Christmas is a great time to go to the theatre to see a panto or a family Christmas show. Here’s my guide to the best 2024 pantomimes in Manchester and Cheshire, as well as the best ‘non panto’ family Christmas theatre shows. We have a great guide to all the Christmas Events in Cheshire too.
2024 Pantomimes in Cheshire & Manchester
He’s behind you, oh no he isn’t, oh yes he is. A great pantomime is full of larger than life characters, lots of laughs, a villain that everyone hates, a comical dame and young love. A very British tradition a Christmas, here’s the definitive list of pantomimes in Buckinghamshire for 2024.
Cinderella at the Opera House (Manchester)
Cinderella panto at the Manchester Opera House features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses. Packed with all the traditional pantomime ingredients Manchester audiences expect
Sleeing Beauty at The Plaza (Stockport)
With a sensational cast, spectacular costumes and magnificent scenery, this is the affordable family treat that everyone can enjoy this festive season.
Beauty & TheBeast at the Lyceum Theatre (Crewe)
Make memories this festive season with this fun-filled festive cracker which is the perfect treat for all of the family.Check out our Crewe Lyceum Panto Review 2023
Sleeping Beauty at The Storyhouse (Chester)
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure that will transport you to a world of wonder, packed with pop favourites, audience interaction and dazzling dances.Storyhouse Chester panto review 2023
Jack & The Beanstalk at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse (Altrincham)
Expect laughs, music, dance, special effects, dazzling costumes, stunning sets, magic beans and bundles of audience participation at the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse!
Peter Pan at Grange Theatre (Northwich)
Filled with comedy, aerial performance, song and dance, visit us this festive season as we transport you to Neverland! Peter Pan is guaranteed to have you dancing on your feet in a production filled to the brim with festive family fun!
Sleeping Beauty at Middleton Arena (Middleton, Greater Manchester)
This magical pantomime features great songs from our live band, dazzling dance routines, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and incredible circus acts. It will be an unforgettable experience for children and adults alike.
Beauty & The Beast at Heywood Sports Village (Heywood, Greater Manchester)
A brand new enchanting family pantomime, starring Coronation Street‘s Steven Arnold and Bruce Jones.
Cinderella at the Northwich Memorial Court (Northwich)
Panto is the perfect show for all ages! There are sing-a-longs for the little ones, and of course, jokes for the adults too!
Sleeping Beauty at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall (Ellesmere Port)
Returning for 2024 with another sensational family pantomime!
Cinderella at Parr Hall (Warrington)
Perhaps the best loved of all pantomimes, Cinderella promises an enchanting story for all the family with all the laughter, music, and mayhem that pantos have become renowned for. Check out our review from last year.
Jack & The Beanstalk at Buxton Opera House (Buxton)
Brought to you by the incredible team behind Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella, join Jack and a talented cast for another year of festive fun, wonderful music and an enormous amount of Christmas magic. It will be bigger and better than ever before!
Tinderella at Hope Mill Theatre (Manchester) – ADULTS ONLY
Release your inner child, and then leave them at home because this show is not for kids! In a scandalous twist on the classic fairy tale, it’s time to swipe right on “Tinderella” – the naughtiest adult panto to ever hit the stage!
Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs at Forum Theatre (Romiley)
Charming Entertainment are delighted to present a brand new production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs this Christmas with sparkling costumes, beautiful scenery, a sensation all singing and dancing cast and of course a laugh a minute script!
2024 Festive Family Shows
Elf The Muiscal at Palace Theatre Manchester (Manchester) 12th – 17th November
This modern day classic live at Palace Theatre Manchester is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear!
The King’s Bear at Z Arts (Manchester)
Masters of children’s storytelling, Full House Theatre, bring the frozen paradise of the arctic to life with vibrant characters, handcrafted puppets and a beautiful original score by BAFTA nominated composer Rebecca Applin. The King’s Polar Bear is a playful and highly visual show for children, the perfect family theatre experience.
Family Winter Theatre JACK! at Quarry Bank (9th December only)
JACK! features traditional stories, original songs, and brilliant live music. With lots of opportunities to join in, families will be singing along before you can say Fee Fie Fo Fum!
Stick Man at The Lowry Quays Theatre (Salford)
Touching, funny and utterly original, Freckle Productions’ delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man is back in town!
The Bear at the Waterside Theatre (Sale)
With dazzling puppetry, delicious music, dreamy storytelling, and dozens of laughs, The Bear is an unforgettable experience for the whole family and a perfect introduction to theatre. So come join Tilly and her great big white friend on a wild and magical adventure.
The Snowman Film with Live Orchestra at Chester Cathedral (Chester) 23rd December
The show also includes a fun, festive introduction to the orchestra, and even a visit from the Snowman himself! This magical, festive show – performed within the splendour of Chester Cathedral – is perfect for the whole family to enjoy together, and is sure to create cherished memories.
