London's best pantomimes

 
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 26: Gareth Gates, Claire Sweeney, Anita Dobson, Dina Payne, Cliff Parisi, Tim Vine, Tina O'Brien, Don Gilet, Louie Spence, David Hasselhoff, Dirk Benedict, Andy Collins, Barbera Windsor, Joanna Page and Melinda Messenger attend the First Family Entertainment Pantomime photocall at the Piccadilly Theatre on November 26, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Gareth Gates;Claire Sweeney;Anita Dobson;Dina Payne;Cliff Parisi;Tim Vine;Tina O'Brien;Don Gilet;Louie Spence;David Hasselhoff;Dirk Benedict;Andy Collins;Barbera Windsor;Joanna Page;Melinda Messenger
Getty
22 November 2012

From capital's biggest panto (Lily Savage at the O2) to local theatres and annual stalwarts, here's our round-up of where to get your festive fix in London this year...

North

Mother Goose, Millfield Arts Centre

This classic festive adventure sees Mother Goose, her family, and of course Priscilla, the goose that lays the golden eggs, go on a flight of fantasy that we’re sure will end in smiles all round. Great local theatre, classic family-friendly panto.

November 29 – January 5. Edmonton, N18 1PJ (millfieldartscentre.co.uk)

Beauty and the Beast, Shaw Theatre

Television presenter and former Big Brother contestant Alison Hammond spreads some fairy dust this Christmas as she’s shoehorned into this festive production alongside Egghead quiz supremo CJ de Mooi as resident baddie. Bizarre, yes, tedious, quite possibly.

December 6 – 30. Euston Road, NW1 2AJ (shaw-theatre.com)

The Three Musketeers, The Rosemary Branch Theatre

Dive into a bit of romantic historical fiction and join the Charles Court Opera for their sixth annual “boutique pantomime” – no, we haven’t got a clue either but it looks set to be packed full of top notch music, jokes and utter silliness.

December 7 – January 9. Islington, N1 3DT (rosemarybranch.co.uk)

South

Aladdin: A Wish Come True, O2 Arena

If the idea of arena-based panto doesn’t excite you, surely Lily Savage cast as Widow Twankey will. No? OK, well at this “classy panto” is worth a shot simply to see how they manage to pull off a purpose-built 1,900 capacity theatre inside the UK’s most famous dome. Expect high production values, big musical numbers and a few risqué gags.

December 7 – January 5. Greenwich, SE10 0DX (theO2.co.uk)

Peter Pan, Churchill Theatre

OK, we’re pushing it a little with this one, but Bromley’s only a 20 minute train ride from Victoria. With one for the dads, Jennifer Ellison, mum’s favourite, Eastenders star Ace Bhatti, and CBBC’s Gemma Hunt, this production of Peter Pan really has something for everyone.

November 30 – January 6. Bromley, BR1 1HA (atgtickets.com)

Cinderella, Broadway Theatre

Another moderately starry seasonal panto which sees Floella Benjamin as Fairy Godmother, A Touch of Frost’s John Lyons as Baron Harup, and Byker Grove’s Andrew Hayden Smith take the role of Buttons.

December 15 – January 6. Catford, SE6 4RU (broadwaytheatre.org.uk)

East

Dick Whittington and His Cat, Hackney Empire

The annual show from Susie McKenna retains its reputation as London’s leading pantomime. Olivier Award-winning Joanna Riding takes the title role in the show which two years ago led the Evening Standard to ask, “Is Hackney Empire's panto the best in town?”. Oh yes it is…

December 1 – January 6.

Hackney, E8 1EJ (hackneyempire.co.uk)

Jack & the Beanstalk, Theatre Royal Stratford East

This beautifully festive and traditional theatre packs big laughs and wonderfully-produced sing-along tunes in with whacky plots and real value for money. Book it.

December 1 – January 19. Stratford, E15 1 BN (stratfordeast.com)

West

Aladdin, Richmond Theatre

Back by popular demand, Tim Vine leads a glittering cast at this quaint little Victorian theatre which includes pop-star-cum-Dancing-On-Ice-contestant-cum-West-End-favourite, Suzanne Shaw. Plenty of audience participation in this one, as well as a ‘relaxed’ staging for those with autistic spectrum disorders which includes slightly altered lighting and sound cues, and a special ‘chill-out room’.

December 8 –January 13. Richmond, TW9 1QJ (atgtickets.com)

Cinderella, Lyric Hammersmith

Lyric boss Sean Holmes hopes to take on the likes of Hackney and Stratford for the crown of best London pantomime. TV’s Mel Giedroyc (of Mel and Sue fame) takes the lead role.

November 14 – January 5. Hammersmith, W6 0QL (lyric.co.uk)

Central

Room on the Broom, The Lyric Theatre

Adapted for stage from the best-selling children’s book by Laureate Julia Donaldson, this is an alternative pantomime set at the famous Theatreland venue. Something different, but a safe bet nonetheless.

November 21 – January 13. Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7ES (nimaxtheatres.com)

Little Charley Bear and His Christmas Adventure, Ambassadors Theatre

CBBC’s Little Charley Bear will appear on stage for the first time at the West End’s Ambassador’s Theatre. Embarking on a “magical adventure”, and aimed at pre-schoolers, don’t expect fireworks from Little Charley Bear this Christmas. Probably not one to keep the whole family entertained.

December 5 – 24. West Street, WC2H 9NF (theambassadorstheatre.co.uk)

Peppa Pig’s Treasure Hunt, Criterion Theatre

Puppets, sing-alongs and silliness this year from the Criterion Theatre, as the hit kiddies cartoon takes to the stage for a treasure hunt. Either book quick to delight your little ones, or hide the flyer and deny all knowledge as every three/four year old in town is going to want in on this one.

December 6 – January 6. Piccadilly Circus, W1V 9LB (criterion-theatre.co.uk)

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