We lift the curtain on the festive season’s theatre productions across the region.
November 18th - December 31st
CINDERELLA
Will Cinderella make it to the ball or will the dastardly Ugly Sisters get their way and will Prince Charming discover whose foot fits the glass slipper?
Victoria Hall, Bolton
Victoriahallbolton.co.uk
November 24th - January 13th
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS
Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad set out on a charming and chaotic adventure in this tale of friendship, courage and consequences, helped along by live music.
Shakespeare North Playhouse, St Helens
shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk
November 11th - February 25th
HAMILTON
The Palace’s big winter show is Lin-Manuel Miranda’s multi-award-winning musical, touring the UK for the very first time. Playing for a 15-week season, it is the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and helped shape the very foundations of the America we know today. The score blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway – the story of America then, as told by America now. Don’t miss this winner of 11 Tony Awards, seven Olivier Awards, the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album.
Palace Theatre, Manchester, atgtickets.com
READ MORE: Theatre review: Hamilton, The Palace Theatre Manchester
November 24th -December 31st
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
A heart-warming and uplifting musical adaptation of the Dickens classic with toe-tapping music, festive fun and a touch of Christmas magic.
The Dukes Theatre, Lancaster
dukeslancaster.org
November 25th -December 31st
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
A beauty of a pantomime with stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and hilarious comedy as Gaston attempts to win the hand of his true love.
Empire Theatre, Blackburn
blackburnempire.com
November 25th - December 24th
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Another chance to find out if Belle will fall for the Beast and if everyone live happily ever after. Charlotte Dawson and weather presenter Emma Jesson star.
The Globe Theatre, Blackpool Pleasure Beach
blackpoolpleasurebeach.com
December 1st - 31st
CINDERELLA
A sparkling performance of the ever-popular – and always magical – story, presented by Polka Dot Pantomimes.
Albert Halls, Bolton
alberthalls-bolton.co.uk
December 1st - January 1st
ALADDIN
Lancashire comedy royalty and panto legend Steve Royle is Wishee Washee, with West End star and TV soap sensation Tom Lister as Abanazar.
Grand Theatre, Blackpool
blackpoolgrand.co.uk
December 2nd - 30th
SLEEPING BEAUTY
The most vile and wicked fairy in the land has placed Princess Rose under a terrible curse – can you play your part in helping to free her and ensure everyone lives happily ever after? The Grand Theatre, Lancaster
lancastergrand.co.uk
December 2nd - January 14th
ALADDIN
It’s consistently one of the most popular pantos and this is a particularly busy time for Aladdin and his family, with six productions taking place around the county.
St Helens Theatre Royal
sthelenstheatreroyal.com
December 2nd - 31st
ALADDIN
Find out whether good can triumph over evil, if Aladdin can win the hand of Princess Jasmine and just how silly Wishee Washee can be.
Salford Arts Theatre
salfordartstheatre.com
December 7th - January 7th
WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT
Based on the much-loved picture book by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, this mischievous celebration of play is the perfect treat for families with children aged three and up.
The Lowry, Salford
thelowry.com
December 7th -31st
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Packed with toe tapping songs, dazzling costumes and stunning sets, this larger than life pantomime stars Brookside actor dean Sullivan and Southport’s Lucy Brindle. The Atkinson, Southport
theatkinson.co.uk
December 7th -31st
ALADDIN
Evil Abanazar is plotting to become Master of the World and only Aladdin, his brother Wishee Washee and mum Widow Twankey can save the day – with your help, of course.
Darwen Library Theatre
wdvenues.com
December 8th -10th
SANTA ROCKS - A MAGICAL FAMILY SANTAMIME
Santa's plans for the annual Snow Ball are going well until the wicked Jack Frost zaps the North Pole of all its festive cheer. Can Santa keep everything under control?
Blackburn Empire Theatre
blackburnempire.com
December 8th -26th
ALADDIN
The timeless tale of love, evil and a magic lamp sees Aladdin locked in battle with the evil power-crazed Abanazar who is determined to spoil our hero’s wedding plans.
The Met, Bury
themet.org.uk
December 9th -26th
ALICE - THE RETURN TO WONDERLAND ON ICE
Based on the much-loved classic book by Lewis Caroll, this joyful performance features talented young skaters, stunning choreography and dazzling costumes.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Arena, Blackpool
lackpoolpleasurebeach.com
December 9th - January 2nd
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
With nothing but a handful of magic beans, Jack must find the courage to slay the evil giant in his quest to win the hand of the beautiful princess and to free his village from tyranny.
Lowther Pavilion Theatre, Lytham
lowtherpavilion.co.uk
December 9th - 31st
CINDERELLA
The traditional rags to riches tale has been given a 21st century girl power revamp as Cinders fights for freedom from her cruel stepsisters.
Contact Theatre, Manchester
contactmcr.com
December 9th - 31st
RUMPELSTILTSKIN
The Grimm tale of a girl’s dark bargain with a magical figure who can spin straw into gold has been given a funny make-over by the Big Tiny production Company.
Millgate Arts Centre, Delph, Saddleworth
millgateartscentre.co.uk
December 9th - 31st
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Jason Manford and Ben Nickless take centre stage in this production which features music, special effects, magic beans, and plenty of laughs and audience participation.
Opera House, Manchester
atgtickets.com
December 9th - 31st
ALADDIN
Take a magic carpet ride to Old Peking to meet Aladdin, Wishee Washee and Widow Twankey as they fight to thwart Abanazar’s evil plan for world domination.
King George's Hall, Blackburn
Bwdvenues.com
December 12th - 30th
SHREK - THE MUSICAL
Join Shrek and his trusty sidekick Donkey on a laughter-filled adventure as they attempt to defeat the fearsome dragon and rescue Princess Fiona.
Winter Gardens, Blackpool
intergardensblackpool.co.uk
December 12th - 30th
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
With glittering sets, sparkling costumes, dazzling dance routines and lots of laughs for all the family, this magical perfomance promises fe-fi-fo-fun.
The Forum, Barrow-in-Furness
heforumbarrow.co.uk
December 13th - 23rd
ALFIE THE ELF'S CHRISTMAS RESCUE
Alfie has been stranded in Bolton with no way of getting home to the North Pole, but he uses his time here to reveal how Christmas really works in Santa's workshop.
Octagon Theatre Bolton
ctagonbolton.co.uk
December 13th - January 7th
THE WIZARD OF OZ
Join Dorothy, Toto, and friends on an unforgettable adventure down the yellow brick road, and sing along to the iconic original score from the Oscar-winning film.
Liverpool Empire
atgtickets.com
December 14th - 24th
THE GINGERBREAD MAN
A mix of puppetry, live action, great music, humour and stunning staging in an exciting retelling of the well-loved classic tale.
Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal
breweryarts.co.uk
December 15th -23rd
TREASURE ISLAND - THE PANTO
Very loosely based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel this show brings you all the traditional elements of panto, with a nautical (but nice!) twist.
Chorley Theatre
chorleytheatre.com
December 16th - 30th
SLEEPING BEAUTY
Katie Price stars as Carabosse with Britain’s Got Talent Finalist Lucy Kay as the fairy in this production which also features live music and spectacular special effects.
M&S Bank Arena, Kings Dock, Liverpool
mandsbankarena.com
December 21st - 31st
LITTLE BEAR AND THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Filled with sensory wonders, puppetry and music this is an ideal introduction to the magic of theatre for younger children.
The Lowry, Salford
Thelowry.com
December 23rd - 24th
ELF: THE MUSICAL ARENA SPECTACULAR
Based on arguably the greatest Christmas movie, this show features film backdrops on a huge led screen and a mobile stage that travels the auditorium.
Manchester Arena
ao-arena.com
