8 Festive Shows to see in the East Midlands in 2024
Are you wondering what festive shows are taking place in the East Midlands in 2024? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered. Whether you are looking for a traditional family pantomime or a wonderful alternative, the county has a great plethora of things on offer. Our East Midlands writer Hollie takes you through her picks of the 8 Festive Shows to see in the East Midlands in 2024.
1. The Jolly Christmas Postman, Royal and Derngate Northampton
7 -31 December
Much loved children’s authors Janet and Allan Ahlberg’s, award-winning story The Jolly Christmas Postman has been adapted for the stage and cycles into Northampton’s Royal and Derngate theatre this December. The Jolly Postman spends his time cycling around the village delivering letters and parcels ready for Christmas Day. Which famous fairytale characters will he meet along the way?
2. Northern Ballet’s A Christmas Carol, Theatre Royal Nottingham
26 - 30 November
Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of family, greed and redemption is told through the arrival of three ghosts who arrive at Ebenezer Scrooge’s door on Christmas Eve. Northern Ballet brings this Christmas story to life at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal this November through the use of dance and imaginative storytelling to bring this ever popular traditional tale to life.
3. Cinderella - Derby Arena, Derbyshire
6 - 31 December
Bringing the Ugly sisters, pumpkins and glass slippers to Derby this year with the classic pantomime Cinderella, are Mina Anwar as the Fairy Godmother and award-winning panto dame Morgan Brind. There are certainly going to be many laughs and ‘Oh no there isn’t’ moments for the whole family at Derby Arena this December.
4. Beauty and the Beast, Kettering Lighthouse Theatre Northamptonshire
13 - 31 December
Kettering Lighthouse brings the classic family pantomime Beauty and the Beast to life this Christmas and tells the tale of love, greed and jealousy with a little help from Belle and Gaston. This family show promises to provide the audience with some hairy and hilarious surprises and is the perfect show to watch with the family around Christmas time.
5. Jack and the Beanstalk, Corby Cube Northamptonshire
13 - 29 December
Jack and the Beanstalk, the classic family pantomime including giants, golden eggs and magic beans, comes to Corby’s Cube this Christmas to bring the festive cheer and a little razzle dazzle to families in Northamptonshire. Jack and his mother are forced to sell their pet cow in order to make some money but can Jack get his head out of the clouds for long enough to save the day? You will need your own magic beans to purchase a ticket and find out!
6. The Rat Pack at Christmas, Kilworth House Leicestershire
15 November - 5 January 2025
If you are looking for a more glitzy and glamorous evening this Christmas then take a look at Kilworth House and their Christmas offering ‘The Rat Pack’ at Christmas. This popular event, held in Kilworth House’s famous orangery promises to provide you with an unforgettable night as you enjoy a three course dinner whilst listening to the classic songs of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. Tickets are selling out for this festive evening of nostalgia and entertainment so you will have to be quick!
6. Peter Pan - Castle Theatre, Wellingborough Northamptonshire
1 - 31 December
What do pirates, crocodiles and fairies have in common? Peter Pan of course! This much loved family pantomime sails into the Castle Theatre in Wellingborough this December and promises to bring with it fun for all the family and amazing special effects. Billed as their most spectacular pantomime ever, the tale of the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily and the infamous Captain Hook will provide fun for the whole family across the festive season.
7. Snow White, Loughborough Town Hall Leicestershire
23 November - 5 January 2025
An evil Queen poisons a beautiful girl with an apple in the classic pantomime Snow White. With help from her seven faithful friends can Snow White overcome the mean and terrible things that the Evil Queen does? This family pantomime comes to Loughborough Town Hall this Christmas and promises to bring festive sparkling sets, lavish costumes and bucket loads of laughs!
8. A Christmas Carol, Derby Theatre
22 November - 4 January 2025
If you enjoy the Charles Dickens classic, a thrilling new version by Mike Kenny heads to the Derby Theatre this festive season. A Christmas Carol is a timeless tale of hope and redemption which follows Ebenezer Scrooge on an eye-opening, yet wondrous, journey through his past, present and future. This vibrant production is not to be missed by East Midlands audiences!
Whatever you have planned this festive season, we hope this guide has given you some inspiration from the local area!
