It wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to the theatre. Read our guide to the best pantomime and Christmas shows in East Anglia.
Oh what a wonderful time of year…to catch a show! There’s not a better way to spend time with loved ones, whilst getting into the festive spirit. I have rounded up just a selection of what’s available and if you’re anything like me you won’t be able to pick!
Pantomime in Suffolk
Aladdin, 28 Nov – 1 Feb
New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2AS
This one sounds great. There’s a new spin on the original story so it will keep you guessing, along with a great soundtrack featuring classics everyone knows such as ‘I’m a Believer’, ‘Papa Don’t Preach’, ‘ABC’, ‘I Will Survive’ and ‘Highway to Hell!’, each performed by talented actor and musicians. A humorous and lively show – don’t let the kids miss out. Dragons, monkeys and genies included! www.wolseytheatre.co.uk
Peter Pan, 29 Nov – 19 Jan
Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QR
Peter and the gang are on an adventure! The quirky classic won’t disappoint as you follow the children on their travels through the Neverland! Watch out for that crocodile… www.theatreroyal.org
Snow White, 12 Dec – 1 Jan
Marina Theatre, The Marina Lowestoft Suffolk NR32 1HH
Beauty, revenge, love, evil and dance, all the right ingredients! Energetic routines, emotion, fabulous costumes and comedy. The wicked Queen is waiting… Psst…Collabro’s Michael Auger will be the Prince! www.marinatheatre.co.uk/
Sleeping Beauty, 14-30 Dec
Quay Theatre, Quay Lane, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2AN
A beautiful Princess is born…but not everybody is happy about it. Evil fairies will be evil fairies. and now there’s a spell to be broken! www.quaysudbury.com
Christmas shows in Norfolk
Thursford Christmas Spectacular, 6 Nov – 23 Dec
Thursford Collection, Thursford, Fakenham, NR21 0AS
Prepare to join the largest show in town; 120 participants are dedicated to making your viewing one to remember. You will witness non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and variety. A constant stream of infectious entertainment with famous chart toppers performed alongside traditional carols. There won’t be a dull moment right up to the grand finale of fly over white doves across the auditorium. An unforgettable experience for all! www.thursford.com/christmas-spectacular/
The Hippodrome Christmas Spectacular, 7 Dec – 5 Jan
The Hippodrome, St. Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, NR302EU
Back by popular demand, the Hippodrome plays host to one of Europe’s largest Christmas Shows. For the 18th year the ‘Christmas Spectacular’ will be showcasing international circus artistes, water spectacles with aerialists, fountains and synchronized swimmers alongside unmissable comedy. Held at Great Yarmouth’s historic venue, with its great track record, it just gets bigger and better every year! Also offered is a VIP package, which includes; butler service, drinks, popcorn and a guided tour of the backstage museum. www.hippodromecircus.co.uk/christmas-spectacular/
Pantomime in Cambridgeshire
Red Riding Hood, 27 Nov – 7 Dec
ADC Theatre, Park Street, Cambridge CB5 8AS
Join Red on her journey of self-discovery! Warning, this includes an estranged father and a forest full of magic and mystery, and where’s that big bad wolf? Red Riding Hood gets more than what she bargained for from her trip into the woods, and so will you! www.adctheatre.com/
Cinderella, 28 Nov – 11 Jan
Cambridge Arts Theatre, 6 St Edward’s Passage, Cambridge CB2 3PJ
‘Cinderella! Cinderella! Cinderella!’ Sit back and watch everyone’s favourite fairytale unfold. With talented cast, ballgowns, a lot of noise, flashing lights and smoke, it’ll keep you on your toes! www.cambridgeartstheatre.com/
The Wind in the Willows, 11 Dec – 5 Jan
Cambridge Junction, Clifton Way, Cambridge, CB1 7GX
In a winter setting come along and join the sensitive Mole, the gregarious Ratty, the world-weary Badger and the very excitable Toad, as they go on a brand new festive adventure. A tale of friendship deep within the forest. www.junction.co.uk/
Panto in Hertfordshire
Puss in Boots, 8 Jan – 12 Jan
Spotlight Theatre, High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8BE
Only available for a short space of time. The dame, ogre, princess, fairy, numerous comic characters and the Puss himself up to no good. Keep up if you can! www.BroxbourneTheatreCompany.co.uk
Beauty & the Beast, 7 – 30 Dec
Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road, Harpenden AL5 1PD
A family pantomime with the perfect mix of beauty and beast to please all viewers. Take in the impressive scenery, special effects and dazzling costume. An interactive performance encouraging audience participation! www.harpendenpublichalls.co.uk/
The best pantomime in Essex
Alice in Wonderland, 22-24 Nov
Ingatestone & Fryerning Community Centre, 7 High Street, Ingatestone, CM4 9ED
This is something special. Be amazed at the young talent brought to you by an award-winning youth theatre group ‘Young Expressions’. The panto is suitable for all ages promising many laughs, beautiful songs and a dash of crazy. www.ifcc.org.uk/
Jack and the Beanstalk, 27 Nov – 5 Jan
Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, Essex CM20 1LS
A professional cast and live musicians bring to you the well-known tale of boy Jack, the fate of his cow and the trouble he encounters thanks to those naughty beans. Beware of the giant! www.harlowplayhouse.co.uk/
Pantomime in Bedfordshire
Hansel & Gretel, 14-22 Dec
The Quarry Theatre, 26 St Peter’s Street, Bedford MK40 2NN
It’s a new spin on an old favourite, but still teaching us all the very good lesson of not taking candy from strangers! Enjoy the fantasy tale with song and dance, oh and a 7 foot yeti…www.quarrytheatre.org.uk/
