the whole family.

Goldilocks And The Three Bears

London Palladium – 12 January 2020

This year’s London Palladium panto will see the venue transformed into a spectacular Big Top as Dame Betty Barnum (Gary Wilmot) and her daughter Goldilocks (Sophie Isaacs) fight to save their circus, which is under threat from an evil rival circus owner. Packed with jaw-dropping stunts, illusionists, high-speed skate rollers and more, this show is not to be missed.

A Christmas Carol

The Old Vic – Until 18 January 2020

This heartwarming classic will transport you into a wintry Christmas Eve, to witness four ghosts visiting a hard-hearted miser named Ebenezer Scrooge. After taking a journey to the past, present and future, will Scrooge save himself from the results of a lifetime of selfishness? Packed with merry music and yuletide cheer, this is a top choice among Christmas shows for kids.

Billionaire Boy

Bloomsbury Theatre – Until 5 January 2020

If you’re looking for Christmas shows for kids that are packed with wit and warmth , this smash-hit – from the producers of Gangsta Granny – is sure to please. Joe Spud is unlike any other twelve year old. He gets £100,000 a week in pocket money, owns a sports car and has two crocodiles as pets! Feeling disconnected from the rest of his age group, he decides to start at a local state school where life becomes a rollercoaster as he discovers what money can’t buy.

The Snow Queen (Rose Theatre)

Rose Theatre – Until 5 January 2020

When a young orphan’s best friend is taken away to the frozen north,  she sets off on a long and difficult journey to save him from the grasp of the Snow Queen. Encountering pirates and a great battle of elves and trolls, follow Gerda in this magical adaption of Hans Christian Anderson’s classical Tale.

Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever

Duke of York’s Theatre – Until 5 January 2020

Get ready for a road trip packed with songs, games and laughter as Peppa Pig embarks on a special day out with George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig. From castles and caves to dragons and dinosaurs, there is something for everyone in this fun-filled adventure. 

Rose Theatre Kingston announced today the full cast for their production of The Snow Queen. Ciaran McConvilles new re-writing of the Hans Christian Anderson classic will star Helena Blackman as The Snow Queen, Roger May as Dad/Father Christmas, Davina Moon as Freya, Parisa Shahmir as Gerda and Jack Wolfe as Kai. These professional actors will lead a cast of local young actors from the Kingston area.

Winners were announced yesterday for the UK Theatre Awards 2019. If you missed it, check out the article below for all the winners this year:

Our show of the week this week is Wicked, and we’re about as excited as these two below! Keep an eye on our Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for some wicked (see what we did there) content, competitions and of course, lots of green. Just in time for Halloween! We’ve even got an Instagram takeover on Wednesday, so watch out for some exclusive behind-the-scenes stuff.

We got a first look at the rehearsals for Lungs, which opens at The Old Vic from 14 October, starring Claire Foy (The Crown) and Matt Smith (Doctor Who).

Duncan Macmillan’s strange and funny play centres on two 30-somethings neuroticly muddling through the big question of having kids in a world rife with overpopulation, political chaos and rapidly melting ice caps.

With two British heavy-hitters it’s sure to be a fantastic production. And you can tell from the look on Duncan’s face that rehearsals are going down a storm!

Artistic Director, Rachel Edwards announced the inaugural 2020 season for the brand new Boulevard theatre in Soho.

Opening with Ghost Quartet by three-time Tony Award-nominated writer Dave Malloy, the season will also include Cormac McCarthy’s (No Country For Old Men) play The Sunset Limited; The Effect from Lucy Prebble (A Very Expensive Poison); Tony Award-winning Athol Fugard’s Hello And Goodbye and The Cavalcaders by Billy Roche, which will be directed by Kathy Burke.

The Boulevard Theatre has also announced Abbie Spallen as their first commission, and released some brand new images of their shiny new – and very futuristic looking – auditorium.

Tickets went on sale on with us this afternoon for Bryony Lavery’s stage adaptation of modern classic, The Lovely Bones. Based on Alice Sebold’s beautiful book, the story is a coming of age story for the point of view of a relatively normal teenager, Susie Salmon. The only thing different about Susie is that she’s dead. She watches her family’s attempt to cope with, understand and move on from her violent and untimely death; seeing her sister go through every rite of passage she will miss. 

A poignant and beautiful tale about life after loss, The Lovely Bones is directed by Rose Associate Artist, Melly Still (Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, My Brilliant Friend) and will run at Rose Theatre, Kingston for a strictly limited 7 performances from 22 October so grab tickets while you can.

The new parody musical Friendsical written by Miranda Larson opens at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham on 15 July 2019, followed by a nationwide tour visiting 11 venues across the UK including the Rose Theatre, Kingston.

Friendsical will have a full run at the Edinburgh Festival from 1 – 25 August as part of the Assembly Festival programme in the Music Hall of The Assembly Rooms.

When Ross’ wife leaves him for another woman, he fears he will never find love again. But then Rachel runs back into his life… will he end up with his one true love?

Featuring original songs such as (He’s her) Lobster!, Richard’s Moustache and You’re Over Me? When Were You Under Me?, the gang take on naked Thursdays, a power cut, and a dinosaur convention. What could possibly go wrong?

Friendsical will perform at Rose Theatre, Kingston from Monday 9 September to Saturday 14 September 2019.

This is a loving parody not to be confused with the Warner Bros Entertainment Inc. series Friends.

Friendsical is produced by Birdbrooke Entertainment ltd with full casting and creatives announced in due course.