10 Festive Shows to watch in South East England
Written by Penny.
Panto season is here – oh yes it is! The South East of England has a fantastic selection of festive shows on offer this year – including traditional pantomimes, musicals and entertainment that all the family can enjoy. Here are just ten suggestions to get you in the mood for Christmas.
White Christmas, The Mill at Sonning (Reading, Berkshire)
Based on the film, with music from Irving Berlin, this classic Broadway musical follows two World War II veterans as they team up with a sister act to save a local inn and discover the true meaning of Christmas! As if this wasn’t enough, your ticket includes a two-course meal in the theatre’s restaurant.
White Christmas runs from 27th November to 25th January. Book here.
Aladdin, Wycombe Swan Theatre (High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire)
The Swan welcomes back DJ and Presenter Vernon Kay for its 2024 panto, alongside star of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK’s latest intake La Voix, a charismatic Queen taking on the role of Aladdin’s Mum. There’s nothing wishy washy about this one!
Aladdin runs from 13th December to 5th January. Get your tickets here.
Slava’s Snowshow, Theatre Royal (Brighton, East Sussex)
Delighting audiences across the world since 1993, Slava’s Snowshow combines clowning with all the magic of Christmas. Promising to thaw the cold hearts of the glummest of grinches, the show takes you back to the wide-eyed wonder of your childhood.
Running from 11th to 15th December, you can book to see Slava’s Snowshow in Brighton here.
Elf the Musical on Tour
Arguably the best Christmas film (and I will die on this hill), this musical adapatation spreads Christmas cheer on tour around the South East. Follow the adventures of Buddy the Elf at:
Milton Keynes Theatre, 6th-10th November
Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe 19th-23rd November
Southampton Mayflower, 3rd – 7th December
The Brighton Centre – 17th-18th December
Find out about all of the UK tour dates here.
Jack and the Beanstalk, Mayflower Theatre (Southampton, Hampshire)
Southampton’s Got Talent!
Ashley Banjo and Diversity return to the Mayflower for this year’s panto. The street dance superstars are joined by another popular face from BGT, comedian Kev Orkian, to climb the giantic beanstalk to cloudland. This family panto promises fantastic special effects, magic beans and bundles of audience participation!
Book tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk, running from 14th December to 5th January, here.
Sleeping Beauty, Orchard West, (Dartford, Kent)
Starring possibly the most appropriately named performer in this year’s Panto season, Britain’s Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas plays Fairy Christmas in this classic tale. The Orchard Theatre is due to reopen in 2025, following over 18 months’ closure to repair the building after the discovery of dangerous RAAC concrete. The speed with which this temporary venue was built so that the show could go on was seriously impressive – and it’s great to be able to see see live theatre in Dartford this Christmas.
Sleeping Beauty runs from 14th December to 5th January. Book your tickets here.
War Horse, New Theatre (Oxford, Oxfordshire)
Something a little bit different to the usual festive fare, War Horse is a multi-award winning production that fuses drama and awe-inspiring puppetry to create an unforgettable, emotional and stunning theatrical experience. The current UK tour reaches Oxford in December.
War Horse runs from 10th December until 4th January. Book tickets here. Suitable for age 10+
Robin Hood, Esher Theatre (Surrey)
Featuring the comedy legend that is Bobby Davro, we have this year’s panto offering from the Esher Theatre. He’s taking on the role of Will Scarlett in a panto that will guarantee an old school comedy masterclass! Friends in the biz have told me Bobby is one of the nicest guys to work with when it comes to the busy Panto season, so why not check him out in his latest role!
Robin Hood runs from the 5th to the 31st December. Book tickets here.
Cinderella, Chichester Festival Theatre (West Sussex)
This new adaptation of the classic panto comes from the Chichester Festival Youth Theatre, with everything you’d expect, including a handsome prince, a wicked stepfamily and a missing slipper. But there are also three magical dresses, a wish-giving tree and some very unexpected help for Cinders!
Cinderella runs from 17th to 31st December, with a relaxed performance on Monday 30th. Book your tickets here.
Dick Whittington and his Cat, Greenwich Theatre (South East London)
This South-East London venue always punches well above its weight in Panto season. A small cast and on-stage band bring all the laughs and fun that you expect from the West End, but for local prices! Written by and starring popular Greenwich panto veteran Anthony Spargo, this year’s offering is Dick Whittington and his Cat, promising packed houses and jokes aplenty for all the family. You’re never too old to boo King Ratticous!
Dick Whittington runs from 22nd November – 5th January. Book here.
So, wherever you’re spending the festive season, there will be a show to get you in the mood. Support live theatre at your local venues across the South East of England and beyond, and if you find a new favourite that we should be talking about, let us know!
