Christmas Theatre Listings 2025

Fancy something different to all the pantomimes playing this time of year? Michael McKeever’s hit off-Broadway play Daniel’s Husband makes its UK Premiere at the Marylebone Theatre in London for a limited season from 4 December 2025 to 10 January 2026, directed by Alan Souza.

An unflinching look at the nature of love. Daniel’s Husband asks us—among other things— to consider where our strongest convictions live: in our hearts or in our minds.

Daniel and Mitchell live a meticulously curated life; they have successful careers, a beautifully appointed home, devoted friends, and a profound love for one another.  But an unexpected crisis jeopardises their boundlessly bright future, shaking the foundation of their relationship and testing the strength of their devotion. Daniel’s Husband wrestles with the nature of commitment and the complexities of our intricately layered beliefs.

This festive season, you shall go to the ball, as the magic of Cinderella comes to Hackney Empire!

Cinderella dreams of a life full of love and adventure, and free from the clutches of her Ugly Sisters and Wicked Stepmother. When an invitation to the party of the year arrives, it might be just the ticket she needs. Throw in some glass slippers, a fairy godmother, and a little sparkle of magic, and you’ve got yourself a pantomime that’s guaranteed to be the perfect fit!

This classic rags-to-riches tale will come to life in Hackney, featuring all your favourite pantomime ingredients. From an unbelievable cast to extravagant costumes, from audience participation to sensational song and dance numbers, make sure you book your tickets before the clock strikes twelve!

Magic Mike Live celebrates its 7^th Birthday in London, having performed 2800 shows in the West End and wowed over 850,000 people in London and more than 2,000,000 worldwide. It is a large-scale, live production show based on the hit films Magic Mike and Magic Mike XXL, which opened at The Theatre at the Hippodrome Casino in London’s Leicester Square in November 2018.  

Magic Mike Live inspired a new television series on HBO Max, Finding Magic Mike, and the third instalment of the Magic Mike film franchise, Magic Mike’s Last Dance. Magic Mike Live has become an international sensation since opening in Las Vegas in April 2017. 

In addition to breaking box office records and performing to sold-out audiences in Las Vegas and London, the show has thrilled audiences around the world with engagements in Berlin, Australia, and Miami and Dallas in North America.

Buckle up for the ride of a lifetime. Darkly funny, wildly imaginative, and surprisingly heartfelt — Ride the Cyclone is the international musical phenomenon crashing into London. When a freak rollercoaster accident claims the lives of six teens, they find themselves trapped in limbo — and offered one last shot at life. One by one, they step into the spotlight to prove why they deserve a second chance at life.

Ride the Cyclone is a genre-defying journey through big dreams, dark secrets, and the search for what makes a life well-lived.
It’s not a game. It’s just a ride.

Maria, a free-spirited novice nun, is sent to look after the rowdy von Trapp children. Defying Captain von Trapp’s strict orders, Maria captures the children’s hearts with creativity and music, educating, inspiring, and bringing order to their lives. Soon, the entire family is under the spell of Maria’s unquenchable zest for life, and even the Captain’s steely heart begins to soften as they fall in love.

But when Captain von Trapp is commanded to report for duty in the German navy, their Austrian idyll is shattered, as they must flee the Nazis and embark on the most important and dangerous journey of their lives.

Marking the 60th anniversary of the film’s release, this heart-warming tale of family, romance and rebellion features a timeless score including Do-Re-Me, My Favourite Things, Climb Ev’ry Mountain and, of course, its soaring title number, The Sound of Music. Book now for this enchanting Christmas treat for the whole family at Curve, Leicester.

The beloved Lyric Hammersmith Theatre pantomime returns this festive season, with Jack and the Beanstalk running until Sunday 4 January 2026.

Jack and the Beanstalk continues the Lyric’s long history of bringing some of the finest and most entertaining pantomimes to West London and once again unites the critically acclaimed partnership of writer Sonia Jalaly and director Nicholai La Barrie, the team behind last year’s smash-hit Aladdin.

The full cast includes Jade Hackett as Fairy Godfather, Sam Harrison as Dame Trott, Joey James as Jack, Eastenders and West End star John Partridge as Fleshcreep and Sienna Widd as Jill.

The ensemble includes Gabriela Benedetti, Harriet Caplan-Dean, Robert Donnelly and Rachel Seirian.

When Princess Aurora pricks her finger on an enchanted spinning wheel, she is cursed to fall asleep for 100 years, unless she’s kissed by her one true love. Enter the dashing Prince (and his two rather calamitous sidekicks) who embark on a brave adventure to save the Princess from her terrible fate. But with the wicked Fairy Carabosse determined to ruin their plans, will our trusty trio be triumphant, or is the Princess doomed to a century of snoozing? You’ll have to come along to find out!

Sleeping Beauty will be full to the brim with all the wonderful elements that make a trip to the Belgrade such a well-loved Christmas tradition for thousands of families every year.

Snap up your seats today and join us for fairytale sets, outlandish costumes, a breathtaking dragon, a hilarious Dame and enough rip-roaring laughter to wake up even the heaviest of sleepers!

Lila dreams of becoming a Master Firework-Maker just like her father. However, to become one, she must go on an epic journey that will push her to her limits. Only then can she discover the closely guarded secret to becoming a true firework master.

But when her father’s life depends on her winning the firework competition and pulling off the best display the world has ever seen, can Lila’s skills save the day and light up the skies?

Join Lila on the quest of a lifetime as she faces friend and foe on her illuminating journey of self-discovery in this magical show based on the much-loved, award-winning book by Philip Pullman. Recommended for ages 6-12.

Directed by the wickedly witty Shane ShayShay Konno (Mulan Rouge, The Vaults; The Simple Life & Death, The Pleasance), Wicked Witches – A Popular Panto! is a riotous mash-up of pop parody, cabaret chaos and camp as high as Dorothy’s hemlines. It’s a show with a fabulously naughty wink (although not in the family version), serving up soaring vocals, sparkly spells and more sass than you can shake a wand at.

Plus, just when you thought the Pleasance’s gloriously camp Christmas extravaganza, Wicked Witches – A Popular Panto! couldn’t get any more magical, they clicked their ruby slippers and conjured up another showbiz legend. With Jeremy Corbyn MP already announced as the onscreen Wizard of Oz-lington, audiences might have believed the magic had peaked.  Could it get any better?  Oh yes, it could!  Now Sir Ian McKellen is officially joining the onscreen cast as Toto, a washed-up rock star dog with more bark than bite and a back catalogue of bone-shaking ballads.

Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit starring Will Ferrell, Elf features a book by Tony Award-winners Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, with songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin and musical supervision/additional arrangements and orchestrations by Alan Williams. Elf stars Joel Montague, Carrie Hope Fletcher and Aled Jones MBE as Buddy, Jovie and Walter Hobbs, respectively. 

Elf is the funny and charming tale of Buddy, who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag as a baby and was raised as an elf! Way too tall and not so great at his job, Buddy is the North Pole’s biggest misfit… and knows he’ll never belong. When Santa tells him the truth, Buddy heads to New York City to find his birth father (who turns out to be quite high on the naughty list). After causing some merry mayhem in Manhattan, Buddy finally discovers the gift of family and falls in love. And when Santa’s sleigh crashes in Central Park, it’s Buddy who finds a way to save Christmas forever!

If you want belly laughs and to be wooed by some cardboard cue cards, then this hilarious new musical parody is one to put down on your Christmas list! Following last year’s sold-out hit, Homo Alone, The Other Palace is thrilled to present Lovers Actually, written by Jodie Prenger (Coronation Street, I’d Do Anything) and Neil Hurst (Fat Friends The Musical, Casualty).

All I want for Christmas is… filthy fun, fabulous festivities, and enough naughty cheer to make Santa blush! This Christmas, we are serving up everything you could actually want – and then some, with this cheeky musical parody of Love Actually!

On a bitter Christmas Eve, the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge shuns festive cheer and human kindness, content in his cold, solitary world.

But when the ghost of his former partner warns of a dreadful fate, Scrooge is thrust into a journey through his past, present, and future. As the spirits reveal the consequences of his ways, he must decide whether to embrace change or be doomed to loneliness forever.

This production of the timeless festive tale is directed by Elin Schofield in a new adaptation by Aisha Khan, with its heart very much rooted in Sheffield, featuring the local tradition of the Sheffield Carols. Forged by the city’s communities, Sheffield has kept this choral tradition alive over decades of change, redemption, heart, and festive spirit, which will intertwine with Charles Dickens’ classic story in this brand-new production.

This magical adaptation of A Christmas Carol promises to be the perfect way to capture the true spirit of the season. From the moment you step into the Barn Theatre, you’ll be whisked away by the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his remarkable journey of redemption. 

With an enchanting original score and the magic of Christmas brought to life on stage, this production is sure to fill your heart with warmth, joy, and a renewed appreciation for the season’s true meaning. Together with your loved ones, experience the wonder of Scrooge’s transformation as he’s visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future—a tale that reminds us all of the power of kindness, love, and second chances. 

Christmas simply wouldn’t be Christmas without a little “Bah, humbug!”—and a visit to the Barn Theatre. Don’t miss this unforgettable holiday tradition that will leave you and your family brimming with happiness and festive cheer! 

This winter family favourite is the heartwarming tale of a boy and a snowman who comes to life. Back for its 28th year, The Snowman is a magical stage adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Raymond Briggs and the film directed by Dianne Jackson. The Snowman is an enchanting introduction to dance for the whole family.

The Snowman is directed by Bill Alexander and features music and lyrics by Howard Blake, including the song Walking in the Air; spectacular design by Ruari Murchison; magical lighting by Tim Mitchell; and amazing choreography by Robert North, all of which is accompanied by a live orchestra.

Starring Georgia May Foote (Coronation Street) as Cinderella, Joe Tracini (Hollyoaks) as Buttons and Danny Hatchard (EastEnders) as Prince Charming. This magical tale of love and hope tells the story of Cinderella, who dreams of a life beyond the confines of her home, where she cleans, cooks, and looks after her sisters. Like every good friend, her best friend, Buttons, keeps her spirits up as she finds out that her sisters are invited to the Prince’s Ball, but poor Cinders isn’t.

Will Cinderella ever meet Prince Charming? Will her Fairy Godmother make her dreams come true? Suitable for all ages

Starring twin doctors, Chris and Xand van Tulleken (CBBC’s BAFTA-winning Operation Ouch! and the podcast What’s Up Docs?)
Join the twins on an adventure to unearth the most dangerous, most powerful, most important fart in history—the Jurassic Fart! The show, live on stage, will be packed with new, crazy experiments that take you back to the age of the dinosaurs as the doctors explore the fascinating world of science like never before. Recommended age 5+

A Christmas Carol isn’t the only Charles Dickens delight running this Christmas. Be transported to 1830s London in Oliver!, Lionel Bart’s iconic musical that has been revised in an all-new production by Cameron Mackintosh with director and choreographer Matthew Bourne.

Oliver! is based on Charles Dickens’s 1838 novel, Oliver Twist. The musical tells the classic tale of a young orphan, Oliver Twist, who is seeking a home and family. Things aren’t easy on the streets of London, and soon enough, Oliver becomes part of a gang of child pickpockets. The musical examines the London underworld through a child’s perspective and explores themes of friendship, good vs. evil, poverty, and crime.

This exciting new revival boasts a stellar cast, including Simon Lipkin (Guys and Dolls, The Beaker Girls) as Fagin and Aaron Sidwell (EastEnders, Wicked) as Bill Sikes. Recommended age 7+.

Celebrate community and music this festive season with The Choir of Man.

The Olivier Award-nominated worldwide smash The Choir Of Man is back, celebrating its fourth sensational year in the West End and a new UK Tour. Welcome to the best pub in the world – brimming with hits from Queen, Sia, Adele, Paul Simon and more, performed live by nine extraordinary guys. An uplifting celebration of community and friendship, it’s 90 minutes of feel-good, foot-stomping entertainment. This is your last chance to see Choir of Man at the Arts Theatre before it heads off on its spring UK tour!  

Can Santa post himself in a parcel? Come in disguise as the Christmas turkey? Or step out of a festive movie on TV? The world premiere of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen’s hilariously funny picture book will be spreading some festive cheer! As the Unicorn’s first co-production with experimental theatre makers ‘Told by an Idiot’, this comic Christmas caper will present a thrilling fusion of physical comedy, live music and anarchic fun for audiences aged 2 to 102. 

Stumbling back to Leicester Square Theatre for a tipsy sixth year, Sh!t-faced Showtime® presents Dickens’s classic A Christmas Carol – with a boozy twist! Join a sozzled Scrooge, boozed-up Bob Cratchit, or tipsy Tiny Tim for a festive knees-up as one genuinely inebriated actor delivers a Christmas show like no other. Recommended age 16+.

Prepare for a wild ride on Jack’s beanstalk in this scandalous, adult-only pantomime with extra special guest stars! Previous guest stars have included Christina Bianco, Cassidy Janson, Vinegar Strokes, Trevor Ashley, Danielle Steers, John Owen-Jones, Amy Ross and Helen Woolf, and this year promises even more!

Heroes don’t always wear capes… but ours occasionally wears latex! Dashing milkman Jack finds himself thrust into the limelight when his mum’s dairy farm, Angel Delight on Udder Street – and Islington itself – is threatened by a greedy old giant! He may be young, dumb, and full of fee fi fo fum, but Jack is determined to do battle with the giant… Can he get it up for the job?

Join Jack on his moo-vellous journey, and see if he can rise to the occasion to rescue his bovine bestie Pat from the clutches of the giant!  

Heroes don’t always wear capes… but ours occasionally wears a cowpat! Young milkman Jack finds himself thrust into the limelight when his mum’s dairy farm, Angel Delight on Udder Street – and Islington itself – is threatened by a greedy old giant! Armed with only a can of squirty cream and a talent for puns, Jack is determined to do battle with the giant… But can he persuade the townsfolk of Islington – and his mum – that he’s up to the job? 

Join Jack on his moo-vellous journey up the beanstalk, as he battles to save the town and rescue his legendairy bovine bestie Pat from the clutches of the fearsome giant!  

This show ain’t semi-skimmed: it’s a full-fat riot of slapstick, show tunes, and spectacle!

Sleeping Beauty will make all your dreams come true at The London Palladium this Christmas, celebrating ten years since panto spectacularly returned to London’s home of variety.

Starring Catherine Tate, Palladium pantomime royalty Julian Clary and impressionist Jon Culshaw, Sleeping Beauty also sees the return of Palladium panto favourites Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Rob Madge, along with West End stars Emily Lane and Amonik Melaco.

The West End’s biggest Christmas Show, now seen by over 1,000,000 people, will celebrate its 10th anniversary in magnificent style, with that age-old fairytale message: whilst one small prick can be deadly, at The London Palladium you’re promised the happiest of endings.

The London Palladium panto is an essential part of the capital’s Christmas. Recommended age 4+

This Christmas at The Lowry, step through the wardrobe into the magic kingdom of Narnia, where a world of wonder awaits.

Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they meet new friends, face dangerous foes and learn the lessons of courage, sacrifice, and the power of love. Watch the nation’s favourite novel, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, come to life on stage in this spectacular production, which is guaranteed to delight all ages.

Take a magic carpet ride to Swansea Grand Theatre and join them for the spectacular pantomime adventure, Aladdin! Starring panto royalty: the hilarious Joe Pasquale and Swansea’s own Kev Johns, returning Welsh Musical Theatre star, Celyn Cartwright, plus a full cast of talented performers.

With a dazzling digital set using LED screens with animated scenes and mesmerising effects, plus all of the usual ingredients you would expect to see for a truly memorable pantomime – hilarious slapstick, plenty of audience interaction and marvellous musical numbers that you will be singing for days afterwards.

Renowned mischief-makers He’s Behind You! return for another adults-only festive frolic with a raucously romantic new panto Beauty and the Beast: A Horny Love Story. This fairytwist presents a queer-infused narrative, outrageous humour and original music as they turn this tale as old as time into a fresh, riotous evening out for the adults. Set in the Scottish village of Lickmanochers, He’s Behind You! offers an enemies-to-lovers romcom and unmissable Christmas panto.

Audiences will join Robin Hood and Maid Marian in Newburyshire as they face the evil Sheriff, who has been in power for 14 years, persecuting the poor, rewarding the rich and eating the local swans. With toe-tapping tunes, daring dance moves and shimmering outfits, the duo come together to try and outwit the Sheriff. The show has been created by Plested Brown and Wilsher, which is made up of Amanda Wilsher, Clare Plested, and Adam Brown (The Hobbit, Pirates of the Caribbean) 

Following an acclaimed run at Newcastle’s Alphabetti Theatre in 2024, Little Miss Christmas (LMX) is jingling all the way to Southwark Playhouse Borough this December. Created by rising cabaret star Patti Boo Rae, featuring a different guest performer each night from across London’s drag, cabaret, panto, and comedy scenes. Patti’s pulling out all the stops to defend her title – we’re talking live vocals, lip syncs, sing-alongs, quick changes, synchronised swimming! Behind the glitter and humour is a show with real warmth and a sharp eye on identity, performativity, and the festive season’s pressure to present perfection.

Filled to the brim with belly laughs and joyous festive cheer, audiences of all ages will be whisked away on a magical, laughter-filled adventure in this dazzling pantomime. Written by the team behind UK Pantomime Awards 2025 award-winning Dick Wittington and His Cat – winner of Best Script and Best Pantomime, and starring Off West End award-winner Anthony Spargo, it is sure to be a swashbuckling time!