The Hippodrome’s panto continues to be the biggest and most spectacular in the region, with anchor star Matt Slack having a winning formula that shows no sign of waning. Lavish sets and spectacular special effects are a common feature, as well as a star-studded cast. Birmingham’s own Alison Hammond stars alongside Slack, who is back treading the boards at the Hurst Street theatre for a tenth year. Also starring is Samantha Womack. They are joined by Doreen Tipton as Doreen the Cow, panto dame extraordinaire Andrew Ryan, Brummie local Alexanda O’Reilly in the title role and West End performer Billie-Kay as Princess Jill. The promo blurb for the show says: “Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jack and his family as they fight to outwit the evil giant, win riches beyond his wildest dreams. Featuring stunning sets and costumes from The London Palladium, and bundle-loads of laughter, this is the panto you’ve bean waiting for. Fe-fi-fo-fum, a giant of a panto full of fun.” From December 16 until January 28.placeholder image
The Hippodrome’s panto continues to be the biggest and most spectacular in the region, with anchor star Matt Slack having a winning formula that shows no sign of waning. Lavish sets and spectacular special effects are a common feature, as well as a star-studded cast. Birmingham’s own Alison Hammond stars alongside Slack, who is back treading the boards at the Hurst Street theatre for a tenth year. Also starring is Samantha Womack. They are joined by Doreen Tipton as Doreen the Cow, panto dame extraordinaire Andrew Ryan, Brummie local Alexanda O’Reilly in the title role and West End performer Billie-Kay as Princess Jill. The promo blurb for the show says: “Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jack and his family as they fight to outwit the evil giant, win riches beyond his wildest dreams. Featuring stunning sets and costumes from The London Palladium, and bundle-loads of laughter, this is the panto you’ve bean waiting for. Fe-fi-fo-fum, a giant of a panto full of fun.” From December 16 until January 28. | Birmingham Hippodrome

The nine best Christmas theatre shows in and around Birmingham for 2023

Enda Mullen
By Enda Mullen

Journalist

Published 10th Nov 2023, 11:19 GMT

There are some fantastic shows you can enjoy in theatres in and around Birmingham this Christmas - here’s what’s on

It’s coming up to Christmas and in addition to all the other seasonal stuff it means it’s time for a bumper crop of live theatre shows in and around Birmingham.

There’s a huge variety of productions on offer this year, from pantomimes to plays and musicals with something of a Christmas flavour - along with shows that are just timeless favourites.

From Birmingham to Wolverhampton and Solihull to Stratford, there’s sure to be something to please - and what better time to enjoy a family trip to the theatre than over the festive holiday period.

The two big pantomimes this year are Jack & the Beanstalk at the Birmingham Hippodrome and Snow White at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

Other highlights include a West End production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe coming to Birmingham Rep and The Little Box of Secrets at the RSC in Stratford.

Join Cinderella on her quest to win the heart of the dashing Prince Charming, with a little help from her best friend Buttons and the enchanting Fairy Godmother. But with her evil Ugly Sisters determined to ruin her chances and the clock about to strike midnight, will Cinders manage to win the Prince’s love before the spell runs out? Once again written and directed by Iain Lauchlan, this year’s panto promises spectacular sets, lavish costumes and sing-along-songs that make a trip to the Belgrade a memorable Christmas treat for thousands every year. The blurb for the show says: “This wonderful rags-to-riches tale is guaranteed to delight all the family and bring a touch of magic and make-believe to your festive celebrations. “So pick up a pumpkin, grab your glass slippers and join us for some sparkling festive fun at the Belgrade Theatre, where Coventry celebrates Christmas.” From November 22 until January 13.

9. Cinderella, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

Join Cinderella on her quest to win the heart of the dashing Prince Charming, with a little help from her best friend Buttons and the enchanting Fairy Godmother. But with her evil Ugly Sisters determined to ruin her chances and the clock about to strike midnight, will Cinders manage to win the Prince’s love before the spell runs out? Once again written and directed by Iain Lauchlan, this year’s panto promises spectacular sets, lavish costumes and sing-along-songs that make a trip to the Belgrade a memorable Christmas treat for thousands every year. The blurb for the show says: “This wonderful rags-to-riches tale is guaranteed to delight all the family and bring a touch of magic and make-believe to your festive celebrations. “So pick up a pumpkin, grab your glass slippers and join us for some sparkling festive fun at the Belgrade Theatre, where Coventry celebrates Christmas.” From November 22 until January 13. | Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

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