Best pantomimes to see across the UK for Christmas 2025

Doctor Who stars, famous puppets and soap opera faithfuls, pantomime season is officially back.

While Christmas in the UK can be a time for poignant carols or a classy glass of mulled wine, our real life-blood lies in insane comedy, toilet humour and Julian Clary stepping out in a loud feathered costume.

The tradition dates back to the 16th century, to a form of Italian outdoor theatre called ‘Commedia dell ‘Arte,’ which then arrived on British shores a century later.

Now, it's an essential part of Christmas culture, known for classic tropes like the Dames, the sidekick and of course, plenty of audience interaction (oh no it isn't!). It's also a huge boost for local theatres, with almost all town venues hosting a show of their own.

So with that in mind, we've listed our favourite UK pantomimes taking place this year, from the grandest heights of the London Palladium where Catherine Tate returns, to the smaller stages of Woking or Aylesbury.

Shop pantomime tickets at ATG Tickets

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Best pantomimes to see in the UK at a glance:

• Robin Hood at New Wimbledon Theatre, from £15
• Jack and the Beanstalk at Aylesbury Waterside, from £15
• The Little Mermaid at King's Theatre Glasgow, from £15
• Goldilocks and the Three Bears at Milton Keynes Theatre, from £15
• Robin Hood at Opera House Manchester, from £15
• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at New Victoria Theatre, from £15
• Jack and the Beanstalk at Bristol Hippodrome, from £15
• Cinderella at Richmond Theatre, from £15
• Sleeping Beauty at Sunderland Empire, from £15
• Cinderella at Grand Opera House York, from £16
• Aladdin at Granville Theatre in Ramsgate, from £26.95
• Sleeping Beauty at the London Palladium, from £37.50

Best pantomimes to see in the UK for Christmas 2025

Sleeping Beauty at the London Palladium

• When is it: 6th Dec 2025 – 11th Jan 2026

This year's London Palladium pantomime is decided: Sleeping Beauty will arrive at the West End starring Catherine Tate, Julian Clary, Nigel Havers and more. Marking 10 years since pantomime returned to the Palladium, this show is sure to be the biggest and best yet. For more ticket info, here's how to get London Palladium panto tickets.

Buy Sleeping Beauty tickets from £37.50 at LW Theatres

Robin Hood at New Wimbledon Theatre

• When is it: 6th Dec 2025 – 4th Jan 2026

This Christmas, the New Wimbledon Theatre Palladium will be hosting a brand-new production of Robin Hood, with Ashley Banjo as the Earl of Loxley himself, alongside the entire cast of Diversity as the trusty Merry Men. Prepare for laughs, glamour and plenty of dancing.

Buy Robin Hood tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets

Sleeping Beauty at Sunderland Empire

• When is it: 12th Dec 2025 – 4th Jan 2026

Call the Midwife star Laura Main is taking centre stage in Sunderland to appear in Sleeping Beauty. The BBC actress will be sprinkling fairy dust over the production with the help of Channel 5 Milkshake! presenter, David Ribi, who will be the dashing Prince Vincent.

Buy Sleeping Beauty tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets

Aladdin at Granville Theatre in Ramsgate

• When is it: 13th Dec – 24th Dec 2025

It's a tale we all know but one we'll never get bored of! Follow Aladdin as he discovers a mysterious lamp, goes head-to-head with Abanazar, and flies his enchanted carpet with Princess Jasmine. In typical pantomime style, Aladdin has plenty of laughs, dazzling costumes and musical numbers.

Buy Aladdin tickets from £26.95 at ATG Tickets

Jack and the Beanstalk at Aylesbury Waterside

• When is it: 5th Dec 2025 – 4th Jan 2026

This classic story sees panto veteran Andy Collins return to the stage as Silly Simon alongside a cast of scary giants, a golden goose, and a hero who causes absolute mayhem.

Buy Jack and the Beanstalk tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets

Cinderella at Richmond Theatre

• When is it: 6th Dec 2025 – 4th Jan 2026

Another treat for Call the Midwife fans! Helen George, AKA Trixie, is the Fairy Godmother in Richmond's production of Cinderella, she'll be joined by Charlie Stemp as Buttons and only Basil Brush.

Buy Cinderella tickets at ATG Tickets

The Little Mermaid at King's Theatre Glasgow

• When is it: 22nd Nov 2025 – 4th Jan 2026

Join Glasgow pantomime star Elaine C Smith and Johnny Mac as they dive to the depths of the ocean for a splash-tastic adventure. Get ready for beautiful songs, an evil sea-witch and plenty of fish puns!

Buy The Little Mermaid tickets for £15 at ATG Tickets

Goldilocks and the Three Bears at Milton Keynes Theatre

• When is it: 6th Dec 2025 – 11th Jan 2026

Goldilocks and the Three Bears is coming to Milton Keynes this Christmas. The Milton Keynes theatre is one of our favourite venues, and it'll be a great place to see the panto, whether you're based in the city or are travelling from further afield. Plus, this year's event has TV and musical theatre star Brian Conley returning to the stage.

Buy Goldilocks and the Three Bears tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

• When is it: 5th Dec 2025 – 4th Jan 2026

This year, New Victoria Theatre in Woking will be showing the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs with Lesley Joseph and Rob Rinder. Expect the story of Snow White we all know and love, with plenty of comedy, song and dance numbers, and fabulous costumes, too.

Buy Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets

Cinderella at Grand Opera House York

• When is it: 6th Dec 2025 – 4th Jan 2026

Cinderella is an absolute classic for a pantomime and this is sure to be a great one. A wicked stepmother, a fairy godmother, prince charming and a glass slipper – what's not to love?

Buy Cinderella tickets from £16 at ATG Tickets

Jack and the Beanstalk at Bristol Hippodrome

• When is it: 6th Dec 2025 – 4th Jan 2026

Join Jack and his cast of silliest friends for an unforgettable adventure at the Bristol Hippodrome. Together, you and the heroes will journey up into the clouds, into a realm where an evil giant lurks. Expect live music, vibrant costumes, stunning sets and breath-taking special effects.

Buy Jack and the Beanstalk tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets

Robin Hood at Opera House Manchester

• When is it: 6th Dec 2025 – 4th Jan 2026

Jason Manford is lacing up his boots once again for a panto performance, starring as Robin Hood with Ben Nickless as Little John. It's sure to be a merry evening.

Buy Robin Hood tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets

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