Pantomimes and Christmas Shows
It’s here again! Oh no, it isn’t! Oh yes, it is! That’s right – panto season is back, and as usual we here at M&D have put together a list of the best local shows in the Manchester and Cheshire area for you to have some quality family fun at this Christmas. The traditionalists can enjoy old classics such as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, whilst those among you who want something other than a pantomime this festive season can head over to venues such as the Bridgewater Hall or Home for a show with a difference.
Jack and the Beanstalk
16 November – 11 January
Oldham Coliseum
Fi Fi Fo Fum, Christmas in Oldham is cracking good fun!
Oldham Coliseum Theatre’s nationally renowned pantomime has been putting the extra sparkle into the festive season for generations; with all the ingredients for fantastic family fun: hit songs, silliness, a sprinkling of fairy dust and a generous helping of It’s Behind You! Jack and the Beanstalk is a traditional family pantomime with a modern twist – the perfect Christmas treat for kids and not-so-grown-up grown-ups.
Audio Described Performance Friday 6 December, 7.30pm
BSL Performance Friday 13 December, 7.30pm
Oldham Coliseum Theatre
Fairbottom Street
Oldham
OL1 3SW
Tel: 0161 624 2829
www.coliseum.org.uk/plays/jack-and-the-beanstalk-2
Mr Popper’s Penguins
26 November – 31 December
Waterside Arts Centre
Painter and decorator by day, Mr Popper spends his time dreaming of Antarctic adventures. He is astounded when one day a packing crate arrives on his doorstep and a penguin waddles out!
With original songs and performing penguin puppets, this delightful, action packed musical adaptation of Richard and Florence Atwater’s popular book (also made into a Hollywood film starring Jim Carrey) is the perfect family treat!
Waterside Arts Centre
1 Waterside Plaza
Sale, M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
watersidearts.org/popperspenguins
Jack and the Beanstalk
29 November – 5 January
The Plaza
A GIANT of a family pantomime comes to The Plaza with a larger than life production for the entire family to enjoy starring the sensational Ted Robbins alongside Cheryl Fergison!…Oh, yes, it does!
BSL Interpreted Performances: Friday 6th December at 10.30am and 2.00pm, also on Saturday 7th December at 7.30pm
The Plaza
Mersey Square,
Stockport, Cheshire, SK1 1SP
Tel: 0161 477 7779
www.stockportplaza.co.uk
Aladdin
31 November – 31 December (except Mondays)
Bolton Albert Halls
The Albert Halls, Bolton and Polka Dot Pantomimes present a traditional family panto, starring as Aladdin an incredibly talented RAY QUINN, who is currently in Hollyoaks, was runner up on ITV’s X Factor and has been crowned Dancing On Ice’s Champion of Champions!
So jump on a thrilling carpet ride and an adventure of a lifetime as ALADDIN flies into the Albert Halls featuring a Celebrity and West End cast.
With spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes, spellbinding special effects, and lots of audience participation that will keep the whole family entertained and amused, ALADDIN promises to be the biggest pantomime ever staged in Bolton.
The Albert Halls
Victoria Square
Bolton
BL1 1RU
Tel: 0843 2080500
www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk
Dick Whittington
1 December – 31 December
Salford Arts Theatre
Salford Arts Theatre’s Inhouse Professional Family Pantomime, that is filled with good old fashioned comedy, slapstick, audience participation, song and dance, will appeal to all, from children to not-so-grown-up grown ups.
Dick Whittington seeks his fame and fortune ….along the way he fights the evil King Rat with the help of his friends.
Salford Arts Theatre
Kemsing Walk, Off Liverpool St, Salford M5 4BS
Tel: 0161 925 0111
www.salfordartstheatre.com/whats-on
Treasure Island
5 – 28 December
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
The classic tale of buccaneers and buried gold will. New stage adaptation of Treasure Island directed by Tim Jackson.
When Jim meets a mysterious seafaring gentleman, adventure calls and it looks like there might be gold on the horizon. But once they set sail, things start to look dangerous. Will Jim and friends escape from a gruesome gang of pirates and make their way back to dry land with the treasure?
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Premier Suite, University of Bolton Stadium,
Horwich, BL6 6SF
Tel: 01204 520661
www.octagonbolton.co.uk/whats-on/theatre/treasure-island
The Slightly Annoying Elephant
5 December – 29 December
Little Angel Theatre at HOME
Family-friendly Christmas 2019 show based on the book written by David Walliams and illustrated by Tony Ross.
Little Angel Theatre return to HOME with a lovely story about an annoying elephant, brought to life through puppetry.
What’s big, blue, bossy, and turns up uninvited? A slightly annoying elephant, of course! One day Sam gets a very big surprise as a tired, hungry, antique-loving, cycling enthusiast elephant turns up on his doorstep. Adopting an elephant at the zoo turned out to be a lot more than he bargained for as he didn’t realise the elephant would actually come to live with him – silly boy!
Home
2 Tony Wilson Place Manchester M15 4FN
Tel: 0161 200 1500
www.homemcr.org
The Gruffalo’s Child
6 December – 12 January
The Lowry
Tall Stories present
Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. She follows snowy tracks and encounters mysterious creatures – but the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he?
Let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and scary fun.
Age: 3+
The Lowry
Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Tel: 0843 208 6000
www.thelowry.com/whats-on/the-gruffalos-child-2019/
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
6 December – 29 December
Manchester Opera House
Produced by Qdos Entertainment
This year the Manchester Opera House presents an enchanting fairy-tale, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, starring the judge we all love to hate, Craig Revel Horwood as the ultimate Wicked Queen. Joining him will be Panto legend and Coronation Street star Eric Potts as Dame Nora Crumble, Ben Nickless as Muddles (fresh from his show-stealing performance in last year’s Cinderella), and Zoe George as Snow White.
Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be full of an abundance of jaw-dropping dance, side-splitting comedy, sensational special effects and plenty of festive magic.
Opera House
3 Quay St, Manchester, Lancashire M3 3HP
Tel: 0844 871 3018
www.atgtickets.com/shows/snow-white/opera-house-manchester
Sleeping Beauty
11 – 14 December
Wilmslow Guild
Bring the whole family to enjoy our much-loved traditional pantomime written by Norman Robbins.
Discover how Princess Aurora meets her Prince Valiant one hundred years before he wakes her with a kiss to break the wicked fairy’s spell.
Did we just give away the ending? Never mind! 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/plays/SleepingBeauty.html
Cinderella
12 December – 1 January
Buxton Opera House
Close your eyes, make a wish…
Star of Waterloo Road and CBBC presenter Shannon Flynn will join James Holmes as he returns for a fifth hilarious year (this time as one of Cinderella’s hideously horrible step-sisters) in a show that’s pure magic from beginning to end.
Buxton Opera House’s Christmas pantomime is a real family favourite, so don’t miss out. The palace clock’s counting down to midnight and tickets are selling fast, so book now before the best seats disappear in a cloud of fairy dust.
Buxton Opera House
Water Street,
Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN
Tel: 0845 127 2190
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/event/cinderella-1
Dick Whittington and his Cat
12 – 21 December
Forum Theatre at NK Theatre Arts
JB Productions Return to The Forum Theatre this Christmas as the enchanting story of Dick Whittington and his Cat.
The Forum Theatre
The Precinct, Compstall Road, Romiley,
Stockport, SK6 4EA
Tel: 0161 430 6570 (administration) or 07979 788 760 (ticket line)
www.nktheatre.co.uk/news-detail.php?NewsPosts=24
Comedysportz Improvised Panto
13 – 14 December 19.00 (for age 7+)
14 December 15.00 (for age 6 and under)
Waterside Arts Centre
Heroes, villains, songs and silliness are guaranteed as the gang improvise a brand new pantomime every show using only your suggestions and a sprinkling of fairy dust. Every adventure will be jam-packed with gags, games and unexpected delights – oh yes it will! Don’t miss this alternative family friendly festive fun – it’s a cracker!
Waterside Arts Centre
1 Waterside Plaza
Sale, M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
www.watersidearts.org
Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp
13 December – 5 January
The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse
The classic tale of Aladdin And His Wonderful Lamp is brought to life in Garrick’s Traditional Family Pantomime Pantomime.
What would you do if you could wish for anything?
Plucky young Aladdin has fallen for the beautiful Princess Balroubador, daughter of the financially embarrassed Emperor of China. However, wooing his love may not be easy, as the Emperor has his own ideas about the sort of man Balroubador should marry. On top of this, the evil Abanazer intends to use Aladdin to secure the Magic Lamp containing an all powerful Genie that will make him Master of The Universe.
With help from his mother, Widow Twankey , and brother Wishee Washee, will Aladdin get the girl and stop Abanazer fulfilling his evil desires?
Of course he will. This is panto isn’t it!… Oh, yes, it is!
The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse
Barrington Road,
Altrincham, WA14 1HZ
Tel: 0161 928 1677
www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/shows/aladdin-3
Peter Pan
13 December – 5 January
Lyceum Theatre
Crewe’s swashbuckling 2019 pantomime is the high-flying pirate adventure, Peter Pan, starring the much-loved comedy legends Cannon & Ball alongside X Factor star Chico and the Lyceum’s own Grand Dame Malcolm Lord as Mrs Smee!
Experience a swashbuckling family adventure as the Jolly Roger navigates the perilous high seas and throws anchor for another unmissable festive season at the Lyceum. Join the high-flying hero as he transports the Darlings on an adventure they will never forget, packed full of evil pirates, Lost Boys, a very hungry crocodile and the meanest man in Neverland, Captain Hook.
With star casting, jaw-dropping flying and special effects, barrel-loads of laughter, a ship-full of magic and fairy dust and plenty of festive fun for all the family.
Lyceum Theatre,
Heath Street, Crewe, CW1 2DA
Tel: 01270 368 242
crewelyceum.co.uk/Online/crewe-pantomime
STORYMAKERS: Snow Queen
14 December
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
A story read aloud by a professional actor plus live music and creative craft activities, classic tales will come to life for your little ones to enjoy.
Just in time for Christmas, be prepared to be transported into the magical world of The Snow Queen, an experience full of glitter and good times!
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Market Place Shopping centre
Unit 22 (next to Debenhams) Upper Floor, Knowsley Street,
Bolton BL1 2AL
Tel: 01204 520661
www.octagonbolton.co.uk/whats-on/family/storymakers-the-snow-queen
The Hallé – Christmas Family Concert
Bridgewater Hall
15 December 11.00
Ruthy the Red-Nosed Reindeer needs your help! She’s on a Christmas quest to join the Sleigh Team in time for Santa’s biggest day. Join the Ho Ho Hallé as they take flight on a classical music adventure, featuring many season favourites
Tickets: Adults £27; Child £17.5 (aged 17 and under)
The Bridgewater Hall,
Lower Mosley Street,
Manchester M2 3WS
Tel: 0161 907 9000
www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk
Glisten
19 – 22 December
Waterside Arts Centre
An interactive performance for babies aged 0-18 months and their grown-ups. The audience are taken on a sparkling and shimmering immersive journey exploring the world of reflective materials wrapped up in an ambient soundscape of evocative yet laid-back music. Watch as the empty space of the theatre fills with colour, sounds and surprises, creating a sensory landscape ready to explore after the performance is over.
The perfect alternative family Christmas experience, Glisten is performed to a small audience creating an intimate and welcoming theatrical experience, beautifully co-created by theatre-maker Daniel Naddafy and visual artist Phoebe Stubbs.
Waterside Arts Centre
1 Waterside Plaza
Sale, M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
watersidearts.org/whats-on/2647-glisten/
The Big Snowy Christmas
19 – 24 December
The Met, Bury
Little Blue Monster Theatre Company Production
Puppet Show
The hilarious, heartwarming tale about a brave little bear who helps to save Christmas!
It’s almost Christmas eve! Daddy Bear and Baby Bear are busy decorating their tree, when suddenly they hear a crash, bang, wallop outside their front door!
It’s poor Santa, and he’s fallen from the sky! There’s no more flying for him tonight. But, who will deliver the presents in time for Christmas? It’s Baby Bear to the rescue!
This glittering, snowy tale is the perfect treat for Christmas with exquisite puppets, enchanting music and a magical snowy setting. This is a magical, interactive show especially for little bears aged 3 – 6, and their grown-ups! There’s even a surprise visit from Santa!
Pyjama Performance! on Friday 20 or Saturday 21 December for evening show at 7pm; wear your pyjamas and onesies and you could even bring your own bear so it can enjoy the show too!
Relaxed performance on Thursday 19 December at 2pm. For pre-school children and anyone who would appreciate a more flexible, relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy the show.
The Met,
Market Street,
Bury BL9 0BW
Greater Manchester, UK
Tel: 0161 761 7107
themet.biz
The Hallé – The Snowman (screening with live music)
20, 23 December
Bridgewater Hall
Bring the whole family to the Hallé’s screening of Raymond Briggs’ classic animated film, The Snowman – an essential part of Christmas. The film is accompanied by the Hallé performing Howard Blake’s magical score live, including a chorister singing ‘Walking in the Air’. In the first half of the concert, start the countdown to Christmas with the Hallé and the aliens on planet Zum-Zee. Get on the Hallé spaceship and prepare for an astonishing musical journey with big screen animation.
The Bridgewater Hall,
Lower Mosley Street,
Manchester M2 3WS
Tel: 0161 907 9000
www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk
Twinkle Twinkle
21 – 24 December
Z-arts
Presented by Touched Theatre
This is no ordinary Pantomime! It is an original take on the classic fairytale ‘Sleeping Beauty’ and is full of twists and turns, with magical storytelling that will entertain all ages. It is a story of friendship, love and most importantly… adventure!
335 Stretford Road, Hulme,
Manchester M15 5ZA, Greater Manchester
Tel: 0161 226 1912
www.z-arts.org
Sleeping Beauty
10 – 19 January
Waterside Arts Centre
Sale Nomads have been producing Panto’s in Sale since before Dick Whittington was a lad. But, in all that time, they have never told the tale of the Sleeping Beauty!
That is until now, because in January 2020 Nomads will bring the classic fairy tale to Waterside.
There will be beautiful, graceful fairies. There will be a vengeful, evil fairy and her army of crows. There will be a hero. And of course, there will be the radiant Sleeping Beauty herself.
Great family entertainment for all ages.
Waterside Arts Centre
1 Waterside Plaza
Sale, M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
https://watersidearts.org/whats-on/2757-sale-nomads-sleeping-beauty/
Sleeping Beauty
Z-arts
24 – 25 January, various times
Presented by MMY Grads
There are melodies that live in all of us. No one knows that more than Marty the puppy, whose beautiful songs and play-time with his Dad are the best part of his day. But sometimes you have to learn how to find the music inside yourself.
Come and see brilliant puppetry, magical interaction, and a gorgeous original score.
Recommended age: 1 – 3 years
335 Stretford Road, Hulme,
Manchester M15 5ZA, Greater Manchester
Tel: 0161 226 1912
www.z-arts.org
Sleeping Beauty
The Didsbury Players
24 – 25 January
The Didsbury Players present the panto by Chris Lane – Sleeping Beauty!
Come to a world of kings, queens & dames where magic is only a prick away. What fates awaits our heros & heroines in Pantoland? There’s only one way to find out.
Come cheer for the goodies and boo the baddies in what promises to be the best panto you’ve all been dreaming for!
Peformance at East Didsbury Methodist Church,
Parrs Wood Road, Manchester, M20 5QQ
www.didsburyplayers.co.uk
Igloo
18-20 February
Waterside Arts Centre
Anticipation is building for Ira and Sadie. How can they build an igloo if there isn’t any snow? They need it to snow. They want it to snow. But sometimes you don’t get what you want, even when you’re made to wait…and wait…and wait…
Sometimes what you end up with is something even better…
Travelling Light (Boing!) and Bristol Old Vic present Igloo – a playful experience filled with warmth, sensation and gentle exploration.
Suitable for babes in arms and pre-schoolers aged 0-3 accompanied by their carers.
Waterside Arts Centre
1 Waterside Plaza
Sale, M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
www.watersidearts.org/whats-on/2727-igloo/
Mr Men and Little Miss On Stage
21 February
Buxton Opera House
Join your favourite Mr. Men and Little Miss characters as they leap off the page and onto the stage in this beautifully crafted and hilarious live stage show!
For almost 50 years, Mr. Men and Little Misses have brought joy to millions of children all over the world through self-expression, colour, simplicity and humour.
Featuring Mr. Bump, Little Miss Splendid, Mr. Tickle, Little Miss Inventor and many more, Happyland bursts to life in a series of colourful and timeless stories told through puppetry and music
Buxton Opera House
Water Street,
Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN
Tel: 0845 127 2190
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/archive/mr-men-and-little-miss-on-stage
