Shows & Pantos
It’s pantomimes and Christmas show season! With Mus&Dads list you won’t miss all the local family pantos and shows! Enjoy the festive season!
Dick Whittington
Oldham Coliseum
11 November – 13 January
The North West’s favourite pantomime is packed with laugh-out-loud gags, thigh slapping songs, and a generous helping of “it’s behind you’s”!
Dick Whittington has fabulous costumes, glitz and glamour, silliness and slapstick and hit songs to sing along to. This pantomime appeals to all the family, from kids to not-so-grown-up grown-ups. A great way to celebrate Christmas .
Oldham Coliseum Theatre
Fairbottom Street
Oldham
OL1 3SW
Tel: 0161 624 2829
www.coliseum.org.uk/plays/dick-whittington
A Christmas Carol
Octagon Theatre Bolton
17 November – 13 January
Original story by Charles Dickens adapted for the stage by Neil Duffield
Charles Dickens’ cherished festive tale is brought to life in this enchanting stage adaptation full of joy, song, and magic!
Featuring a host of classic Christmas carols this heartwarming and uplifting story is the perfect festive treat.
Octagon Theatre Bolton
HOWELL CROFT SOUTH, BOLTON, BL1 1SB
Tel: 01204 520661
www.octagonbolton.co.uk/whats-on/theatre/achristmascarol
Elf – The Musical
The Lowry
24 November – 14 January
Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit starring Will Ferrell, ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.
The Lowry
Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Tel: 0843 208 6000
www.thelowry.com/events/elf-the-musical
Aladdin
The Plaza
1 December – 7 January
Take a magical carpet ride to the North West’s home of sensational pantomime entertainment for the glittering production ALADDIN. Featuring breath-taking special effects this affordable festive family treat is an absolute must for you, your friends, family or Group to enjoy.
The Plaza
Mersey Square, Stockport, Cheshire, SK1 1SP
Tel: 0161 477 7779
www.stockportplaza.co.uk
Aladdin
Salford Arts Theatre
2 December – 31 December
Looking for Festive Fun? Yes we hear you cry then your wish is our command!
It’s all there: magic lamp, baddie you can boo and hiss at and not forgeting the beautiful Jasmine.
Much loved and enjoyed by all traditional pantomime will be Salford’s highlight this Christmas!
Salford Arts Theatre
Kemsing Walk, Off Liverpool St, Salford M5 4BS
Tel: 0161 925 0111
www.salfordartstheatre.com
Cinderella
Bolton Albert Halls
2 December – 31 December (except Mondays)
The magical age old fairy tale and watch while Cinders overcomes her wicked stepmother and stepsisters and go on to win the heart of the handsome prince charming with lots of fun and laughter along the way in a fabulous panto from New Pantomime Productions Ltd!
The Albert Halls
Victoria Square
Bolton
BL1 1RU
Tel: 0843 2080500
www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk
Around The World In 80 Days
The Lowry
5 December – 7 January
The mysterious and fabulously wealthy Phileas Fogg wagers his life’s fortune that he can circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days. He and his loyal valet Passepartout have to make a voyage from the misty alleys of Victorian London to the exotic subcontinent and the Wild West in a race against the clock.
Theresa Haskins celebrated production embarks on six month UK tour including a Summer Season in London and a Christmas engagement at the Lowry.
A cast of eight play over 125 characters in this imaginative, high-spirited escapade including six trains, five boats, four fights, three dances, two circus acts and an elephant!
The Lowry
Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Tel: 0843 208 6000
www.thelowry.com/events/around-the-world-in-80-days
The Gruffalo
The Lowry
6 December – 7 January
Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and up and their grown-ups, in the much-loved show that’s toured Britain and the world!
The Lowry
Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Tel: 0843 208 6000
www.thelowry.com/events/the-gruffalo
Red Riding Hood and the Wolf
HOME
7 – 30 December
After last year success Little Angel Theatre came back to celebrate this festive season!
You may think you know the story of Red Riding Hood, sugar and spice and all things nice. But there are two sides to every story, so let’s hear it from the Wolf himself! Enjoy a whole new spin on this fairy tale and remember to never judge anyone by how they look!
Home
2 Tony Wilson Place Manchester M15 4FN
Tel: 0161 200 1500
www.homemcr.org
Sleeping Beauty
Buxton Opera House
9 – 31 December
Welcome to Buxtonia – a happy land full of lovable characters where the beautiful Princess Aurora is planning her 18th birthday party. But vengeful fairy Maleficent has her own plans for Aurora, namely to fulfil a curse made when the princess was just a baby.
Will Dame Nanny Nora, her daft sidekick Billy and handsome prince Christopher save the day, or will Aurora sleep for 100 years? There’s only one way to find out!
Join us at the glorious Buxton Opera House for another rip-roaring panto adventure. James Holmes (‘Clive’ from the hit comedy series Miranda) returns as Dame Nanny Nora, while Jessica Revell (‘Elektra’ from CBBC’s Tracy Beaker Returns and The Dumping Ground) is the lovely Princess Aurora.
Buxton Opera House
Water Street, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN
Tel: 0845 127 2190
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
Dick Whittington
Manchester Opera House
9 December – 7 January
This year the Manchester Opera House will journey to London this festive season in the magical pantomime adventure Dick Whittington. Produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, join our hero Dick Whittington (and his faithful feline pal) as he seeks fame, fortune and happiness to become Lord Mayor of London. Don’t miss the action-packed pantomime full of laughter, music and dance!
Opera House
3 Quay St, Manchester, Lancashire M3 3HP
Tel: 0844 871 3018
www.manchestertheatres.com/operahouse.htm
Jack and the Beanstalk
Wilmslow Guild
13 – 16 December
Classic Christmas pantomime by Norman Robbins
This much-loved panto needs no introduction! Will Jack sell Daisy the cow? Of course he will! Will Dame Trot throw the magic beans out of the window? Of course she will!! Will the evil and angry giant get his comeuppance? Well we can’t give away that much of the plot!
Tickets: Adults – £7.50 16 or under – £5
Wilmslow Guild, 1, Bourne Street, Wilmslow, SK9 5HD (just off A538 Altrincham Road)
Tel: 01625 520126
www.wgp.org.uk
How To Hide A Lion
Puppet State Theatre Company at Royal Exchange
13 – 31 December
Puppet Show
When a lion is chased out of town, a young girl helps him find somewhere to hide. It’s not easy – lions are too big, too fluffy and too heavy!
Join Iris on a mission to squeeze and squash her furry new friend into a variety of sneaky spots, as Helen Stephens’ magical book comes to life with playful humour, dazzling puppetry and original songs.
Suitable for ages 3 – 6
The Sudio
Royal Exchange Theatre
St Anns Square, Manchester M2 7DH
Tel: 0161 833 9833
www.royalexchange.co.uk/whats-on-and-tickets/how-to-hide-a-lion
Comedysportz Improvised Pantomime
Waterside Arts Centre
15 – 16 December
Fed up of the same old pantomimes every year? Then get ready for the brand new all ages, all improvised pantomime from the team behind ComedySportz
See all your favourite panto characters in a fabulous new pantomime made up before your eyes with a few favourite ComedySportz gags and games thrown in for good measure. Inspired by your suggestions, no two shows are the same with this alternative festive treat for the whole family to enjoy.
Waterside Arts Centre, Sale, M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
www.watersideartscentre.co.uk
Sleeping Beauty
The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse
15 December – 7 January
Long, long ago, in a far away land, lived a King and Queen. Many years they had longed for a child and finally their wish was granted. A daughter was born and was to be called Aurora. But the king so loved his lovely child, he called her – Beauty. A great holiday was proclaimed throughout the kingdom and everyone, including the Fairies came to pay homage. The Fairies bestowed the gifts of Goodness, Grace, Charity and Love on the child. The evil Fairy Carabosse, – who has not been invited – appears and puts a curse upon Beauty, that before her eighteenth birthday she shall prick her finger on a Spinning Wheel and die. Many sad and lonely years pass by until Carabosse does indeed trick Beauty into pricking her finger on a Spinning Wheel and she dies. The Good Fairy Rosebud is able to reverse the curse, and sends Beauty and the entire Court into a deep sleep. She can only be awakened by the tender kiss of the handsome Prince she had earlier met in the forest.
An enchanting and exciting traditional family pantomime for the whole family with a lot of singing , dancing, comedy, and music and highlighted by sparkling sets and costumes.
The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse
Barrington Road, Altrincham, WA14 1HZ
Tel: 0161 928 1677
www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/shows/sleeping-beauty-2
Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs
Forum Theatre
15 – 17, 21 – 22 December
School performances: 12 -14 , 19 December
JB Productions Return to The Forum Theatre this Christmas as the enchanting story of Snow White comes to life in December.
The Forum Theatre
The Precinct, Compstall Road, Romiley, Stockport, SK6 4EA
Tel: 0161-430-6570 (administration) or 0333 666 3366 (ticket line)
www.nktheatrearts.org.uk
Little Red and The Big Bad Wolf
Z-arts
15, 16 December
A Unity Theatre and Action Transport Theatre production in association with Z-arts and The Brewery, Kendal.
Exploring the thrill of the unknown versus the safety and familiarity of the path. Little Red and The Big Bad Wolf is the old fairytale as you’ve never seen it before..are the wolves really the villains in a world where the woodcutter is destroying the forest? And is Grandma the trophy hunter really not very well?
Bold and highly theatrical re-telling of the well-known classic tale packed with music, dance and song, a festive day out for the whole family!
Z-arts, 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester M15 5ZA, Greater Manchester
Tel: 0161 226 1912
www.z-arts.org
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Lyceum Theatre
16 December – 7 January
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, don’t miss the fairest pantomime of them all!
With comedy legends Cannon & Ball returning to lead the cast, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be spectacularly brought to life with an abundance of comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, fabulous costumes and special effects.
Lyceum Theatre,
Heath Street, Crewe, CW1 2DA
Tel: 01270 368 242
www.crewelyceum.co.uk/Online/crewe-pantomime
Santa’s Little Helper
The Met, Bury
19 – 24 December
Little Blue Monster Theatre Company Production
Puppet Show
It’s nearly Christmas, and as the snow falls softly outside, young Albert Tuttle hops into bed. But he’s far too excited to sleep. Santa will be here in just a few hours! As the clock strikes midnight, Albert is in for a very big surprise. For stuck up the chimney is a jolly old fellow with a fluffy white beard and big, round belly. It’s Santa – and he needs Albert’s help!
Packed with family-fun and christmas capers, Santa’s Little Helper features original music, hand-crafted puppetry and high-energy storytelling, with plenty of opportunities for children to join-in.
The Met, Market Street, Bury BL9 0BW
Greater Manchester, UK
Tel: 0161 761 7107
www.themet.biz/event/santa%27s+little+helper/2748/
Christmas Spectacular
Bridgewater Hall
20 December
A stunning combination of favourite music, breathtaking dance, thrilling lights and a sensational indoor firework finale.
The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3WS
Tel: 0161 907 9000
www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk
The Extraordinary Tale of Holly Christmas
The Lowry
20 – 31 December
Despite her name Holly has never had the Christmas she dreams of. A magic book, a Christmas wish and two Elfish-ly brilliant Christmas helpers launch Holly on an adventure she’ll never forget, creating everything she thinks Christmas should be and teaching Holly, and her Dad, what a perfect Christmas really looks like.
Colour The Clouds Theatre Company present the Extraordinary Tale of Holly Christmas, an original festive adventure jam packed with songs, music, puppetry and lots of Christmas magic. This show is suitable for the whole family, especially 3-8 year olds and their grown-ups!’
The Lowry
Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Tel: 0843 208 6000
www.thelowry.com/events/the-extraordinary-tale-of-holly-christmas
Aladdin
BEST WESTERN Cresta Court
21 December
Doors Open: 4.45am, Food Served: 5.00pm, Panto: 6pm – 8pm
It’s Behind You! ‘Aladdin’!
Bring the family along to see our adaptation of the classic Pantomime “Aladdin”.
Fun for all the family! Ticket price includes Hot Dogs or Pizza Slices and Fries.
BEST WESTERN Cresta Court Hotel,
Church Street, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 4D
Tel: 0161 927 7272
www.cresta-court.co.uk/images/Cresta-Court-Hotel-Manchester-Christmas-Brochure-2017.pdf
The Snowman
The Hallé
22 – 23 December
Bring all the family along to the Hallé’s screening of Raymond Briggs’ classic animated film, The Snowman. The film is accompanied by the Hallé performing Howard Blake’s magical score live including a chorister singing ‘Walking in the Air’. A Christmas treat not to be missed. The concert begins with Ian Stephens’ orchestral take on Michael Rosen’s children’s masterpiece We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. A beautiful concert .
The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley Street, Manchester
Tel: 0161 907 9000
www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk
Cinderella
Buxton Opera House
4 January
Russian State Ballet of Siberia
The world’s favourite rags to riches fairy-tale where dreams can come true is a magical mix of Prokofiev’s energetic score, lively choreography and colourful costumes. Whilst her mad/bad stepmother and her ill-mannered daughters prepare for the Royal Ball, graceful Cinderella can only dream of dancing with the dashing Prince. Later that evening, her rags become a glittering gown and she is swept magically to the Ball. From that very moment the Prince is smitten, midnight strikes and one lost crystal slipper later, he must now embark on a journey to find his lost love…
With superb soloists and corps de ballet, the Russian State Ballet of Siberia never fail to delight audiences with their breath-taking physical ability and dazzling costumes.
Buxton Opera House
Water Street, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN
Tel: 0845 127 2190
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
The Snow Maiden
Buxton Opera House
5 January
Russian State Ballet of Siberia
Protected from the outside world by Father Frost, the exquisite Snow Maiden plays innocently amongst the dancing snowflakes in the enchanted Land of Frost. Based on a traditional folk-tale, set in the snow covered landscape of rural Russia, this seasonal sparkler follows the Snow Maiden as she dances into the human world. Captivated by the colourful village and the people who live there, she ventures too far and is swept up by feelings of love, temptation and betrayal. When finally she surrenders herself completely and warms to love, her heart melts in a tragic embrace.
Buxton Opera House
Water Street, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN
Tel: 0845 127 2190
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
Mother Goose
The Lowry
5 – 7 January
Mother Goose is coming to The Lowry!
We all need a little magic and this delightful traditional pantomime has it all in a golden eggshell. There’s laughter, songs, dance and a fabulous cast to take you on an enchanting adventure into the kingdom of Gooseland.
Performed by the award winning Barton Theatre Company
The Lowry
Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
Tel: 0843 208 6000
www.thelowry.com/events/mother-goose
The Nutcracker
Buxton Opera House
6 January
Russian State Ballet of Siberia
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
buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/event/the-nutcracker
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Carver Theatre, Marple
12 – 20 January
Poor Snow White, treated cruelly by her wicked stepmother, she finds herself abandoned in the woods. How lucky that she meets an unusual bunch of little people who welcome her into their home. But will Snow White be safe and will she get to meet her handsome prince? You will have to come along to our annual family pantomime and find out!
Carver Theatre,
1 Chadwick Street, Marple, Cheshire, SK6 7AX
E.mail: boxoffice@carvertheatre.co.uk
carvertheatre.co.uk
Sale Nomads: Puss In Boots
Waterside Arts Centre
12 – 21 January
Puss in Boots follows the story of Fairy Moonbeam who has always protected her village from a local ogre but is losing her power for 24 hrs. She makes a magical creature, Puss in Boots, to help protect the village and to beat the ogre once and for all.
Waterside Arts Centre, Sale, M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
www.watersideartscentre.co.uk
Shrek the Musical
Palace Theatre Manchester
16 – 28 January
Based on the story and characters from the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks Animation film, this hilarious and spectacular production turns the world of fairy tales upside down in an all-singing, all-dancing, must-see musical comedy. Irresistible mix of adventure, laughter and romance, guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages!
Palace Theatre Manchester
97 Oxford St, Manchester M1 6FT
Tel : 0844 871 3019
www.manchestertheatres.com/palacetheatre.htm
The Prince & The Porpoise
The Didsbury Players
26 – 27 January
The evil business man, Donald Trout, wants to Make Pantoland Great Again! He’s going to tear down the woods where Jayne & Mal have their home with the help of the evil witch Mother May, their new stepmother. To aid him, Trout has developed a drug which will reveal a person’s inner porpoise, turning them into his Zombie Dolphin Army! Only the science of Prince Dashing (and a magical golden platypus) can save the day!
Peformance at East Didsbury Methodist Church,
Parrs Wood Road, Manchester, M20 5QQ
www.didsburyplayers.co.uk
