A popular festive family tradition each year is the good old visit to the theatre for a pantomime. And, with an abundance of theatres and performance spaces in and around Bristol and the West Country to choose from, we have plenty of shows to enjoy this year.
Classic tales are brought to life – sometimes with some celebs from the stage and screen – with a perfect blend of music, family fun, laughter, mischief and comedy. What’s more, there are dames and evil villains, audience participation and possibly a few Christmas songs thrown in for good measure.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the top pantos in Bristol this Christmas – as well as at least one from a little further afield. Favourite characters this year include the likes of Goldilocks, The Little Mermaid, and even Snow White, to name but a few…
Bristol Hippodrome: Goldilocks and the Three Bears
When: December 7, 2024 – January 5, 2025
For four weeks only comedian, TV and musical theatre star Brian Conley – alongside star of stage and screen, Brenda Edwards – will be arriving at the Bristol Hippodrome which will be transformed into a ‘sensational circus where everything is possible and anything could (and will) happen’.
Brian will be joined on stage by his daughter Lucy Conley, who stars as Goldilocks. Also among the cast line-up is renowned dame David Robbins as Dame Betty Barnum, panto villain Phil Corbitt as The Evil Ringmaster, magician Phil Hitchcock, The Timbuktu Tumblers direct from Zippo’s Circus, and The Three Bears, who will be played by Emily Law, Joshua Lay and Charlotte Pourret.
According to the official show synopsis: “Goldilocks’ circus is under threat from an evil rival circus owner and, with the help of their madcap circus friends, they’re battling to rescue their Big Top from ruin. Will they succeed? All seems lost, until three brilliant bears join the gang…”
Redgrave Theatre: Jack and the Beanstalk
When: December 13, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Polka Dot Pantomimes and the Redgrave Theatre present this year’s pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, featuring an impressive looking giant and a talented cast. Dubbed ‘the highlight of the festive calendar’, Pantomime at the Redgrave Theatre this year promises a show that is ‘bigger and better than ever’.
According to the official show synopsis: “Get ready to roar with laughter and cheer our hero Jack on his magical journey to Cloudland as he battles to save his best friend Daisy the Cow! As always there’ll be spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes, amazing special effects and lots of audience participation.”
Tobacco Factory: Hansel and Gretel
When: November 28 – January 19, 2025
Following last year’s record-breaking Christmas hit, Oliver Twist, the Tobacco Factory Theatre will this year be transformed into a ‘magical and mythical land’ in the classic fairytale by the Brothers Grimm. Having delighted audiences with The Snow Queen (2022), Snow White (2019) and Beauty and The Beast (2017), Tobacco Factory Theatres will once more partner with award-winning New International Encounter to bring a ‘sweet and joyful festive experience’.
According to the official show synopsis: “In the middle of the cold, dark forest, Hansel and Gretel are lost and hungry. As they sit, shivering, they glimpse a tiny cottage through the trees and across the woods… a cottage unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Its roof is made of gingerbread, the walls of chocolate cake, the door is made of boiled sweets and the windows a clear, crystalised sugary glaze. But what’s inside?”
Bristol Old Vic: The Little Mermaid
When: December 5, 2024 – January 11, 2025
Full of ‘joyous original songs’, circus and dance, award-winning writer Sonali Bhattacharyya, and Bristol’s own Olivier-Award winning director Miranda Cromwell, make a welcome return for the next chapter in the Bristol Old Vic‘s series of festive family productions.
The official show synopsis says: “The Little Mermaid loves swimming, dancing and spending time with her friends. She might be different to the other sea creatures but they’re family and these waters are home.
“So when the sea starts to get warmer – the kelp wilting, the coral fading – she realises she has to act. The mermaid vows to protect their home and it seems a caring young man trying to restore the reef is just the person to help.
“But how much is she willing to sacrifice to find answers on land? Can the Sea Witch really be trusted to help? And what oily monsters lurk in the deep?
“Dive into a magical underwater kingdom this Christmas with Bristol Old Vic’s bold and breath-taking re-imagining of the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale about love, hope, and how no one is too small to change the world.”
(A little further afield) – Theatre Royal Bath: Snow White & the Seven Dwarves
When: December 12, 2024 – January 12, 2025
Milkshake presenter and award-winning pantomime star Olivia Birchenough joins Bath favourites Jon Monie and Nick Wilton, who return with a brand new script by Jon for 2024. This year’s show, Snow White & the Seven Dwarves, also stars Emma Norman and George Olney.
According to the show synopsis: “Join us for the greatest magical pantomime ever told; poor Snow White is doomed to live unhappily ever after with her horrid stepmother, the Wicked Queen. In true rags-to-riches style, will Snow White, with the help of her madcap friends and a handsome Prince, vanquish the Queen’s evil plans?
“With a beautiful princess, a jealous Wicked Queen, seven bumbling dwarfs, a delicious Dame, a hilarious jester and not forgetting a poisoned apple and a magic mirror, it’s not to be missed! Bursting with great songs, stunning dance routines and plenty of laughter, this is a truly magical treat for all the family.
“This festive extravaganza is on sale now so book your seats today to see Bath’s must-see Christmas show in 2024. So Heigh-Ho… Heigh-Ho… It’s off to Theatre Royal Bath’s panto we go!”
The Playhouse, Weston: Beauty and the Beast
When: December 7 – 31, 2024
Starring Melanie Walters of Gavin and Stacey fame, alongside Derek Moran (Milkshake! TV) and Michael Goble (Science Live) with further casting to be announced, this year’s pantomime at The Playhouse “guarantees hilarious comedy, beautiful sets and costume, live music and plenty of sparkle”.