Christmas Pantos 2026 in London

Date post added: 16th September 2026

A very British tradition, pantomime’s a huge part of our festive entertainment. Across the country, families and friends gather together to laugh, scream and sing along to festive pantomimes. It’s one of the many essential Christmas activities each year.

Men dress as women. Women dress as boys. There are slapstick jokes aplenty and the good guys always beat the baddies. The theatrical production is usually based on an age-old fairy tale with a few topical jokes and modern songs shoehorned in.

If you’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing a Christmas pantomime, you’re missing a treat. Expect live musical numbers, incredible costumes, sparkling sets and stunning special effects. It’s the perfect way to spend family time together over the festive season.

What is the history behind Christmas pantomimes?

Like many British traditions, pantomime’s roots actually lie overseas. In Italy, to be precise. Pantomime’s origins lie in 16th-century Italian entertainment, ‘Commedia dell’Arte’. Nimble Harlequins, Columbines and mischievous Clowns danced, tumbled and enthralled audiences across Europe.

It wasn’t until the 18th century that these characters began appearing on the London stage in silent, music-accompanied pantomimes. John Rich’s Covent Garden theatre shows popularised the Harlequin chase and slapstick tricks (“slapstick” actually comes from his scenery-changing device).

As the 19th century rolled in, speech was permitted in theatre. It was then that fairy-tale plots, humorous wordplay, audience interaction and familiar roles like the Dame and Principal Boy became standard. But it was the Victorians who made pantomimes large-scale seasonal extravaganzas. The shows often opened on Boxing Day and were packed with glittering scenery, celebrity turns and a good dash of silly satire.

The Christmas panto sayings you need to know

If you’re not familiar with panto, you won’t know the cues for audience participation. Yes, you need to get involved too. As an audience member, you’re expected to talk back to the characters at key moments. You’re meant to sing along. You may even get dragged up on stage.

These are the phrases you’ll need to know.

They say, “Have you seen [character name]?” You say, “She/ he’s behind you!”

They say, “Oh no it isn’t.” You reply, “Oh yes it is!”

You say, “Booooo” “Hisssss” (every single time the villain appears).

What are the most popular Christmas pantomime characters?

Despite this being a traditional festive fun activity, Father Christmas and Jesus rarely get a look in. Classic Christmas pantomime characters are the likes of Jack and the beanstalk, Cinderella, Dick Whittington and Robin Hood. Then of course there are the sidekicks like Buttons, Widow Twanky and a feckless sibling. Panto wouldn’t be panto without a villain too – ‘boooo’, ‘hissss’. From the Wicked Queen to King Rat, our hero always vanquishes their enemy. And then there’s the goody like the Fairy Godmother, Prince Charming or Tinkerbell.

What are some traditional Christmas pantomimes in the UK?

Classic fairy tales get a sprinkling of Christmas sparkle to become pantomimes. Traditional tales include Cinderella, Dick Whittington, Jack and the Beanstalk and Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Possibly the oldest story to be turned into a pantomime is Mother Goose. That’s said to hark back to an ancient Greek legend about a goose that laid golden eggs. It was first performed as a pantomime in Britain in 1806.

Your kids may be familiar with many of the favourite pantomime stories and characters from classic Disney films like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and Peter Pan.

10 of the top-rated Christmas pantomimes in London 2026

1. Cinderella – The London Palladium

The London Palladium pantomime is the stuff of legends. It’s always a big box office sensation, with stunning sets, dazzling special effects and creative costumes. But it’s the silliness that’s the real thrill of this show. The London Palladium delivers naughty panto at its best.

And this year’s show will have silliness by the bucketload. Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders play the Ugly Sisters, promising chaos and comedy gold. Julian Clary takes the role of Fairy Godfather and Nigel Havers is King Charmer.

Cinderella runs from 5th December to 10th January 2027.

2. Cinderella – Lyric Hammersmith

You’ll find another version of Cinderella over in Hammersmith. This time the rags-to-riches tale has been reimagined. Will Cinderella escape before the clock strikes midnight? Spoiler alert: oh yes she will.

It’s a wonderful, family show and audience participation is very much encouraged.

Cinderella runs from 19th November to 3rd January 2027.

3. Peter Pan – New Wimbledon Theatre

If you like your pantomime with a dose of swashbuckling pirates, beautiful mermaids and snapping crocodiles, Peter Pan is the show for you. EastEnders’ legend Jessie Wallace swaps her colourful Kat Slater persona for Captain Hook. She’s joined by JLS dancer and singer, Aston Merrygold who plays Peter Pan.

Despite its title of ‘New Wimbledon Theatre’, this breathtaking Grade II listed venue dates back to 1910. And within these dramatic and highly decorated four walls, you can expect an epic pantomime.

Peter Pan runs from 5th December to 3rd January 2027 with a relaxed performance on 30th December.

4. Jack and the Beanstalk – Richmond Theatre

It’s an age-old tale. A young lad gets scammed into trading in the family cow for some magic beans. And those beans land Jack with more than he bargained for. Namely an intimidating giant and a golden-egg laying goose!

Enjoy the laughs, lavish costumes and brilliant sets at this Richmond Theatre production.

Jack and the Beanstalk runs from 5th December to 3rd January 2027

You can also catch Jack and the Beanstalk at the Hackney Empire and the Greenwich Theatre.

5. Dick Whittington – King’s Head Theatre, Islington

This festive season, the streets of Islington are paved with gold. Dick Whittington and his cat travel to London and come face-to-face with King Rat. Can Dick rid London of the rats? (Good luck with that, Dick!) And do you think he may find love along the way?

It’s another classic panto rags-to-riches tale. And this North London theatre’s well worth a visit.

Dick Whittington and his Cat runs from 22nd November to 3rd January 2027.

6. Pinocchio at Shakespeare’s Globe

Pinocchio isn’t a traditional panto choice. And Shakespeare’s Globe isn’t a conventional setting for panto either. So if you fancy a slightly less predictable Christmas show, this could be one for you.

As you’d expect, there’s a little wooden puppet who comes to life and makes toymaker Geppetto’s dreams come true. This charming musical adaptation of the beloved children’s story will make you laugh and may just melt your heart too.

Pinocchio runs from 28th November to 3rd January 2027.

7. Sleeping Beauty, Churchill Theatre, Bromley

There’ll be no snoozing in this sparking production of Sleeping Beauty. Filled with high-energy musical numbers, dazzling costumes and comedy capers, it’s one for the whole family.

Radio and TV favourite, Vernon Kay plays Billy (rather than Sleeping Beauty). He’ll bring the mischief and mayhem!

Sleeping Beauty runs from 5th December until 3rd January 2027.

8. Robin Hood and the Merry Mandem – Theatre Royal Stratford East

Robin Hood’s ditched Sherwood Forest for Stratford East. Robin and his crew are taking from the rich and helping the poor people of Stratford.

Expect an East End spectacle to remember, complete with vibrant sets and costumes, and rib-tickling comedy.

Look out for special performances:

BSL interpreted: Fri 11th Dec – 6.30pm.
Captioned: Fri 18th Dec 2026 – 6:30pm.
Audio described: Sat 19th Dec 2026 – 12pm.
Relaxed performance: Sat 2nd Jan 2027.

Robin Hood and the Merry Mandem runs from 21st November to 2nd January 2027.

9. Cinderella: Buttons Undone – Charing Cross Theatre

This one’s not for everyone, but it is hilarious. Brought to you by award-winning adult panto queens, you can expect plenty of smut and silliness! Cinders and her gay bestie, Buttons have to deal with the most obnoxious Ugly Sisters you’ve ever seen.

It’s Cinderella, gay fairytale pantomime style.

Cinderella: Buttons Undone runs from 21st November to 9th January 2027.

10. Scrooge – London Excel

Traditional Victorian pantomime meets circus spectacular. This incredible new production brings a real wow factor to the classic Charles Dickens tale.

You’ll be transported from the snowy streets of Dickensian London to the fabulous Fezziwig’s Circus. Prepare to be amazed, bedazzled and amused. It’s not like a regular panto. It’s a whole new Christmas extravaganza.

Scrooge: Cirque Extravaganza runs from 23rd-28th December 2026.

Follow in Scrooge’s footsteps on our Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol and Seasonal Traditions walk. Discover the delights and delicacies of a London Victorian Christmas with A Christmas Carol as your route map and inspiration.

Other Christmas shows

It’s not all about pantos – “Oh yes it is!” “Oh no it isn’t!” Theatre-goers can get in the Christmas spirit at one of the many festive shows on in town, including:

• The Nutcracker – the festive ballet is at London Coliseum
• The Wind in the Willows – the river bank gets festive at the Rose Theatre, Kingston
• A Christmas Carol – Jack Thorne’s version of the Charles Dickens’ story plays at The Old Vic
• Father Christmas – the Raymond Briggs’ classic comes to Lyric Hammersmith Studio
• The Snowman – go walking in the air at the Peacock Theatre
• Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas – detective drama at Alexandra Palace Theatre
• A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong – the hit West End play turns festive at the Wyndham’s Theatre
• Stick Man – the delightful Julia Donaldson tale comes to Bloomsbury Theatre.

How can I buy tickets for a Christmas panto?

There are plenty of scammers around. Always use reputable websites and vendors. Go directly to the theatre box office or check operators like London Theatre Direct or Official London Theatre.

A perfect Christmas activity

Panto’s such a wonderful Christmas tradition in Britain. We love it! But there’s plenty more to love about London at Christmas time. Try other festive fun activities around the city. And join our Christmas walks around London – ideal for foodies, crime-thriller seekers, pub-goers and literary fans alike.

We even host walks on Christmas Day and Boxing Day!