Pick of the Christmas pantos 2014 :: Christmas days out

PR Snow White panto pic - Pick of the Christmas pantos 2014 - Country & travel - allaboutyou.com

Make a wish, Canterbury

This Christmas, take a magic carpet ride to the Far East with the Marlowe Theatre’s fun-packed family pantomime, Aladdin. The show features an all-star cast, including Scott Maslen ('EastEnders') as Abanazar, CBeebies’ Mister Maker Phil Gallagher as Wishee Washee and everyone’s favourite dame Ben Roddy as Widow Twankey. This lavish production promises a genuinely funny script.
Where: Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury 28 November 2014 to 11 January 2015
How to book: 01227 787787, www.marlowetheatre.com

Fee-fi-fo-fum, Birmingham

Birmingham's giant pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk is heading for the Hippodrome featuring TV personality Jane McDonald as The Enchantress, Blue’s Duncan James as Jack, and Gary Wilmot as Dame Trot. Sit back and enjoy magical special effects, breathtaking musical numbers and laugh-out-loud comedy for all the family.
Where: Hippodrome, Birmingham 19 December 2014 to 1 February 2015
How to book: 0844 338 5000, www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Rock 'n' roll panto, Leeds

Dick Whittington jives into Leeds this winter bringing with him all the traditional elements of a family panto with lots of audience interaction and heaps of corny gags, soundtracked by classic pop and soul hits from the 60s and 70s. A talented cast leap seamlessly from their character roles to become part of the band, performing all vocals and instruments live on stage.
Where: City Varieties Music Hall, Leeds. 29 November 2014 to 11 January 2015
How to book: 0113 243 0808, www.cityvarieties.co.uk

Family fun, St Albans

Don’t miss this year’s riotous family pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk at the Alban Arena. There are stunning sets, comedy, audience participation and a break-dancing pantomime cow, plus Steve McFadden off EastEnders, what more could you want?
Where: The Alban Arena, St Albans. 5 December 2014 to 4 January 2015
How to book: 01727 844488, www.alban-arena.co.uk

Look behind you, Belfast

Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients of comedy, stunning sets, beautiful costumes, plenty of boos and hisses and a plot full of surprises, Aladdin offers a world of magic, mystery and mayhem.
Where: Grand Opera House, Belfast. 29 November 2014 to 18 January 2015
How to book: 028 9024 1919, www.pantomime.com/belfast

Magnificent seven, Newcastle

Don’t miss this spectacular production of Snow White (above), jam-packed full of fun, adventure and an abundance of comedy. Featuring plenty of glitz and glamour along with sensational musical numbers and fabulous sets and costumes, this is panto at its very best.
Where: Theatre Royal, Newcastle Upon Tyne. 25 November 2014 to 18 January 2015
How to book: 08448 112121, www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Rags to riches, Bath

Probably the best-loved pantomime of them all, Cinderella boasts an enchanting story, side-splitting comedy, lavish sets and adorable miniature ponies, perfect entertainment for the festive season. And Bath’s traditional production will ensure that every member of the family has a ball.
Where: Theatre Royal, Bath. 11 December 2014 to 11 January 2015
How to book: 01225 448844, www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Egg-citing, east London

Imagine what you could do with a magical goose who lays priceless golden eggs? Mother Goose will be packed with every ingredient for the perfect festive family treat. Expect larger-than-life characters, loads of laughs, outrageous costumes, dazzling dance moves, incredible live music and of course plenty of heroes to cheer and baddies to boo!
Where: Hackney Empire, London. 22 November 2014 to 4 January 2015
How to book: 020 8985 2424, www.hackneyempire.co.uk

Magical Mystery Tour, Liverpool

Take a magical carpet ride to the Far East in this year's panto spectacular Aladdin and rub the magic lamp to enter a fun fairytale world. Aladdin is guaranteed to delight the whole family with stunning sets, glittering costumes, wonderful songs and dazzling dancing - topped off with laughter and audience participation aplenty!
Where: Liverpool Empire, Liverpool. 13 December 2014 to 4 January 2015
How to book: 0844 871 7615, www.atgtickets.com

Have a ball, Cardiff

Enchanted pumpkins, sparkling glass slippers, a pair of Ugly Sisters and a handsome Prince can mean only one thing, the magical pantomime Cinderella is this year's New Theatre Christmas production. Linda Lusardi is the Fairy Godmother with Wales' very own sporting hero, Gareth Thomas as Dandini.
Where: New Theatre, Cardiff. 13 December 2014 to 18 January 2015
How to book: 029 2087 8889, www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk