Oh yes, it is! Pantomime season is nearly here, bringing outrageous comedy, spectacular costumes, familiar fairytales and plenty of opportunities for children to shout “he’s behind you!” From London theatres to Blackpool and the Wirral, there are some brilliant family productions to choose from this Christmas.
Whether you’re looking for your child’s first pantomime or an annual family tradition, here are five shows to consider for Christmas 2026, with dates, ticket information and age guidance to help you plan your festive outing.
Cinderella – Lyric Hammersmith, London
Recommended age: 6+ | 14 November 2026–3 January 2027
Cinderella receives a cheeky contemporary twist at the Lyric Hammersmith this Christmas. Written by Joel Horwood and directed by Robin Belfield, this production promises show-stopping songs, side-splitting comedy and a fresh take on the familiar fairytale.
Cinderella spends her days cleaning for her evil captor, Suella, and her thoroughly misguided sisters. Meanwhile, the kingdom’s rather unremarkable Prince Charming has to find a wife before midnight, or everyone faces disaster.
With glass slippers, fairy magic and Buttons in need of a little help, can Cinderella get to the ball and find her happy ending?
The cast includes Chrissie Bhima as Cinderella, Ashh Blackwood as Buttons and Donna Berlin as Suella.
Where: Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, West London
Tickets: From £10, with family tickets priced at £80 for two adults and two children, or one adult and three children, in selected seating bands.
Age guidance: 6+. Running time approximately two hours.
Jack and the Beanstalk – Hackney Empire, London
Suitable for all ages | 21 November–31 December 2026
Olivier Award-winner Clive Rowe returns to Hackney Empire to direct and star as Dame Trot in this year’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk. The pantomime is part of the theatre’s celebrations marking its 125th anniversary.
The familiar story follows happy-go-lucky Jack as he sells the family cow for a handful of magic beans. Before long, he’s climbing a giant beanstalk into an enchanted world, where a powerful giant and plenty of surprises await.
Joining Clive Rowe is Kat B as Simple Simon Trot, alongside a lively cast ready to deliver big laughs, toe-tapping songs, dazzling dance numbers and extravagant costumes.
With plenty of audience participation, this is a traditional festive treat for first-time panto-goers and seasoned fans alike.
Where: Hackney Empire, London
Dates: 21 November–31 December 2026.
Tickets: £10–£48, plus applicable booking fees.
Age guidance: All ages welcome. Children aged three and under may sit on an adult’s lap; children aged four and over require their own ticket.
Dick Whittington and His Cat – King’s Head Theatre, Islington
Suitable for all ages | November 2026–3 January 2027
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK favourites Victoria Scone and River Medway are joining forces for a festive adventure at King’s Head Theatre in Islington.
Victoria returns to the theatre as Dragpuss, while River makes her King’s Head debut as Queen Rat. The production is written and directed by Andrew Pollard, who returns following the success of the theatre’s previous pantomimes and his win for Best Writer at the 2026 UK Pantomime Awards.
London’s famous story of Dick Whittington and his trusty cat is brought to life with mischievous characters, comedy, music and plenty of opportunities for the audience to join in.
The theatre is also continuing its Golden Bells Pay It Forward scheme, which helps local children and families who might otherwise miss out on experiencing pantomime.
Where: King’s Head Theatre, Islington
Dates: 21 November 2026–3 January 2027.
Tickets: From £15.
Age guidance: All ages welcome. Children under three may sit on an adult’s lap; children aged four and over require their own ticket.
There is also a separate, strictly adults-only version, Dick Whittington: Adults Only, running from 26 November 2026 to 2 January 2027. Make sure you select the family production when booking.
Jack and the Beanstalk – Blackpool Grand Theatre
Recommended age: 3+ | 4 December 2026–3 January 2027
Blackpool Grand Theatre promises a giant adventure this Christmas, with a comedy-packed production featuring spectacular staging and immersive 3D sequences designed to bring audiences right into the action.
The cast includes Coronation Street favourite Lisa George as the Spirit of the Beans and comedian Steve Royle as Silly Simon. Ben Harlow returns as Dame Trott, while Shaun Dalton plays the villainous Fleshcreep. Ruth Betteridge and Louis Hearsey complete the principal line-up as Jill Pickle and Jack Trott.
Expect larger-than-life characters, spectacular musical numbers, outrageous costumes and magical moments as Jack’s adventure unfolds.
The production also continues the theatre’s tradition of showcasing talented young performers from Blackpool’s Barbara Jackson Theatre Arts Centre.
Where: Blackpool Grand Theatre
Dates: 4 December 2026–3 January 2027.
Tickets: From £18.
Age guidance: Recommended for ages three and over. The show includes strobe lighting, smoke, pyrotechnics and loud sound effects. Check the venue’s access information if your child may be sensitive to these effects.
Aladdin – Floral Pavilion, New Brighton
Family pantomime | 5 December 2026–3 January 2027
A magic carpet ride awaits at the Floral Pavilion, where Aladdin brings a traditional pantomime to the Wirral.
The cast is led by CBBC favourite James Mackenzie as the wicked Abanazar, with pantomime regular Sean Jones returning for his seventh year at the venue as Wishee Washee. Blackpool radio presenter Scott Gallagher makes his pantomime Dame debut as Widow Twankey, while West End performer James-Royden Lyley takes the title role and SIX star Yna Montarde plays Princess Jasmine.
Families can expect dazzling dance numbers, spectacular effects, comedy, romance and plenty of audience participation as Aladdin discovers a magical lamp and embarks on an adventure filled with danger, love and laughter.
Where: Floral Pavilion, New Brighton
Dates: 5 December 2026–3 January 2027.
Tickets: Adults £15–£38.50; children £15–£35.50. Family-of-four tickets start at £120 in selected seating bands.
Running time: Approximately two hours and 30 minutes, including an interval.
A signed performance is scheduled for 20 December at 5pm, with a relaxed performance on 3 January at 1pm.
Dick Whittingberg Gets Into a Pickle – JW3, London
Family pantomime with a Jewish twist | 6 December 2026–3 January 2027
Fancy a festive pantomime with a difference? JW3 and Plotnek Productions return with Dick Whittingberg Gets Into a Pickle, the fourth instalment of the venue’s annual pantomime, bringing a distinctly Jewish flavour to a much-loved British theatrical tradition.
Set in 18th-century London, the story follows young Dick as he arrives in the capital hoping to make his fortune. However, things soon get into a pickle, with a mischievous talking cat, a nasty villainous rat and a diamond heist in Ratton Garden adding to the mayhem.
Expect all the traditional ingredients of a great pantomime, including a live band playing klezmer versions of familiar songs, plenty of pickle puns, baddies to boo and jokes for the whole family. It’s a lively celebration of community, family and friendship, with a fresh twist on a familiar story.
The cast includes Aveev Isaacson as Dick Whittingberg, Debbie Chazen as Sarah Fritz, Gaby Coleman as Bow Bells, Rosie Yadid as Nigella Garbage and John Henry Falle as Tevye Tittlebaum.
Written by Nick Cassenbaum, with music direction by Josh Middleton, direction by Abigail Anderson and choreography by Yael Loewenstein, the production follows the success of JW3’s previous festive shows.
Where: JW3, 341–351 Finchley Road, London NW3 6ET
Dates: 6 December 2026–3 January 2027.
Tickets: £27 or £32 per adult; £17 or £20 per child, depending on the performance date, plus applicable booking fees.
Planning your family panto trip
Pantomimes can be a wonderful shared Christmas experience, but it’s worth checking age recommendations and running times before booking. For younger children, consider whether they will be comfortable with loud sound effects, large characters, darkness and audience participation.
For a classic fairytale, Cinderella is a good option for families with children aged six and over. If you’re looking for a bigger traditional production, Blackpool’s Jack and the Beanstalk is recommended for ages three and over, while Hackney Empire and King’s Head Theatre welcome audiences of all ages.
Book through the official venue links above for the latest performance times, ticket prices and access information.
Also see: Our guide to Christmas theatre shows for children beyond pantomime, including The Snowman, Stick Man and toddler-friendly productions.
