Pantomimes and Christmas Shows 2022 – 2023
The festive season is truly upon us and if you haven’t booked your theatre tickets yet, it’s time to do so. Whatever takes your fancy, you can find it in our listings – from wonderfully eccentric traditional pantos to elegantly timeless classical ballets. ‘Tis the season to be jolly! Enjoy it!
Robin Hood, traditional pantomime
12 November 2022 – 7 January 2023 (multiple performances)
Oldham Coliseum
Join real-life hero Robin Hood on the arrow-shooting pantomime adventure of a lifetime!
Welcome to Sherwood Forest by way of Oldham where The Sheriff is terrorising everyone. She’s got a scheme to become the richest in the land and she wants Robin Hood out of the picture to make it happen. Can Robin, Friar Tuck and Maid Marian save the day?
The Coliseum is famous for the best traditional pantomime in the North West and last year we won a national award with the UK Pantomime Association.
With the perfect blend of slapstick, silliness, hit songs and panto magic, Robin Hood is right on target for the perfect festive family treat.
Oh Yes It Is
Oldham Coliseum Theatre
Fairbottom Street
Oldham
OL1 3SW
Tel: 0161 624 2829
www.coliseum.org.uk/spektrix/spektrix-events/robin-hood/
A Christmas Carol, a joyful new adaptation of the festive classic.
17 November 2022 – Sat 14 January 2023
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Whilst Christmas cheer and goodwill thrive across Victorian England, tight-fisted Ebenezer Scrooge goes to bed on Christmas Eve with no compassion or love in his heart.
However, that night he is visited by the ghost of his old business partner Jacob Marley and is taken on a mystical journey through yuletides past, present and future – will he be able to see the error of his ways before it’s too late?
This brand new stage adaptation from the writers of our 2019 production of Treasure Island will feature toe-tapping live music, festive fun and a good splash of magic. This heart-warming and uplifting tale of redemption is the perfect seasonal treat.
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Premier Suite, University of Bolton Stadium,
Horwich, BL6 6SF
Tel: 01204 520661
www.octagonbolton.co.uk/whats-on/theatre/a-christmas-carol-2/
The Man Who Wanted to Be a Penguin
30 November – 31 December 2022
Waterside Arts Centre
Stuff & Nonsense Theatre Company presents.
This is the story of an extraordinary explorer, a curious conjurer and pioneering problem-solver. You’ll find him pottering in his shed; planning his latest mission. He is learning to speak Penguin and hopes that you will too!
When he arrives at the Antarctic will its icy wilderness meet his excited expectations? Will the penguins’ reception be frosty, or will the colony welcome him with open wings?!
With a playful energy and a mix of puppetry, music and song, this show will be a delightful celebration of wild creativity and the joy of individuality.
Waterside Arts Centre
1 Waterside Plaza
Sale, M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
www.watersidearts.org/whats-on/3189-the-man-who-wanted-to-be-a-penguin/
Jack and the Beanstalk by Harry Luty
2 December – 31 December 2022
Salford Arts Theatre
Don’t miss Salford Arts Theatre’s much love traditional family pantomime.
This year you could follow Jack as he attempts to beat the Giant…..
Will he fall in love and save the day there’s only one way to find out – book your ticket to Salford Arts Theatre.
Salford Arts Theatre
Kemsing Walk, Off Liverpool St, Salford M5 4BS
Tel: 0161 925 0111
www.salfordartstheatre.com/whats-on
Jack & The Beanstalk
2 December 2022 – 1 January 2023
Bolton Albert Halls
Polka Dot Pantomimes in association with the Albert Halls present Jack and the Beanstalk – the hilarious traditional family pantomime adventure.
Get ready to roar with laughter and cheer our hero Jack on his magical journey to the castle in the sky as he battles to save his best friend Daisy the cow!
With a fabulous cast and the biggest Giant in pantoland it won’t cost you a bag of magic beans to see the best traditional family pantomime that is guaranteed to be FE-FI-FO-FUN for everyone!
The Albert Halls
Victoria Square
Bolton
BL1 1RU
Tel: 0843 2080500
www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk/events/event/140/jack-and-the-beanstalk—2022-pantomime
Room on the Broom
7 December 2022 – 8 January 2023
The Lowry
Jump on board the broom with the witch and her cat in Tall Stories’ fun-filled adaptation of Room on the Broom, the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
The witch and her cat are travelling on their broomstick when they pick up some hitch-hikers – a friendly dog, a beautiful green bird and a frantic frog. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and – CRACK – it snaps in two… just as the hungry dragon appears!
Come and find out for yourself if there ever will be room on the broom for everyone?
Age: 3+
The Lowry
Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Tel: 0843 208 6000
www.thelowry.com
Cinderella, a Family Pantomime
8 December 2022 – 8th January 2023
The Plaza
Starring the much loved star of stage and screen CHERYL FERGISON, known as the long running character of Heather Trott in EASTENDERS.
Stockport’s very own PHIL MEALEY known for his starring roles in ‘Early Doors’ and ‘The Royle Family’ is joined by a full supporting cast in this glittering production which is an affordable family treat to enjoy over the Festive Season… Oh yes it is!
Will Cinderella ever meet her prince?
Will Buttons save the day?
Pop on your sparkling glass slippers, jump into your coach and come along to the most magical rags to riches fairy tale of them all Plaza Pantomime!
The Plaza
Mersey Square,
Stockport, Cheshire, SK1 1SP
Tel: 0161 477 7779
www.stockportplaza.co.uk
Dick Whittington
8 – 24 December
The Met, Bury
The Met and Big Tiny Production Company
The pantomime Dick Whittington is coming the heart of Bury, to The Met… Oh yes it is! With spectacular sets, sensational costumes, one gorgeous pantomime dame, hit songs and a side-splitting script, don’t miss your chance to join us for the most magical pantomime yet.
Poor young lad Dick Whittington and his rat-catching cat set off to find fame, fortune and adventure in London, but the path to happily-ever-after isn’t always that easy and Queen Rat hatches an evil scheme to get Dick out of his city.
Are the streets paved with gold? Can the cat catch the rat? Will Dick triumph in the end?
Dick Whittington brings fabulous costumes, glitz, glamour, silliness, slapstick and hit songs to sing along to – It’s the perfect treat for the whole family, whatever your age.
Pyjama Performance! on Thursday 15 December for evening show at 6.30pm; wear your pyjamas and onesies and you could even bring your own bear so it can enjoy the show too!
Relaxed performance on Monday 19 December at 2.30pm. For pre-school children and anyone who would appreciate a more flexible, relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy the show.
BSL Interpreted performance on Tuesday 20 December at 6:30pm. A British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted performance for people with hearing difficulties or for whom BSL is their preferred language.
The Met,
Market Street,
Bury BL9 0BW
Greater Manchester, UK
Tel: 0161 761 7107
themet.biz
Dick Whittington
9 December 2022 – 2 January 2023
The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse
The Garrick Pantomime Paved With Gold!
Dick Whittington’s heading to that there London to seek his fame and fortune – he’s heard the streets are paved with gold! With his trusty cat by his side, he gets a job at Alderman Fitzwarren’s Store but the city is under attack from the most villainous vermin of them all; King Rat!
With the help of his new love Alice, Fairy Bow Bells, Sarah the Cook and her silly son Idle Jack, will Dick be able to vanquish the vermin?
Oh Yes he will! For this is a Garrick Pantomime after all!
Book now for this purrfect Christmas treat – it’ll be a Whitting-tonne of fun!
The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse
Barrington Road,
Altrincham, WA14 1HZ
Tel: 0161 928 1677
www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/shows/dick-whittington-pantomime
COMEDYSPORTZ Improvised Panto
9 December 2022, 7pm & 10 December 2022, 5pm
Waterside Arts Centre
Heroes, villains, songs and silliness are guaranteed as the gang improvise a brand new pantomime using only your suggestions and a sprinkling of fairy dust. With plenty of quick-witted gags and games, this loving pastiche of panto characters and tropes will be jam-packed with laughs and unexpected delights – oh yes it will! You don’t want to miss this alternative festive treat that the whole family can enjoy.
Every show is different as players craft loving pastiche of panto tropes and characters from audience suggestions and a sprinkling of fairy dust. The performers don’t know their roles beforehand and might even get you involved in the action! This alternative pantomime is totally unscripted and completely unmissable – book your tickets now!
Waterside Arts Centre
1 Waterside Plaza
Sale, M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
www.watersidearts.org/whats-on/3228-comedysportz-improvised-panto
The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan
10 December – 31 December 2022
Manchester Opera House
Produced by Crossroads Pantomimes
This year the Manchester Opera House presents swashbuckling adventures at the Neverland like never before! Comedy superstar Jason Manford will lead the cast in The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan in the role of Captain Hook, joined by returning Manchester panto favourite Ben Nickless as Smee.
With amazing special effects, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and barrel-loads of laughter, The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan will give audience plenty of participation and a chance for to come together and share the magic of live theatre.
Be part of the panto magic – hook your tickets today!
Opera House
3 Quay St, Manchester, Lancashire M3 3HP
Tel: 0844 871 3018
Buy tickets at www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-pantomime-adventures-of-peter-pan/opera-house-manchester
Sleeping Beauty
10 December 2022 – 1 January 2023
Buxton Opera House
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away…
The beautiful Princess is about to celebrate her birthday. The King has banned all spinning wheels from the kingdom, but will this save the Princess from the Evil Fairy’s curse?
Join the brilliant cast and the handsome Prince as they try to save the day and stop Sleeping Beauty’s 100-year slumber!
Add in some side-splitting comedy, colourful dance routines and a scary dragon, and you’ve got all the ingredients for an unforgettable Christmas pantomime.
Buxton Opera House
Water Street,
Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN
Tel: 0845 127 2190
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
COMEDYSPORTZ Improvised Panto 4 Tots
10 December 2022, 3pm
Waterside Arts Centre
Heroes, villains, songs and silliness are guaranteed as the gang improvise a brand new pantomime using only your suggestions and a sprinkling of fairy dust. With plenty of quick-witted gags and games, this loving pastiche of panto characters and tropes will be jam-packed with laughs and unexpected delights – oh yes it will! You don’t want to miss this alternative festive treat that families with younger kids will adore! Don’t miss this all improvised pantomime from ComedySportz adapted for younger audiences. Every show is different as players craft loving pastiche of panto tropes and characters from audience suggestions and a sprinkling of fairy dust. The performers don’t know their roles beforehand and might even get you involved in the action! This alternative pantomime is totally unscripted and completely unmissable – book your tickets now!
Waterside Arts Centre
1 Waterside Plaza
Sale, M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
watersidearts.org/whats-on/3228-comedysportz-improvised-panto/
Rapunzel
11 – 31 December 2022
Forum Theatre at NK Theatre Arts
Produced by Twirly Productions
Family Pantomime returns to The Forum Theatre at Romiley this Christmas a brilliant show Rapunzel. With amazing costumes, fantastic dancers and all of your favourite pantomime characters this show is one not to be missed.
Come for a magical Christmas at The Forum Theatre and enjoy the very best in family panto entertainment.
The Forum Theatre
The Precinct, Compstall Road, Romiley,
Stockport, SK6 4EA
Tel: 0161 430 6570 (administration) or 0333 666 3366 (ticket line)
www.theforumtheatre.co.uk/events/rapunzel/
The Dragon of Wantley
14 – 17 December 2022
Wilmslow Guild
Bring the whole family to enjoy traditional pantomime written by Norman Robbins.
Based on an English legend involving real people, this spectacular pantomime was beloved by Victorian audiences and has now been adapted for the 21st century by Norman Robbins. With vengeful fairies, knock-about bailiffs, a romantic leading lady and a handsome Principal Boy, plus the outrageous Dame, all the ingredients are here for a wonderful evening’s entertainment!
We encourage you to join in cheering the goodies and booing the baddies in this charming traditional tale.
Wilmslow Guild,
1, Bourne Street,
Wilmslow, SK9 5HD (just off A538 Altrincham Road)
Tel: 01625 520126
www.wgp.org.uk
Claus The Musical
14 December 2022 – 8 January 2023
The Lowry
How the Boy became a Man. How the Man became a Legend.
Based on the beloved children’s book The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum, this brand-new musical is as magical as Christmas itself.
With spellbinding songs from Andy Collyer, heart-warming storytelling, enchanting sets, and a whole load of festive fun, discover the story of Claus and how he became a man forever in our hearts, and on Christmas Eve, forever in our skies.
Abandoned as a baby in the magical Forest of Burzee, he is gifted to Necile, a wood nymph, who showers him with love and names him Claus. With a helping hand from the mystical inhabitants of the forest – Fairies, Knooks and Ryls – she teaches him that kindness is the most important lesson of all, a gift that Claus eventually shares with us, as he embarks on a journey to bring the miracle of Christmas to the whole world.
Age: 6+
The Lowry
Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Tel: 0843 208 6000
www.thelowry.com
Peter Pan
16 December 2022 – 8 January 2023
Lyceum Theatre
Produced by Imagine Theatre
Book your seats now for Cheshire’s favourite family pantomime, Aladdin, starring Louie Spence as the Spirit of the Ring, Jamie Kenna (Coronation Street) as Abanazar, Kiera-Nicole (Milkshake) as Jasmine and returning for his sixth year, Crewe’s treasured dame, Malcolm Lord as Widow Twankey!
Poor Aladdin is in love with Jasmine but as a reluctant helper in the laundry – run by his madcap mother – his prospects are not looking good. That is until a mysterious magician arrives promising Aladdin riches beyond his wildest dreams!
Will Aladdin be able to thwart the wicked Abanazar, gain control of the magic lamp and win the heart of the princess? Jump aboard your magic carpet, come along and find out!
Filled with traditional panto slapstick, hilarious comedy and fabulous musical numbers, we promise a fun packed show suitable for everyone aged 3 to 103!
Grab your tickets now for this fabulous festive treat before they fly out the door!
Lyceum Theatre,
Heath Street, Crewe, CW1 2DA
Tel: 01270 368 242
www.crewelyceum.co.uk/Online/crewe-pantomime
Snow Mouse
16 – 31 December
Z-arts
Puppet show for very young viewers
Winter has arrived and the woods are covered in white. A child hurries to put on their winter clothes so they can run outside and play in a sparkly new world.Just when they are starting to feel a bit lonely they find a sleeping mouse buried under the soft white flakes. Sliding, tumbling and laughing, they explore the winter wonderland together and keep each other safe and warm from the winter freeze.
Come this Christmas and join the two new friends on their adventures in a magical forest full of play, puppetry and music.
Recommended age: 0 – 4 years
335 Stretford Road, Hulme,
Manchester M15 5ZA, Greater Manchester
Tel: 0161 226 1912
www.z-arts.org
Horrible Histories – Horrible Christmas
20 December 2022, 11.30am, 2.30pm
Bridgewater Hall
Horrible Histories proudly presents the terrific tale of Christmas!
When Christmas comes under threat from a jolly man dressed in red, it’s up to one young boy to save the day – but can he save Christmas? From Victorian villains to Medieval monks, Puritan parties to Tudor treats, join us on a hair-raising adventure through the history of Christmas in the company of Charles Dickens, Oliver Cromwell, King Henry VIII and St Nicholas as they all join forces to save the festive season!
It’s a celebration of Christmas in the most wonderful, funny and moving way you’ll ever see!
The Bridgewater Hall,
Lower Mosley Street,
Manchester M2 3WS
Tel: 0161 907 9000
www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk/?s=Horrible+Histories+%E2%80%93+Horrible+Christmas
The Muppet Christmas Carol (film with live music)
21 December 2022, 3pm, 7pm
Bridgewater Hall
Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol will be presented live in concert this winter at The Bridgewater Hall, featuring its musical score performed live alongside the film.
The Muppet Christmas Carol sees The Muppets perform the classic Charles Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Gonzo, as Dickens, narrates the story with the help of Rizzo the Rat. The film also features Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit, Gonzo as the narrator Charles Dickens, Fozzie Bear as Fozziwig, and Robin the Frog as Tiny Tim.
Scrooge receives visits from spirits of three Christmases – past, present and future. They show him the error of his self-serving ways, but the miserable old man seems to be past any hope of redemption and happiness.
The Bridgewater Hall,
Lower Mosley Street,
Manchester M2 3WS
Tel: 0161 907 9000
www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk/?s=The+Muppet+Christmas+Carol
The Hallé – The Snowman (screening with live music)
22 – 23 December 2022
Bridgewater Hall
Bring the whole family to the Hallé’s screening of Raymond Briggs’s classic animated film, The Snowman – an essential part of Christmas. The film is accompanied by the Hallé performing Howard Blake’s magical score live. In the first half of the concert, ‘Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!’ with Tom Redmond and the Hallé in Dinosaurumpus, an animated, interactive orchestral adventure, and enjoy Lorna Gibson’s heart-warming Mr Bear’s Christmas.
The Bridgewater Hall,
Lower Mosley Street,
Manchester M2 3WS
Tel: 0161 907 9000
www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk/?s=The+Hall%C3%A9+-+The+Snowman
Little Penguin’s First Christmas
22 – 31 December 2022
The Lowry
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.
Join Little Penguin in her winter wonderland as she discovers the magic of her first Christmas.
Age: 0 – 2 years olds
The Lowry
Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Tel: 0843 208 6000
www.thelowry.com
The Nutcracker
2 – 3 January 2023
Bridgewater Hall
Varna International Ballet & Orchestra
The most famous fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and all the presents beneath. When midnight strikes we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins…
The Bridgewater Hall,
Lower Mosley Street,
Manchester M2 3WS
Tel: 0161 907 9000
www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk/?s=The+Nutcracker
Musketeers: the Panto
6 – 8 January 2023
The Lowry
The Musketeers; Athos, Porthos, Aramis and D’Artagnan return for another swashbuckling adventure! The King’s crown has been stolen and an innocent woman has been framed for it – can the Musketeers solve the mystery in time? And who on earth is the Duke of Salford? Barton Threate Company proudly presents another Pantoland Adventure written by Natasha Raso and Daniel Chadwick Christmas fun for all the family.
Age: 5+
The Lowry
Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Tel: 0843 208 6000
www.thelowry.com
Giselle
11 January 2023, 7pm
Buxton Opera House
Varna International Ballet & Orchestra
The most poignant of all classical ballets is filled with dramatic passion in a chilling and heart-rending tale of love, treachery and forgiveness from beyond the grave.
The moving story of delicate Giselle and her aristocratic but duplicitous lover Albrecht is set to a glorious score. From the visual splendour of the rustic villagers happily gathering the harvest at the start of the story to the eerie moonlit forest haunted by beautifully drifting spirits, this production is unforgettable.
Buxton Opera House
Water Street,
Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN
Tel: 0845 127 2190
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
Swan Lake
12 January 2023, 2pm, 7pm
Buxton Opera House
Varna International Ballet & Orchestra
The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score.
From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all.
From Odile, the temptress in black tutu as she seduces the Prince by spinning with captivating precision to the spellbound purity of the swan queen, Odette as she flutters with emotional intensity, the dual role of Odette/Odile is one of ballet’s most unmissable technical challenges.
Buxton Opera House
Water Street,
Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN
Tel: 0845 127 2190
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
Scrooge
The Didsbury Players
27 – 28 January
The Didsbury Players present the panto by Jon Martin – Scrooge!
The Panto is an original production and real family treat. It features plenty of singing, dancing, cheesy jokes, and even a lovable panto horse.
Join Ebenezer Scrooge as he encounters the pantos of the past, present & future, meeting all your favourite pantomime characters along the way!
Peformance at East Didsbury Methodist Church,
Parrs Wood Road, Manchester, M20 5QQ
www.didsburyplayers.co.uk
Watch it on The Didsbury Players‘s YouTube Channel.
Tales from Acorn Wood
28 – 29 January 2023
The Lowry
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage for the first time in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience.
Poor old Fox has lost his socks! Are they in the kitchen or inside the clock? And Rat-a-tat-tat! Who’s that keeping tired Rabbit awake? You can also join in with Pig and Hen’s game of hide-and-seek and discover the special surprise Postman Bear is planning for his friends.
Packed full of toe-tapping songs, puppetry, and all the friends from Acorn Wood, this beautiful show from the team that brought you Dear Zoo Live and Dear Santa promises to be the perfect treat for children of all ages.
Age: 6+
The Lowry
Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Tel: 0843 208 6000
www.thelowry.com
