The Best Pantomimes To Watch This Christmas

published 8 November 2016

Aladdin at Manchester Opera House

Benidorm star Sherrie Hewson is the Genie of the Ring opposite Cold Feet's John Thomson as the evil Abanazar in this sparkling production of the classic tale. Plus, Ben Adams, lead singer of the boy band A1, step into the shoes of the hero himself, Aladdin. Expect plenty of laughs and bags of fun from this all-singing, all-dancing show. See atgtickets.com.

Aladdin runs from 9 December until 8 January 2017.

Peter Pan at Churchill Theatre, Bromley

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood plays the venomous pirate Captain Hook in this classic tale of magic and lost children. The evil pirate lives to kill Peter Pan, and with the help of his faithful sidekick Smee, played by impressionist Paul Burling (you might remember him from Britain's Got Talent), he won't give up without a fight! This dazzling production won't disappoint. See churchilltheatre.co.uk.

Peter Pan runs from 9 December until 7 January 2017.

Robin Hood at Mayflower Theatre,Southampton

EastEnders favourites Shane Richie and Jessie Wallace play Robin Hood and the beautiful Maid Marion in their first ever pantomime together. It's guaranteed to be an arrow-shooting, tights-wearing extravaganza as Robin Hood tries to win the hand of Maid Marion and he and his faithful Merry Men attempt to outwit the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. See mayflower.org.uk.

Robin Hood runs from 17 December until 8 January 2017.

Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Piratesat Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-Sea

Brain Conley leads the cast of this timeless classic, with TV presenter and style Guru taking to the stage as the Spirit of the Ocean, offering assistance (and style tips!) to Robinson as he tries to overcome the evil Pirate Blackheart. With spectacular costumes, plenty of pirates and of course, a healthy dose of panto magic, it's one the whole family will enjoy. See southendtheatres.org.uk.

Peter Pan runs from 10 December until 8 January 2017.

Cinderella at the London Palladium

Pantomime returns to the London Palladium for the first time in almost 30 years with the ultimate rags-to-riches tale. Amanda Holden takes on the role of Fairy Godmother, with Paul O'Grady as the Wicked Stepmother and Julian Clary as Dandini. See cinderellapalladium.com.

Cinderella runs from 10 December until 15 January 2017.

Dick Whittington at Milton Keynes Theatre Eastenders' star Samantha Womack plays the evil Queen Rat at Milton Keynes Theatre in the tale of a young man and his cat on an exciting quest for fame and fortune. Dick and his trusty cat Tommy arrive in London seeking their fortune - but find the streets aren't really paved with gold. See atgtickets.com.

Dick Whittington runs from 8 December until 15 January 2017.

Jack and the Beanstalkat Theatre Royal Windsor

Join young Jack as he climbs the gigantic beanstalk and discovers a host of treasures in this retelling of the famous fairytale. Former Blue Peter presenter Anthea Turner stars as The Fairy alongside Bear Grylls' Mission Survive finalist and Dancing on Ice judge, Jason Gardiner as the Giant's Henchman. Plus, Brian Blessed is the voice of the Giant. No matter what age you are, this has fun written all over it. See theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk.

Peter Pan runs from 30 November until 8 January 2017.