Winter Shows and Pantos

Let it Show! Christmas is nothing if not theatrical – all these lights, and a tree in your house, and carols, and Christmas sweaters. But if you want the actual stage and curtains experience, here’s your guide to various shows and pantos taking place in Manchester and Cheshire this festive season. They all look like great family entertainment to us, so take your pick and enjoy!

The Jungle Book

22 November – 4 January
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
An Octagon Theatre Bolton production, based on the book by Rudyard Kipling.
This madcap jungle adventure will take you on twists and turns as Mowgli learns the law of the jungle. Can he outwit the ferocious tiger Shere Khan and confront the dangers in his path with the help of his friends?
Funny, exciting, and wildly entertaining this new musical adaptation will be filled with catchy songs that will leave you howling with laughter. The Jungle Book will captivate the whole family and leave you jumping for joy.
Age guidance: 5+
Octagon Theatre
Howell Croft South, Bolton, BL1 1SB
Tel: 01204 520661
www.octagonbolton.co.uk

I Wish

29 November – 8 December
Home, Manchester
By Le Gateau Chocolat, Rachel Bagshaw and Seiriol Davies
Step into a whimsical world where wishes come to life, but with a twist!
If you’re looking for some fun family activities for the little ones join award-winning theatre artist and singer, Le Gateau Chocolat, as they transform into The Wish Giver for an unforgettable theatrical and musical extravaganza the whole family will cherish.
Taking inspiration from our most loved fairy tales, I Wish leads you on a fantastical adventure exploring what happens when wishes are granted, but not as expected!
Don’t miss your chance to experience this enchanting one person show about self-discovery, acceptance and joy.
Age guidance: 3+
Home
2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN
Tel: 0161 200 1500
www.homemcr.org

Robin Hood meets Stinky Bear

30 November, 1, 7, 8 December 2pm
Wythenshawe Forum
Forum Hall, Wythenshawe Forum
Simonsway Wythenshawe, Manchester M22 5RX
Tel: 0161 935 4000
www.wythenshaweforum.co.uk

Hallé Christmas Family Concert

1 December 11.30am
The Bridgewater Hall
Gather the family, grab your jingle bells (a bunch of keys works too) and head on down to The Bridgewater Hall for a morning of festive fun with the Hallé. Meet Pippa the Christmas Bat (aka presenter Lucy Tuck) who will guide Santa’s Reindeer through the night sky on Christmas Eve, taking us past Frozen fractals, on a flight with Buddy the Elf, waltzing with The Nutcracker and ‘Walking in the Air’ with The Snowman. Keep a look out for the big man himself and feel free to wear your favourite Christmas outfit to really get in the festive mood!
From 10am, join in all the reindeer games with fun foyer activities!
Write your own Christmas carol, take an ‘Elfie’ in the photo booth with Halle’s festive props, meet members of the orchestra and enjoy a festive drink or mince pie.
The Bridgewater Hall
Lower Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3WS
Tel: 0161 907 9000
www.halle.co.uk

The Bear

1 – 29 December
Waterside Arts Centre
Ever wondered what it would be like to sit on a polar bear’s lap? Or ride on its back? Have you ever tried to give a bear a bath? Or clear up its poo?! Looking after a bear is exhausting stuff.
With dazzling puppetry, delicious music, dreamy storytelling, and dozens of laughs, The Bear is a great experience for the whole family and a perfect introduction to theatre.
Based on Raymond Briggs’ book The Bear c.1994 published by Puffin Books.
Age guidance: 3+
Waterside
1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, Trafford M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
www.watersidearts.org

Miracle on 34th Street

6 – 31 December
Home, Manchester
Based on the classic tale a festive musical this Christmas!
A major New York department store is on the brink of collapse and their upcoming Christmas sale has to be a success. When their Santa quits at the last minute they’re left with a kindhearted stranger who is convinced he’s the real deal to save the day. But when he is arrested, the fate of Christmas is in the hands of a child called Susan. Can she restore the world’s belief in Santa Claus?
Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture Story by Valentine Davies. Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.
Home
2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN
Tel: 0161 200 1500
www.homemcr.org

Jack and the Beanstalk

6 December – 1 January
Buxton Opera House
A Buxton Opera House Production
Jack and his mother live a simple life, until one day Jack acquires some magic beans from the market and grows his very own giant beanstalk. The place he discovers at the top of the beanstalk is beyond his wildest dreams…
Brought to you by the incredible team behind Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella, join Jack and a talented cast for another year of festive fun, wonderful music and an enormous amount of Christmas magic. It will be bigger and better than ever before!
Autism-friendly performance: Wednesday 11 December 5.30pm.
Buxton Opera House
Water street, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN
Tel: 01298 72190
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Sleeping Beauty

6 December – 5 January
The Plaza
Magically awaken your dreams this Christmas with the North West’s premier family pantomime: Sleeping Beauty. Join a wonderful adventure in a land of enchantment where a beautiful Princess sleeps deeply under a magic spell whilst the heroic Prince battles to find true love which can only be awoken with ‘loves first kiss’
BSL Interpreted Performances – Saturday 7th December at 7.30pm & Thursday 12th December at 10.30am and 2.30pm
Stockport Plaza
Mersey Square, Stockport SK1 1SP
Box office: 0161 477 7779
www.stockportplaza.co.uk

Jack & The Beanstalk – The Garrick Pantomime

6 December – 5 January
The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse
The Garrick Pantomime
Young Jack, his daft-as-a-brush brother, Silly Simon, and his long-suffering mother, Dame Trott, live in a tiny cottage in the shadow of the terrible giant, Blunderbore. With the rent overdue they have no choice but to sell their beloved cow, Daisy. After tricking the Trotts into selling her for a bag of worthless beans, the villainous giant’s henchman – Fleshcreep – kidnaps the Princess for his master’s supper.
Will Jack be able to rescue Daisy and Princess Jill in time? Perhaps those beans aren’t as worthless as they seemed …
Expect laughs, music, dance, special effects, dazzling costumes, stunning sets, magic beans and bundles of audience participation
Altrincham Garrick Playhouse
Barrington Rd, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 1HZ
Tel: 0161 928 1677
www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk

Stick Man

10 December – 5 January
The Lowry
Presented by Freckle Productions
What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man. How will he ever get back to the family tree?
This award-winning production, from the team behind Zog and Zog and the Flying Doctors, features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.
The Lowry
Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Tel: 0161 876 2000
www.thelowry.com

A Christmas Carol: the Musical

11 December – 5 January
The Lowry
Scrooge believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!”, Scrooge is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve which lead’s Scrooge on a journey through the Past, Present and Future.
This Musical version is brought to you by Alan Menken (Disney’s Beauty And The Beast The Little Mermaid and Newsies and Little Shop Of Horrors) and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Seussical, Once On This Island). The classic Dickens story comes to life with true Broadway spectacle and breathes fantastic new life into the classic tale of A Christmas Carol.
Age recommended: 6+
The Lowry
Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Tel: 0161 876 2000
www.thelowry.com

Rudolph the Reindeer’s Red Nose Roadshow

13 – 30 December
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
From the same team that brought last year’s sell-out hit Alfie the Elf, this show is a magical treat for primary school aged children and their families: chock full of song, puppetry, cracker jokes and (of course!) reindeer games. Do you have what it takes to become top reindeer and lead Father Christmas’ sleigh?
Rudolph the Reindeer’s Red Nose Roadshow is the perfect Yuletide treat for children aged 3-7 years old and their families.
Octagon Theatre
Howell Croft South, Bolton, BL1 1SB
Tel: 01204 520661
www.octagonbolton.co.uk

Relaxed Performance of Jack & The Beanstalk

14 December 13:30
The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse
The Garrick Pantomime
WHAT IS A RELAXED PERFORMANCE? If you are a parent, guardian, or work with people with learning or sensory disabilities – such as those on the autism spectrum – you’ll know how difficult it can sometimes be for them to attend regular theatre performances; loud noises, lighting effects and large crowds can make stage shows overwhelming.
At a Relaxed Performed, you are free to:
  –   Come and go from the auditorium as you wish, even during the show
  –   Express yourself as loudly as you like, or with physical movement, without judgement
  –   Access the theatre and auditorium early.
You’ll also notice that the sound and lighting will be reduced to lessen sensory overload, and no pyrotechnics or loud bangs will appear in the performance.
Altrincham Garrick Playhouse
Barrington Rd, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 1HZ
Tel: 0161 928 1677
www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk

Comedysportz Improvised Panto (Tots)

14 December
Waterside Arts Centre
Bored of the same pantomimes every year? The ComedySportz team are back this Christmas for more Totally Improvised Pantomimes! Heroes, villains, songs and silliness are guaranteed this December as the gang create brand-new pantomime adventures using audience suggestions… and a sprinkling of fairy dust.
This show from the award-winning ComedySportz team is sure to delight audiences of all ages with shows for families, tots and even an adults-only show which promises to be raunchier and ruder, but no less silly fun! Each show is a loving pastiche of familiar pantomime tropes and characters where anything can happen. The performers don’t know their roles beforehand, and audiences might even get involved in the action! There will be live music and songs, games and plenty of festive fun for all.
Waterside
1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, Trafford M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
www.watersidearts.org

Rumpelstiltskin, a musical play

14 – 23 December
Buxton Opera House
A Buxton Opera House Production
Libby loves to exaggerate (she doesn’t like to call them fibs!), however when she informs the Prince she can spin straw into gold she may have gone one fib too far… Fortunately, an extraordinary little person is on hand to help her out of this tricky situation, but at what price?
Enjoy a new spin on the traditional tale and explore Rumpel’s story as it’s never been seen before, featuring puppetry, songs, and so much more to keep your little ones entertained. Especially designed for a younger audience, the show will be interactive, accessible and jam-packed with festive fun!
Buxton Opera House
Water street, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN
Tel: 01298 72190
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Aladdin

14 December – 4 January
Queen Elizabeth Hall
Aladdin lives at Twankey’s laundrette with his brother Wishee Washy and their long suffering mother Widow Twankey. Will Aladdin find his fortune and win the heart of Princess Jasmine? Who is the mysterious Abanazar? And will Wishee become a Ninja champion?
Join us for another hilarious magic carpet ride through panto land!
Queen Elizabeth Hall
West Street, Oldham, OL1 1NL
Tel: 0161 770 4083
www.queenelizabethhall.com
Tickets and show info at ticketsource.co.uk

Touch Tour: Miracle on 34th Street

20 December 18:30
Home, Manchester
Touch Tours give visually impaired customers the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the set, key props and costumes before a show and sometimes even to meet the performers.
If you’re coming to the tour on your own it can be arranged for a member of staff to accompany you. Guide dogs are also welcome on set, subject to an advance assessment to ensure a safe environment. Alternatively, it can be arrange for your guide dog to be looked after.
Home
2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN
Tel: 0161 200 1500
www.homemcr.org

The Snowman

21 – 22 December
The Bridgewater Hall
Under the guidance of Olivia Clarke, prepare to be transported to a world of fantasy and adventure. Experience the captivating blend of music and storytelling on the Hallé’s big screen. Perfect for audiences of all ages.
The Bridgewater Hall
Lower Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3WS
Tel: 0161 907 9000
www.halle.co.uk

Little Penguin’s First Christmas

28 December – 5 January
The Lowry
From the company that brought you the sell-out productions of Snowbabies! and Aleena’s Garden, Little Penguin’s First Christmas is an immersive, festive experience for babies aged 0-36 months and their grown-ups!
Filled with puppetry, original music and sensory delights to stimulate and captivate, this show is a perfect first theatrical experience for your little one.
The Lowry
Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Tel: 0161 876 2000
www.thelowry.com

Puss In Boots

10 – 19 January
Waterside Arts Centre
Presented by Sale Nomads
Follow the story of Puss In Boots as she helps our hero Harry, The Princess and Fairy Moonbeam take on the Evil Ogre Grizwold and his bumbling sidekick Blotch to save the village of Codswallop.
Will good overcome evil?
Will Harry and Puss save the village?
Cheer on the hero’s and all their friends on this magical adventure…
Age recommended: 3+
Waterside
1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, Trafford M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
www.watersidearts.org

Pop Princesses – World Tour

18 January 15:00
The Plaza
A Magical show where beautiful Princesses become Pop Stars. They just love to sing! It’s the perfect mix!
This is the children’s pop concert with a big difference. Come and join four fabulous fairy tale Princesses on their epic adventure.
Featuring a soundtrack of top pop hits from artists such as Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor, Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa, and Lizzo, plus a few of the best songs from all your favourite films and musicals. Join the fun!
Stockport Plaza
Mersey Square, Stockport SK1 1SP
Box office: 0161 477 7779
www.stockportplaza.co.uk

Crafty Fools: Adventures in Science!

26 January
The Lowry
Join ‘The Magical Mr West’ on an incredible adventure into the world of science! Best known as one half of magic duo ‘Morgan & West’, he has travelled around the world performing to audiences of all ages with spectacular shows that include magic, science and a good deal of tomfoolery. Now he presents his most amazing show yet, with the help (or possibly hindrance…) of a wisecracking cartoon crow.
Expect skills, silliness and the studious application of logic as you embark upon ‘Adventures in Science!’
The Lowry
Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Tel: 0161 876 2000
www.thelowry.com

Nutcracker in Havana

27 – 28 January
The Lowry
Carlos Acosta’s Production
Join Clara in her humble home in Havana, getting ready to celebrate Christmas with her family. The beer cans are on the tree and Cuba is suitably hot. When Clara is gifted a Nutcracker doll she embarks on the journey of a lifetime, to defeat the Rat King and into the world of the Sugar Plum Fairy accompanied by her Nutcracker Prince.
Set to an exuberant Cuban newly commissioned version of the magnificent Tchaikovsky score, arranged by Cuban composer Pepe Gavilondo, the timeless story is brought to life with ballet at its core, enriched with Acosta Danza’s unique style and with Cuban dance traditions beautifully woven throughout the much-loved and joyful family tale.
The Lowry
Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Tel: 0161 876 2000
www.thelowry.com

Floella Benjamin’s Coming To England

5 – 9 February
The Lowry
Floella Benjamin’s award-winning book comes to life in this joyful stage adaptation with music, storytelling and song. Much loved by children and families, Coming to England tells Floella’s own story of moving to England as a child. Aged just 10, she and her siblings left Trinidad and sailed alone to join their parents. But Floella’s excitement for her new life in England is short-lived, with her family subjected to racism and intolerance in 1960s’ London. Guided by her mother, and working twice as hard as her classmates, young Floella overcame adversity and grew to become Baroness Benjamin of Beckenham.
The Lowry
Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Tel: 0161 876 2000
www.thelowry.com

Groove Onto The Moon

9 February 11am
Waterside Arts Centre
In this fun sci-fi adventure, children aged 3 to 7 and their adventurous grown-ups will be transported into space, encountering alien creatures, embarking on daring missions, and facing challenges that will put their bravery to the test. Featuring standout musicians from the UK jazz and contemporary circuit, Groove Baby shows are a beloved favourite among families, lighting up theatres and festivals across the UK.
Waterside
1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, Trafford M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
www.watersidearts.org

The Smartest Giant In Town

12 – 13 February
Buxton Opera House
A Little Angel Theatre and Fierylight co-production
George wishes he wasn’t the scruffiest giant in town. So, when he sees a new shop selling giant-sized clothes, he decides it’s time for a new look: smart trousers, smart shirt, stripy tie, shiny shoes. Now he’s the smartest giant in town… until he bumps into some animals who desperately need his help – and his clothes!
This heart-warming tale about friendship and helping those in need is brought to life in a musical, puppet-filled adventure, following on from Little Angel Theatre’s bestselling adaptations of Julia Donaldson’s picture books including The Singing Mermaid and The Everywhere Bear.
Relaxed performance: Thursday 13 February 1pm.
Buxton Opera House
Water street, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN
Tel: 01298 72190
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

The Detective Dog

17 – 20 February
The Lowry
Tiny & Tall Productions
Whether it’s finding a lost shoe or discovering who did a poo on the new gravel path, Nell’s ever-sniffing nose is always hard at work. So when the books at the school have disappeared one morning, Detective Dog Nell is ready to sniff out the culprit!
Expect captivating puppetry; surprising smells and toe-tapping music in this stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie picture book The Detective Dog.
Suitable for ages 3-103.
The Lowry
Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Tel: 0161 876 2000
www.thelowry.com

The Three Little Pigs

18 – 20 February
Home, Manchester
Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company presents
There’s a wolf coming… but for now, The Three Little Pigs have tricked him onto a bus. If he catches them, he’ll huff and he’ll puff and we all know how that ends…
On the run and with the need to build a strong shelter, our three problem-solving pigs call on you to save their bacon. Be blown away by the world of Stuff and Nonsense in this joyful retelling of a classic tale. Told in a unique physical style with raucous puppets, this is high-octane family theatre that will make you howl!
Recommended for ages: 3 – 10
Home
2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN
Tel: 0161 200 1500
www.homemcr.org

Bing’s Birthday

20 – 23 February
The Lowry
Join Bing and his friends Sula, Pando, Coco, Amma and of course Flop as they get ready to celebrate his special day in the brand-new live stage show. It’s Bing’s birthday and everyone is very excited! Things won’t always go to plan but, with the guidance of Flop and his friends, Bing has a birthday he won’t ever forget. And you’re all invited too! Come along, dress up and have fun with lots of songs and joining in.
The Lowry
Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Tel: 0161 876 2000
www.thelowry.com

The Little Prince

21 February 14:30
Waterside Arts Centre
Lyngo Theatre and Norwich Puppet Theatre Production
The Little Prince is here to remind us in Lyngo’s new collaboration with Norwich Puppet Theatre the most important things can only be understood with the heart. Through mesmerising puppetry and beautiful songs the boy who fell to earth teaches his friend the Aviator about love, life and real happiness.
Age guidance: 5+
Waterside
1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, Trafford M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
www.watersidearts.org

Jack & The Beanstalk

22 February 14.30
Waterside Arts Centre
Lyngo Theatre Production
Fee Fi Fo Fum! It’s a giant of a show, we’d love you to come!
This classic fairytale now gets the Lyngo treatment so expect lots of surprises and beautiful images as Patrick Lynch (from Cbeebies) tells the gripping story of Jack who sells his cow for 5 magic beans and finds himself in the land above the clouds.
It’s a show for the over 3’s (and their giants) with something for everyone – enormous shoes, tiny houses, showers of silver and gold and a big, leafy explosion!
Waterside
1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, Trafford M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
www.watersidearts.org

Comedysportz

25 January, 22 February 18.30
Waterside Arts Centre
You’ve seen football. You’ve seen tennis. But have you seen Comedy as a sport? Then you don’t want to miss this all ages, all action, all improvised competitive comedy show!
Two teams battle it out for laughs with quick-witted gags, games, sketches and songs inspired by your suggestions. There’s a referee on hand to ensure a good clean match – it’s a family friendly show after all – with penalties for bad behaviour and bad jokes. Who wins? You decide!
If you’re looking for a comedy show that the whole family can enjoy then this is the show for you!
Waterside
1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, Trafford M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
www.watersidearts.org