London is one city that takes it pantos very seriously, and if you’re spending your Christmas in one of the UK’s busiest, liveliest cities, then we’ve rounded up 5 of the best pantos to check out this year.
What’s a panto, anyway?
A panto or “pantomime” is not the same as a Christmas show, as some believe. A Christmas show, for example, is a theatrical production where the shows are based on Christmas-specific themes. So, think classic tales of Christmas transformed into entertaining musicals which can be enjoyed by both kids and adults.
A pantomime show, on the other hand, is a kind of interactive theatre performance which is performed during the Christmas season only. Pantos are usually based on fairy tales, relying on physical comedy for the most part, as well as silly and quirky characters and outlandish plots – all of which can be a lot of fun to watch! Another thing that sets pantos apart from Christmas shows is that audience participation is encouraged as much as possible, making it really something to remember.
Best pantos to enjoy in London this Holiday Season
And, with that, let’s get you up to speed on the top 5 pantos to enjoy in London this year:
1. Robin Hood at the London Palladium
Ah, yes – the London Palladium, where Christmas panto is celebrated to its fullest. This year, you’ll find Julian Clary as Robin Hood, considered Palladium panto royalty, and many of the usual favourites returning for a 9th season: Nigel Havers, Rob Made, Charlie Stemp, and Paul Zerdin, alongside West End stars, Tosh Wanogho-Maud and Marisha Wallace, who’ll be making their Palladium panto debut this year.
The exceptional team behind London’s previous eight pantomimes return with all the glitz, camp, and colour to one of the city’s best stages, where you’re guaranteed an evening of mayhem, mischief, and merry-making!
2. Napoleon Bonaparte: Un Petit Pantomime
The historical dictator gets the Christmas panto treatment, because why not?
This year, there will be a Bonaparty in Jermyn Street in collaboration with Charles Court Opera, a boutique panto specialist. Get entertained by Napoleon Bonaparte at the impressive 70-seat theatre which sits right around the corner from Picadilly Circus.
You do not want to miss this round of historic hilarity. Will the grandiose general be able to overcome his fear of cars to be crowned Emperor? Will the dodgy Duke find the perfect name for his new beef pie?
This panto will be bringing a lot of delightful smiles to the Les Miserables’ faces as the war with Wellington rages on!
3. Dick Whittington and his Cat at The Hackney Empire
The joyous retelling of this classic British rags-to-riches tale returns to the Empire for its 25th panto, with the same director (Clive Rowe) returning for the 17th time.
Nearly everyone in London is familiar with the Hackney Empire panto, thanks to the brilliant team behind it. Written by Will Brenton, a BAFTA award winner, the performance will boast an original music score and songs by Steve Edis. Alex Maynard reprises his role as Musical Director, Orchestrator, Arranger, and Supervisor.
Catch Kandaya Moore’s performance as Dick Whittinghton, and world-famous comedian, Kat B, as Thomas the Cat. From a ridiculously unbelievable cast to the most extravagant costumes, and the sensational song & dance numbers to the audience participation – who could ever miss such a panto?
This is one of the most perfect festive treats you could possibly book!
4. Alladin at The Lyric Theatre Hammersmith
“Alladin”, in this case, is a local dancer working at the Wishy Washy Launderette. But when he falls for Jasmine, dear Lord, trouble follows without hesitation! The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre welcomes you on its own take of a classic tale this Holiday Season.
The way this panto goes, Alladin comes off as a cheeky local dancer. Always hustling through his life and “aiding” his mother at Shepherd Bush Market’s Wishy Washy Launderette. Jasmine, the bold, quick-witted, and bored orphaned princess, is always yearning to break free from the same mundane routine. When the two cross paths, sparks start to fly, but trouble always follows!
For this masterpiece of a panto, the team critically acclaimed for 2022’s Jack and the Beanstalk reunite once again: Writer Sonia Jalaly and Director Nicholai La Barrie. Expect everything from dance battles and live music to mesmerising magic on full display, making it a fun festive panto to attend this year.
5. Theatre Royal Stratford East presents…Pinocchio!
The puppet who transformed into a boy finally takes centre stage at Theatre Royal Stratford East this summer.
When poor Geppetto crafts a wooden puppet and unsuspectingly calls him Pinocchio, he didn’t know that the puppet would one day wish to become a real boy. But once Pinocchio does become a boy, he immediately faces tests, trials, and tribulations. Can Krik Krak the cricket and Blue Rinse Fairy keep him off the crooked path?
This year, we’re seeing the return of celebrated writer, Trish Cooke, who is personally responsible for some of the most legendary pantomimes in the theatre’s history, including the Olivier-nominated Cinderella production from 2008. This Christmas, round up your friends and family, and head east to see if Cooke brings back the magic yet another year!
Conclusion: How do I choose the right Christmas panto this year?
Great question! Here’s what we recommend:
Consider the genres you like
One of the best ways to choose your favourite Christmas panto is to think about the genre you like. Perhaps, you like heartwarming fairytales that have been reimagined. Or, maybe light-hearted comedy is more your thing. In any case, choose the genre that best speaks to you and your family’s interests.
Check out some reviews
Reading a few reviews ahead of time is always good practice. This way, you’ll have a fairly good idea of what to expect, helping you figure out which pantos to shortlist.
Keep your budget in mind
This is another important factor to consider when it comes to your panto experience. Many websites offer Christmas discounts and great deals, so beat everyone else to it to get the best deals. Simples!