Best Pantomimes across the UK

It’s the Pantomime season again – oh no it isn’t, oh yes it is! If you fancy taking your little ones out to be entertained then a good old fashioned pantomime is just what’s needed. There’s one going on in most town across the UK, but here’s a round up of some of the best

London
Pantomime: Treasure Island
Where: Theatre Royal Haymarket, Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4HT
When: 17th Nov 2008 to 28th Feb 2009
What's it about: Climb aboard the Hispaniola for the adventure of a lifetime…Ken Ludwig’s new adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic coming-of-age tale follows the adventures of young cabin boy Jim Hawkins, and his attempts to outwit the legendary pirate, Long John Silver, in a search for buried treasure. Packed with rip-roaring action, swashbuckling swordplay, battling buccaneers and the promise of a hidden fortune , Treasure Island will be a thrilling and much-loved treat for all the family. Star of stage and screen Keith Allen, the devilishly charming, yet vicious Sheriff Vaysey of Nottingham in the acclaimed BBC series Robin Hood, will star as the cunning yet loveable rogue Long John Silver.
Website: http://www.trh.co.uk/  

Bedfordshire - Dunstable
Pantomime: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Where: Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU5 4GP
When: 12th Dec 2008 to 4th Jan 2009
What's it about: Starring EastEnders legend and Strictly come dancing star Letitia Dean as the Wicked Queen, and Sooty and Sweep with Richard Cadell as Muddles, this is a pantomime treat that is not to be missed! With spectacular sets, wonderful costumes, great music and hilarious comedy, this puts Snow White in a whole new light.
Website: http://grovetheatre.co.uk/ 

Buckinghamshire - Milton Keynes
Pantomime: Peter Pan
Where: Milton Keynes Theatre, Marlborough Gate, Central Milton Keynes, MK9 3NZ
When: 5th Dec 2008 to 18th Jan 2009
What is it about: Grab a magical sprinkling of fairy dust and fly away to Neverland this Christmas. The magnificent and swashbuckling adventure of Peter Pan is heading to Milton Keynes Theatre. With stunning special effects, amazing flying, and dazzling sets, film and TV star Henry Winkler will be heading up the crew of dastardly pirates as the villainous Captain Hook. Starring alongside Henry will be the hilarious comedian Andy Ford (Royal Variety Performance) as Smee.
Website: http://www.theambassadors.com/miltonkeynes/ 

Cumbria - Carlisle
Pantomime: Jack and the Beanstalk
Where: The Sands Centre, Carlisle CA1 1FQ
When: 17th Dec 2008 to 31st Dec 2008
What is it about: Will Dr. Evilstein take over the world having created the giant? Or will he get his comeuppance? One thing's for certain...everyone's sure to live happily ever after! Starring Wayne Smith as "Jack", star of ITV1's Grease Is The Word and Lauren Drummond as the "Princess", this is sure to be a Pantomime with a difference.
Website: http://www.thesandscentre.co.uk/ 

Cheshire - Stockport
Pantomime: Aladdin & His Magical Lamp
Where: Romiley Forum, Compstall Road, Romiley, Stockport, SK6 4EA
When: 11th Dec 2008 to 20th Dec 2008
What is it about: Feel the magic of the lamp and have your every wish come true! This is truely a traditional family pantomime suitable for both young and old. It's also the longest running pantomime in the North West, so the quality of the production is top quality. And if your little ones are too young to stay up late, you'll be please to know that weekend performances also include matinees.
Website: http://www.nktheatrearts.org.uk/ 

Durham
Pantomime: Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs
Where: The Empire Theatre, Front St. Consett, Co.Durham, DH8 5AB
When: 10th Dec 2008 to 4th Jan 2009
What is it about: Starring Juliette Kaplan, Pee Wee Price and Jessica Parkinson. This pantomime is full of beautiful costumes, exciting music and funny one liners. Perfect for both children and adults.
Website: http://www.leisureworksonline.co.uk/ 

Gloucestershire - Tewesbury
Pantomime: Beauty & the Beast
Where: The Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, GL20 5NX
When: 29th Nov 2008 to 3rd Jan 2009
What is it about: There are silly jokes galore, great songs, glittering costumes, spectacular sets and a great story from the writers of TV's 'The Tweenies'. This is one pantomime not to miss!
Website: http://www.rosestheatre.org/ 

Manchester - Salford
Pantomime: The Wizard of Oz
Where: The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
When: 29th Nov 2008 to 4th Jan 2009
What is it about: Starring Lorna Luft, join Dorothy, the Tin Man, Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion and enjoy such classics as 'We're Off To See The Wizard', 'Follow The Yellow Brick Road' and of course the unforgettable, 'Over The Rainbow'. It will keep a smile on your face and the songs in your head, long after you've been to see it. 
Website: http://www.thelowry.com/ 

Isle of wight
Pantomime: The Twelve Days of Christmas
Where: Ventnor Winter Gardens, Pier Street, Ventnor, IoW
When: 11th Dec 2008 to 14th Dec 2008
What it is about: This is a magical traditional pantomime but with a refreshingly different twist. Fairies, princes, mapcap idiots, an outrageous dame & Santa himself defeat the wicked wizard all star in this fun-filled panto as they attempt to save the festive season! A Christmas treat for the whole family.
Website: http://www.ventnorwintergardens.co.uk/ 

Sheffield
Pantomime: Aladdin
Where: Sheffield Theatres, 55 Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 1DA
When: 11th Dec 2008 to 10th Jan 2009
What is it about: Phil Daniels (Eastenders, Quadrophenia and Blur's 'Parklife') plays the role of evil Abanazzar and Kevin Sacre (Jake Dean in Hollyoaks) plays Aladdin. This is a star studded panto you don't want to miss.
Website: http://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/ 

Tyne and wear - Newcastle
Pantomime: Cinderella
Where: Journal Tyne Theatre, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4AG
When: 5th Dec 2008 to 3rd Jan 2009
What is it about: With Maxie and Mitch as the ugliest Ugly Sisters you ever saw, and even Brendan is donning a frock for the first time (so he says) to play their very dippy Dame of a mother.
Website: http://www.thejournaltynetheatre.co.uk/  

Can’t find a panto near you? Find full Pantomime listings