Love them or loathe them, pantomimes are most people’s first introduction to the theatre, the tales of good triumphing over evil are as old as time but that doesn’t stop their enduring allure. So book your tickets and take your seat…
Boo, hiss or sealed with a kiss, if it’s December then it must be panto month so start practising your jeering and cheering and tuck into those sweets as you enjoy Sleeping Beauty who is being awoken with a kiss at The Anvil, Basingstoke, from Dec 12th-Jan 5th, in this fabulous family pantomime and laugh-a-minute extravaganza with stunning sets, top musical hits, fantastic costumes, and exciting special effects. A beautiful Princess is cursed by the evil Carabosse on the eve of her 18th birthday party and can only be woken by true love’s kiss. Can the Good Fairy’s magical spell break the curse? Will Princess Rose find true love and live happily ever after? Visit Sleeping Beauty | Anvil Arts for details or call the box office on 01256 844244.
You shall go to the ball this Christmas thanks to Starburst Foundation at The Harlington, Fleet. Cinderella is a sweet and sassy young girl with big dreams and bigger problems with her wicked stepmother and downright dirty step-sisters, Zoflora and Lenore. But with the help of her best friend Buttons and her Fairy Godmother-in-training, she meets a mysterious, handsome stranger with royal connections who can help make her dreams come true. The clock is ticking for this traditional tale with a twist, Dec 13th-29th. Book at The Harlington – The Harlington or call 01252 811009.
A talented cast of local players will showcase Rumpelstiltskin at Holybourne Theatre, Alton, Jan 25th-Feb 8th. Once upon a time, a miller proudly told the King that his beautiful daughter had a special talent: she could spin straw into gold. Unfortunately, it wasn’t true, but the poor girl’s life depended on completing this impossible task. How could she ever succeed? Only with the help of a strange little man with a magical touch… Book at Box Office – Holybourne Theatre
Journey with Winton Players to meet Robinson Crusoe at Petersfield Festival Hall, Jan 10th-18th. In the busy 18th century port of Portsmouth, Robinson and his sweetheart, Polly Perkins, find a bottle containing a treasure map. Robinson believes he can win Polly’s hand if he finds the treasure. Together with Squire Perkins, mum Olivia and brother, Billy, they travel
to the desert island where the treasure is hidden with Captain Hand to command their ship – little knowing he is a pirate, and has designs on the treasure himself. For tickets visit Upcoming Shows | Winton Players
You’ll be egg-cited by the panto at the Theatre Royal Winchester this year. Have a gander at Mother Goose, Nov 30th-Jan 5th. Poor Mother Goose’s fortunes change when she meets the magical Priscilla, the goose that lays golden eggs! But when Priscilla is stolen away, Mother Goose and her son Jack embark on an adventure (or wild goose chase!) to rescue her, with a little help from their friends and you, of course! Visit Mother Goose | Theatre Royal Winchester to book.
Be the guest of Princes Hall, Aldershot, and follow Belle and the Beast, a handsome Prince who has been placed under an evil spell. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved in return, the spell will be broken and he will return to his true self. But time is running out… for Beauty and the Beast, Dec 6th-31st. Book tickets at princeshall.com
Get ready for a spellbinding pantomime like no other at Camberley Theatre this Christmas, Dec 7th-31st. Join Snow White and her lively band of friends in a fun-filled adventure packed with unforgettable songs, hilarious moments, and stunning scenery. With a few twists on the classic story, this is Snow White as you’ve never seen before and will have you laughing, smiling, cheering and booing all the way through. Buy tickets at Snow White | Camberley Theatre
The Phoenix Players are back with another spectacular panto at Phoenix Arts, Bordon. Featuring a gallant prince, an evil witch, a beautiful heroine and, of course, a hilarious pantomime dame. Sleeping Beauty will have the whole family in stitches from Jan 16th-25th. Tickets available from Sleeping Beauty | Phoenix Arts
Go to the ball with The Medstead Players at Medstead Village Hall on December 6th & 7th when they present Cinderella. For tickets call 07709 553804 and at Medstead Players – amateur dramatic society
Enjoy a family show fit to burst with festive fun at Farnham Maltings. Diana Hendry and John Lawrence’s joyous tale, Christmas in Exeter Street, is being brought to life in the Maltings’ second annual Christmas show from Dec 13th – 24th. With 37 characters, seven animals, 10 instruments, and an abundance of Christmas magic, Cordelia O’Neill’s new adaptation conjures the beautiful chaos and heart-warming generosity of the festive season. Tickets are available from £10-£22 at Christmas in Exeter Street | Farnham Maltings
One definitely not for all the family is the adult panto Robinson Crude-soe, Dec 12th-14th at Phoenix Arts, Bordon. Join comic hero, Robinson Crude-soe as he takes to the high seas on an adventure to defeat the evil buccaneer, Captain Hooker and their salty seamen. Featuring a cast of hilarious characters including a magical mermaid and the feisty local innkeeper, Dame Beatrix Bender on this raunchy romp to sail the seven seas! Tickets from Robinson Crude-Soe: Adult Panto | Phoenix Arts
Whichever panto you see, you’re sure of a riotous time, oh yes you are! KN
