Pantomime fun across Oxfordshire

Round & About

From Dick Whittington to Cinderella, discover festive shows and family fun this Christmas. 

Do you remember your first panto, as a nipper? Eyes wide, swept up in the laughter, songs, and sparkle of a live performance. For many local theatres, pantomimes are a great way to fill the coffers, as well as lift our spirits. 

At Oxford Playhouse you’re invited to join Dick Whittington and his magical cat as they embark on a riotous, uplifting journey to London Town. Expect laughter, mischief, and a 1990s Britpop twist in a show for ages five to 105. Can our hero Dick get rid of the dull and make Britannia cool again? Writer and director Toby Hulse says: “I’m thrilled to be back at Oxford Playhouse this Christmas. Last year’s production of Sleeping Beauty received special recognition for the way it took a fresh look at a traditional story, and Dick Whittington takes this even further, following the familiar fairy tale through a ridiculous world of pie and mash shops, talent shows, and glorious ’90s music. It’s a treat to bring so many of last year’s cast and crew back!” Call 01865 305305 or visit oxfordplayhouse.com 

The Beacon in Wantage invites you to enjoy a giant adventure with Jack and the Beanstalk, 19th to 22nd December. Follow hero Jack and his mum, Dame Trott, as they climb the beanstalk, defeat the giant, and save their best friend, Daisy the Cow. Packed with songs, slapstick, silliness, audience participation, and all the fairytale magic of traditional pantomime! To book your tickets and join the Fe-Fi-Fo-FUN, call 01235 763456 or visit beaconwantage.co.uk 

A tale as old as time comes to the Cornerstone in Didcot! This Christmas, the professional family pantomime returns in spectacular style as award-winning Polka Dot Pantomimes presents the magical classic Beauty and the Beast, 18th to 31st December, for a spellbinding adventure filled with laughter, love, and enchantment. Call 01235 515144 or visit cornerstone-arts.org to book tickets. 

Didcot Phoenix Drama Group are excited to take you on an adventure at Didcot Civic Hall, 24th to 26th January, with their pantomime, The Little Mermaid! With a script written by Devon Tyrrell, the group presents a new adaptation of the fairy tale. Will Oceana reach Prince Hans before Pearl? Tickets at didcotphoenixdrama.co.uk 

You shall go to the ball at Theatre Royal Windsor even if the slipper doesn’t fit when you join Cinderella as she tries to escape her stepmother and ugly sisters in search of “happily ever after.” Don’t miss fun, laughter, and magic until 11th January; tickets at theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/cinderella-25 

The Kenton in Henley invites audiences to enjoy a high-flying festive treat with The Further Adventures of Peter Pan (and the Revenge of Captain Hook!), 6th to 30th December. This new pantomime from Immersion Theatre invites you to sail the skies and dive into an epic swashbuckling spectacle, with bespoke meet and greet opportunities for children on select dates; visit thekenton.org.uk 

When an arrogant prince is cursed to live as a beast, his only hope of salvation is to find love before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose. Can village girl Belle see beyond appearances and learn to love a beast? Find out in Beauty and the Beast at Reading Hexagon, 6th December to 4th January, with traditional slapstick, song, and dance. And as it’s Reading, there’s panto and children’s TV legend (and mums’ favourite) Justin Fletcher too. Tickets from whatsonreading.com/beautyandthebeast 

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at Wycombe Swan, 12th December to 4th January. Radio and TV favourite Scott Mills stars as Mayor Mills, alongside the incomparable La Voix. Produced by Imagine Theatre, the high-energy show blends classic panto fun with dazzling digital scenery and cutting-edge effects, including a towering beanstalk. Tickets at wycombeswan.co.uk 

Enjoy swashbuckling fun with Robin Hood at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts in Maidenhead, 16th to 21st December. Maidenhead Drama Guild bring the timeless tale to life; norden.farm/events/robin-hood 

The Mill at Sonning presents the charming children’s show The Doorstep Elves: The Elves and the Magic Bear on 22nd December (1pm); a magical pre-panto treat ideal for young ones. Visit millatsonning.com 

Cinderella, Prince Charming, and their friends are all set to save the day in a time of witches, wolves, and wonder! Cinderella 2: After the Ball is the gloriously silly sequel the world has been waiting for since the Brothers Grimm, according to Kennet Amateur Theatrical Society. Find out what happens after the ball at Kennet School in Thatcham, 19th to 21st February. 

James Mackenzie, best known as Raven from the award-winning CBBC series, takes on the role of the wicked Abanazar in Aladdin at The Anvil in Basingstoke, 11th December to 4th January. James is also known as James in CBeebies’ Molly and Mack; anvilarts.org.uk 

Abingdon’s cheekiest Christmas tradition returns with the adults-only burlesque and cabaret pantomime Snow White & The Seven Deadly Sins at the Unicorn Theatre, 11th to 13th December. Follow @creamteaseoxford for more info and buy tickets on Skiddle.com 

Chipping Norton Theatre will stage Beauty and the Beast from 6th December to 18th January. Experience a hilarious slant on the classic story with original songs and magical costumes. This production guarantees to have the whole family enthralled, with a baguette fight! chippingnortontheatre.com 

Embrace the magic… “he’s behind you!”