Pantomimes and Christmas shows in Oxfordshire this season
It’s panto season. Oh no, it’s not. Oh yes, it is.
A great pantomime – that very British tradition at Christmas – is full of larger than life characters and plenty of laughs – a villain that everyone hates, a comical dame and young love.
From Oxford to Banbury, Henley to Chipping Norton , here’s our pick of the unmissable Pantomimes in Oxfordshire in 2023, plus a selection of non-panto family-friendly Christmas shows in theatres across Oxfordshire.
We’ve also included the note-worthy non-Christmas-themed shows taking place in Oxford and across Oxfordshire during this festive season and pantomimes worth travelling beyond Oxfordshire for.
So what are you waiting for. It’s time to get booking!
Jack and the Beanstalk at The Theatre Chipping Norton
Join in giant adventures to the Viking kingdom of Smorgasbord with young Jack, a talking cow and a band of musical horned helmets in search of true love and world peace. With dazzling performances, fantastic costumes, and plenty of laughs, this giant-sized panto will be an unmissable event for all ages. Book now for a festive treat that reaches for the clouds!
Sleeping Beauty
We all know the story of Sleeping Beauty, right? Evil fairy curses baby, baby grows into a beautiful teenage princess, princess pricks her finger on a spindle, and… time travels across 1000 years. Oh no, she doesn’t? Oh yes, she DOES in this spellbinding new production brought to you by Oxford Playhouse. Don’t hit snooze… book your tickets now for this year’s Oxford Playhouse Pantomime, Sleeping Beauty.
A Christmas Carol by Abingdon Drama Club
Join Abingdon Drama Club for a ghostly Christmas night as cold-hearted businessman Ebenezer Scrooge faces the fright of his life. This adaptation by David Edgar of Charles Dickens’s classic A Christmas Carol reawakens the social conscience of this timeless tale. Through time jumps, we witness Scrooge’s past, explore the present around him, and confront the shocking future that awaits.
War Horse
War Horse tells the remarkable story of a young boy called Albert and his horse, Joey, set against the backdrop of the First World War. This powerfully moving and imaginative drama is a show of phenomenal inventiveness, filled with stirring music and songs, featuring ground-breaking puppetry work by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company.
Snow White at The Kenton
Mirror, mirror on the wall, which is the fairest panto of them all? It’s Snow White at the Kenton Theatre, of course! This fun-filled festive extravaganza is bursting at the seams with all the ingredients audiences have come to expect from the much-loved pantomimes, with dazzling costumes, spectacular dance routines, a hilarious script, bags of audience interaction, and maybe even the odd water gun or two.
Cinderella at Cornerstone Arts Centre
Pantomime is coming to Cornerstone Arts Centre this Christmas, oh yes, it is! Cinderella dreams of a more magical and exciting life far away from her Wicked Stepsisters. Luckily, she has her ever-faithful companion, Buttons, to brighten her days. Put on your glass slippers and get ready for the Cornerstone Arts Centre Pantomime!
And further afield…
Peter Pan at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
06 December to 05 January
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Ahoy, panto fans! The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook is coming to Aylesbury for Christmas 2024. Starring Bradley Riches (Heartstopper), Andy Collins as Smee, and Mark Moraghan as Captain Hook, this swashbuckling adventure is full of fun, audience interaction, and flying effects. Expect plenty of laughs and a live water fight in Act 2, so bring your coats and umbrellas for an action-packed festive treat!
Robin Hood at The London Palladium
07 December to 12 January
The London Palladium
Join the festive fun as Palladium Pantomime returns for its 9th sensational season with a brand-new production of Robin Hood! Starring Jane McDonald as Maid Marion and Julian Clary as Robin Hood, this show also features favourites like Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, and Charlie Stemp, plus West End stars Marisha Wallace and Tosh Wanogho-Maud. Expect dazzling sets, hilarious comedy, and spectacular effects for a panto experience to remember!
Looking for more Christmas inspiration? Take a look at our comprehensive guide to Christmas in Oxford and across Oxfordshire.
3. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show at Mill Arts Centre, Banbury
Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show is a vibrant celebration of Eric Carle’s adored classics and the perfect introduction to live theatre. Four timeless stories are brought to life in one delightful show – including a special edition of Eric Carle’s ‘Dream Snow’!
5. Mrs Delgado at Old Fire Station, Oxford
Mrs Delgado at Old Fire Station is a world premiere from Olivier Award-winner Mike Bartlett. It is a funny and poignant new play tells a story of desire, control, raised blinds and lowered boundaries pPerformed by acclaimed actor Rakhee Sharma and directed by Olivier Award-winner Clare Lizzimore.
6. Home In Time for Christmas at Oxford Playhouse
Will Kayla and Snowy get back home in time for Christmas? Take a starlight adventure with amazing puppets made by theatre company Smoking Apples and join Kayla and Snowy as they journey around the world, making new friends with the animals they meet along the way!
8. Margot’s Magical Winter Wonder Party at Pegasus Theatre, Oxford
Margot’s Magical Winter Wonder Party is a party like no other. It’s a celebration of the here and now – using physical comedy, original music, magical lights and puppetry as we collectively celebrate being back at the theatre. Join Margot and her cat Simon at Pegasus Theatre this winter and get ready to dance in your seats for the party of the year.
12. Dick Whittington Panto at Unicorn Theatre, Abingdon
Dick Whittington Panto by Abingdon Drama Club
The classic tale of a young lad going to London to make his fortune and his adventures with his new best friend, Tommy the cat. Boo the villains and cheer the heroes as pantomime returns to the Unicorn Theatre!
13. Robin Hood: A Musical-Pantomime at Wykham Theatre, Banbury
Robin Hood arrives in Banbury in January 2022 for a beloved classic tale with a unique twist by Avocet Theatre Company. Featuring a hilarious script and brilliant musical numbers, Banbury’s favourite pantomime specialists return to bring this dazzling summer pantomime spectacle to Wykham Theatre.
14. Cinderella Panto at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Cinderella Panto at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
This most popular of fairy tales is heading to town with dashing Dandini, CBBC’s Mark Rhodes (from Sam and Mark’s Big Friday Wind Up) playing loyal servant to the handsome prince, alongside stunning Cinderella AKA Gemma Naylor (Nick Jnr) and of course, panto favourites BBC 3 Counties’ Breakfast Show presenter Andy Collins and Britain’s Got Talent’s La Voix (or flamboyant Fairy Godmother to you!).
The post Pantomimes and Christmas Shows in Oxfordshire for the 2024/25 season appeared first on The Oxford Magazine.
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