Pantomimes and Christmas Shows 2023 – 2024
There are lots of theatrical treats awaiting families of Manchester and Cheshire this festive season – from magical shows to laugh out loud pantos, from innovative puppetry, sensory stimulus and fascinating projections to traditional family concerts and live music. Scroll down this page, see what takes your fancy, book the tickets and enjoy your show! Merry Christmas everyone!
Around the World in 80 Days
16 November 2023 – 6 January 2024
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
New festive family musical adaptation of the adventure classic!
Wealthy and eccentric entrepreneur Lady Phileas Fogg makes a bet that she can travel around the world in just 80 days…but surely it can’t be done? With her entire fortune on the line, Phileas sets off from London in a wild dash across the globe.
Travelling through fascinating and exotic lands, Phileas and friends get into all sorts of adventures. They jump from boats to trains, trek across Europe to Asia, celebrate Diwali in India and soar through the Americas battling storms and bandits. Will they make it back to London in time for Christmas or will the bet be lost?
Age: 5+
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Premier Suite, University of Bolton Stadium,
Horwich, BL6 6SF
Tel: 01204 520661
www.octagonbolton.co.uk
The Snow Queen
29 November – 30 December 2023
Waterside Arts Centre
Wrongsemble, a Yorkshire based theatre company, presents.
At the top of the world lives the Snow Queen who is supposed to control the weather.
But the seasons aren’t behaving. The world is getting warmer. And it hasn’t snowed for years….
Lumi gazes up at the stars and worries about the world. The adults don’t seem to have noticed that the seasons aren’t behaving, or that it hasn’t snowed for years. This is an emergency! So, it’s time to take the issue straight to the top (of the world) and find the Snow Queen she has heard so much about…
On the long journey ahead she’ll meet a host of fabulous new friends – from an overworked elf, to a pompous polar bear – as she learns that small changes make a big difference! But first she is determined to make it SNOW!
This vibrant musical re-telling of The Snow Queen is reimagined in an exciting adventure for the whole family.
Waterside Arts Centre
1 Waterside Plaza
Sale, M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
www.watersidearts.org/whats-on/3382-the-snow-queen
Cinderella
1 – 31 December 2023
Bolton Albert Halls
Polka Dot Pantomimes in association with the Albert Halls present Cinderella – a family pantomime where dreams really do come true.
The Albert Halls
Victoria Square
Bolton
BL1 1RU
Tel: 0843 2080500
www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk/event/cinderella
Aladdin by Harry Luty
2 December – 31 December 2023, 11am, 2pm, 7pm
Salford Arts Theatre
Don’t miss Salford Arts Theatre’s much love traditional family pantomime.
Only son of of widow Twankey, Aladdin evolves from lazy chancer to a brave and optImistic hero. Join him and his friends on the adventure of a lifetime.
Will he find true love and fortune?
Will he beat the evil Abanazer?
Salford Arts Theatre
Kemsing Walk, Off Liverpool St, Salford M5 4BS
Tel: 0161 925 0111
www.salfordartstheatre.com
Jack and the Beanstalk
2 – 31 December 2023
Manchester Opera House
Produced by Crossroads Pantomimes
Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jack as he fights to outwit the evil giant, win riches beyond his wildest dreams and the hand of the girl he loves. Expect laughs, music, special effects, magic beans and bundles of audience participation in this giant of a pantomime!
Follow Jack and climb a beanstalk of gigantic proportions to cloudland in the spectacular family panto, Jack and the Beanstalk.
Opera House Manchester
3 Quay St, Manchester, Lancashire M3 3HP
Tel: 0844 871 3018
Buy tickets at www.atgtickets.com/shows/jack-and-the-beanstalk/opera-house-manchester/
Hallé Family Christmas Concert
3 December 2023, 12pm
The Bridgewater Hall
An enormous Christmas present has been found in The Bridgewater Hall. What could it be? Who is it for? Join the Hallé and presenter Tom Redmond as they unwrap a magical Christmas adventure with a gift that just keeps giving…
Ticket Information:
£27.50 full price
£17.50 children (aged 16 and under)
£69.50 family (any 4 people, including at least one child)
The Bridgewater Hall
Lower Mosley St,
Manchester M2 3WS
Tel: 0161 907 9000
www.halle.co.uk
Life Of Pi
5 December 2023 – 7 January 2024
The Lowry
After an epic storm in the Pacific Ocean, Pi is stranded on a lifeboat with four other survivors – a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Royal Bengal tiger.
Based on the best-selling book by Yann Martel, the five-star West End and Broadway spectacle on its first ever UK tour comes to The Lowry.
Age Recommendation: 8+
The Lowry
Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Tel: 0843 208 6000
www.thelowry.com/whats-on/life-of-pi
Aladdin
8 – 26 December 2023
The Met, Bury
The Met and Big Tiny Production Company
Come to The Met this holiday season for a carpet ride to a mystical world of magic lamps, flying carpets, and adventure!
Will Aladdin win the hand of Princess Jasmine or will the villainous Abanazar thwart his dreams and conquer the kingdom? Boo and hiss at the dastardly deeds of Abanazar as he schemes to control the all-powerful magic lamp.
Filled with laugh-out-loud comedy, jaw-dropping costumes, and enchanting music and dance numbers, this pantomime brings the whole family along for a high-flying theatrical experience. Watch in wonder as the characters take flight on a magical carpet right before your eyes!
From the wish-granting Genie to the hilarious Dame, this pantomime is packed full of sensational sets and overflows with holiday cheer and audience participation for all ages. Don’t miss your chance to outwit evil and celebrate the true meaning of friendship and love at The Met!
The Met,
Market Street,
Bury BL9 0BW
Greater Manchester, UK
Tel: 0161 761 7107
themet.biz
Cinderella
8 December 2023 – 1 January 2024
Buxton Opera House
You shall go to the ball, Cinderella!
Working all day long, completing chores and being taunted by her ugly stepsisters is all Cinderella has ever known, that is until her Fairy Godmother makes all her wishes come true…
Following the success of last season spectacular Sleeping Beauty, come and enjoy incredible cast for another year of wonderful music, the finest comedy routines and a sprinkle of Christmas magic. It’s a pantomime for the whole family to enjoy!
Buxton Opera House
Water Street,
Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN
Tel: 0845 127 2190
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
Sleeping Beauty
8 December 2023 – 2 January 2024
The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse
The Garrick Pantomime
Step into a fairy-tale world of magical castles, bewitched spinning wheels and an enchanted sleep that only true love’s kiss can break…
Once upon a time in a land far away, a beautiful Princess is given a twenty-first birthday present by her evil aunt; the wicked Enchantress – Carabosse! By pricking her finger on an enchanted spinning wheel, she is placed under a cruel curse and forced to sleep for 100 years.
Can a handsome Prince break the spell? Who will outwit the evil Enchantress and foil her wicked plans? Well… there’s only one way to find out! Join us at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse for another Pantomime adventure!
Packed with magic, songs, comedy, dance, special effects and more… This is the dreamiest Garrick Panto of them all!
Triggers: Flashing lights and special effects, loud noises and pyrotechnics
The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse
Barrington Road,
Altrincham, WA14 1HZ
Tel: 0161 928 1677
www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/shows/sleeping
Peter Pan
8 December 2023 – 7th January 2024
The Plaza
Ahoy there Panto lovers!! …..it’s time to take flight to join us at The Plaza for Stockport’s Swashbuckling Family Pantomime Adventure PETER PAN starring BRIAN CAPRON as the ‘oh so evil’ Captain Hook!
With a sensational cast, spectacular costumes and magnificent scenery, this is the affordable family treat that everyone can enjoy this festive season. So don’t delay…Book Today for this Pantotastic Festive Treat that will create memories for you, your Family or your Group that will last a lifetime….Oh Yes They Will!
The Plaza
Mersey Square,
Stockport, Cheshire, SK1 1SP
Tel: 0161 477 7779
www.stockportplaza.co.uk
Cinderella
8 – 31 December 2023
Lyceum Theatre
Poor Cinders works night and day but dreams of a very different life and with an invitation to the royal ball it looks as if her wish may be granted. Will her Wicked Stepsisters succeed in ruining Cinderella’s dreams of happiness or will her Fairy Godmother and loyal friend Buttons be able to thwart their devilish plans? Pop on your glad-rags and join us at the ball to find out!
Cinderella is the hilarious family pantomime with real X Factor, suitable for all ages, with tons of slapstick comedy and stunning musical numbers that you are guaranteed to be singing for days afterwards. The clock is ticking so grab your tickets now to the show that proves that a pair of shoes really can change your life!
Lyceum Theatre,
Heath Street, Crewe, CW1 2DA
Tel: 01270 368 242
www.crewelyceum.co.uk
trafalgartickets.com/lyceum-theatre-crewe/en-GB/event/pantomime/cinderella-tickets
Lost and Found
12 December 2023 – 6 January 2024
Aviva Studios
This winter, Factory International invites you to come on an epic journey to the South Pole and join a boy’s quest to help a lost penguin find its way home. In a heart-warming adaptation of Oliver Jeffers’ Lost and Found, adapted for the stage by renowned children’s TV and theatre producer Will Brenton, featuring original music by Gruff Rhys.
Featuring puppetry and projections, a cast of characters that charm and delight, not to mention a gang of rowdy seagulls – expect to laugh and be moved by this magical new stage show for children and grown-ups.
Aviva Studios,
Water St, Manchester M3 4JQ
Tel: 0333 322 8679
www.factoryinternational.org
Alfie The Elf’s Christmas Rescue
13 December – 23 December 2023
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Oh dear, it’s a christmas disaster! Alfie the elf has been stranded – with no way to get back to the north pole!
Join Alfie for this 45 minute show as he brings his fabulous stories to life, cracks jokes and tells us all how Christmas really works in Santa’s workshop.
Alfie the Elf’s Christmas Rescue is a wonderful yuletide treat for children and their families, guaranteed to make this Christmas truly magical.
Age recommended: 2-7 years old
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Premier Suite, University of Bolton Stadium,
Horwich, BL6 6SF
Tel: 01204 520661
www.octagonbolton.co.uk
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
14 – 16 December 2023
Wilmslow Guild
Join Goldilocks in her adventures and share in the magic of a traditional English pantomime with all your favourite characters.
Cheer the goodies, boo the baddies and ensure that good triumphs over evil. Christmas fun for the young and young at heart.
Wilmslow Guild,
1, Bourne Street,
Wilmslow, SK9 5HD (just off A538 Altrincham Road)
Tel: 01625 523903
www.wgp.org.uk
Little Penguin’s First Christmas
15 – 16 December 2023, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 (30-40 minutes, no interval)
Waterside Arts Centre
Colour The Clouds Theatre Company presents 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.
Price: £16 one adult + one baby
Waterside Arts Centre
1 Waterside Plaza
Sale, M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
www.watersidearts.org/whats-on/3401-little-penguins-first-christmas
Hare & Tortoise
16-17, 23-24 December 2023
Buxton Opera House (at Pavilion Arts Centre)
Buxton Opera House presents a musical play by Brendan Murray
Hare is always in a rush. Tortoise likes to take things more gently. Hare wants to race, Tortoise would prefer to go on holiday…
Come for this beautiful reworking of Aesop’s famous fable and travel through the seasons with these two unlikely but loveable friends and help them prepare for their big race.
This exciting play, especially designed for our younger audience, is a perfect introduction to theatre.
Age recommended: 3 – 8
Pavilion Arts Centre
St John’s Road
Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6BE
Tel: 0845 127 2190
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
The Nutcracker
7 January 2024
Buxton Opera House
Varna International Ballet presents
This most famous of 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…
Buxton Opera House
Water Street,
Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN
Tel: 0845 127 2190
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
Swan Lake
8 January 2024
Buxton Opera House
Varna International Ballet presents
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 tulle 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
Dick Whittington & The Pirates
12 – 21 January 2024
Waterside Arts Centre
Sale Nomads presents the spectacular tale of Dick Whittington, the rags to riches tale of one boy’s rise from scruffy northerner to heroic Lord Mayor of London!
A breathless, hilarious, story of ambition, treachery, scheming rodents, faithful moggies, rampaging pirates, precious booty and, ultimately, redemption and everlasting love!!
Come on a whirlwind voyage of discovery, from London, across the Seven Seas and back again, strap yourselves in for a wild ride!
Triggers: Flashing Lights, NOT strobe, Haze, UV Scene
Waterside Arts Centre
1 Waterside Plaza
Sale, M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
watersidearts.org/whats-on/3458-sale-nomads-dick-whittington-the-pirates
The Three Little Pigs
13 – 15 Febuary 2024, 11am, 2.30pm
Waterside Arts Centre
Stuff & 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!
Age recommended: 3-10
Waterside Arts Centre
1 Waterside Plaza
Sale, M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
www.watersidearts.org/whats-on/3413-the-three-little-pigs
Tortoise and the Hare
20 February 2024
Buxton Opera House
Northern Ballet presents
When a cheeky Hare won’t stop boasting about how fast he can run, thoughtful Tortoise decides it is time to join him in a race. No one thinks Tortoise can win, but when Hare gets distracted by games and treats, Tortoise might just surprise us all.
The perfect introduction to live ballet and music, your little ones will be cheering along as a playful cast of characters re-tell this classic tale.
Buxton Opera House
Water Street,
Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN
Tel: 0845 127 2190
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
