After a challenging year for theatres, we’re heading back to Pantoland this year, with a host of unmissable Christmas shows making a very welcome return.
Nothing gets you in the festive mood quite like a Christmas show, from hilarious family fun at traditional pantomimes, to sing-along shows and alternative shows for something a little bit different, there’s plenty to see across the city and beyond this holiday season.
So get ready to step into Christmas as we’ve rounded-up the top shows coming to a theatre near you to spread some holiday cheer.
Goldilocks and The Three Bears at Birmingham Hippodrome
Roll-up, roll-up, the panto circus is back at Birmingham Hippodrome, and you won’t want to miss it.
With a star-studded cast including Jason Donovan, who’s making his panto debut as the Evil Ringmaster, Brummie panto favourite Matt Slack, and Doreen Tipton, Goldilocks and the Three Bears will run at the Hippodrome from Saturday, December 18 until Sunday, January 30 2022.
Famed for its extravagant pantomimes, Goldilocks and the Three Bears is set to wow audiences with mesmerising special effects, slapstick comedy and show-stopping stunts for circus performers.
The show will also include stunning costumes direct from The London Palladium. You can book your tickets at the Birmingham Hippodrome website
Jersey Boys at The Alexandra
If pantos aren’t your cup of tea, then there are some great alternative show options to feast your eyes on.
The Alexandra is welcoming The Jersey Boys back to its stage from Tuesday, December 7 2021 until Saturday, January 1 2022.
Featuring classic hits including Working My Way Back To You, Oh What A Night and more, the Tony-Award winning musical tells the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
Winner of the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 2009, Jersey Boys has been seen by more than 27 million people worldwide.
You can book tickets at The Alexandra theatre website
Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Birmingham Hippodrome
Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker is synonymous with Christmas in the city.
The enchanting show, which attracts an audience from across the country, will run from Saturday, November 10 until Saturday, December 11.
With stunning sets that immerse you in a winter wonderland, Sir Peter Rights The Nutcracker has undergone a major renovation, which will see Birmingham Royal Ballet present its special adaptation of its London production.
Bringing a sparkle of magic to the Hippodrome this Christmas, The Nutcracker will feature Birmingham Royal Ballet’s world-class dancers, as they tell the story of Clara as she journeys to the Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
You can book tickets at the Birmingham Royal Ballet website
A truly festive season at Symphony Hall
Symphony Hall is coming to life this Christmas with a host of festive concerts and performances.
The festive season kicks off with a Muppets Christmas Carol in Concert on Tuesday, November 30, which is sure to be a fantastic show for all the family.
Other performances running throughout December include Grand Christmas Classic with Alan Titchmarsh on Sunday, December 12, Love Actually in Concert on Wednesday, December 15, Christmas Carol Sing-along on Tuesday, December 23 - and so much more!
You can book tickets at the Birmingham Symphony Hall website
Cinderella at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
You shall go to the ball! If you fancy venturing slightly outside of the city, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre is putting on the mother of all pantos this Christmas.
Starring Strictly Come Dancing’s AJ Pritchard and his brother Curtis as Price Charming and Dandini, Cinderalla will run at the Grand from Saturday, December 4 2021, until Sunday, January 9 2022.
Featuring magical new staging, plenty of jokes and laughter, audience interaction and more, Cinderella is set to be the most glamourous Christmas show of the year.
Tickets are on sale from Wolverhampton Grand Theatre now.
The Snowman at Birmingham REP
Each year, Birmingham REP welcomes audiences for its stunning winter production of The Snowman.
Running in The House from Thursday, 6 until Sunday, January 9 2022, this heartwarming production tells the story of a young boy, whose snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve.
Together, they go on a magical adventure where they encounter the Snowman’s friends including Father Christmas, but will they manage to escape Jack Frost and return to the boy’s home before Christmas morning?
A beautiful show that’s adored by many, tickets for The Snowman are on sale now and selling fast. Click here to book yours.
Cindrella at The Core Theatre, Solihull
As well as hosting film screenings and plenty of family-friendly events, The Core Theatre has its very own panto!
The Core will welcome Cinderella, the greatest panto of them all, from Wednesday, December 10, 2021, until Monday, January 3, 2022.
For tickets to Cinderella at The Core Theatre Solihull click here
Christmas Wassail presented by The Crescent Theatre at Highbury Hall
Run mostly by volunteers, The Crescent Theatre has some great shows lined up this Christmas to spread some festive cheer.
Monday, December 19, sees the return of the theatre’s popular Christmas Wassail, a festive feast packed with spoken word, music and comedy which will be performed at Highbury Hall in Moseley.
For tickets to this special festive production presented by The Crescent Theatre click here
Sleeping Beauty at Sutton Arts Theatre
Another fantastic local theatre is getting well and truly into the Christmas spirit with a production of Sleeping Beauty.
The talented cast and company of Sutton Arts Theatre will be performing this spellbinding show from Sunday 4 until Tuesday, December 18.
Christmas Wassail at OldburyREP / Barlow theatre
The OldburyREP has re-opened its doors and is preparing to deck the halls this holiday season.
From Saturday 17 to Monday, December 19, the theatre will be hosting a Christmas Wassail.
January will see the return of OldburyREP’s panto. Cinderella will run from Friday 14 until Saturday, January 22, 2022.
Alladdin and more at The Blue Orange Theatre
Tucked away on Great Hampton Street, The Blue Orange Theatre has two shows running this Christmas.
Aladdin will take flight from Wednesday, November 24 until Saturday, December 11.
The Blue Orange will also be showing James & The Giant Peach, which runs from Saturday, 18 to Thursday, December 30.
Alice in Wonderland and more at The Old REP
It’s jam-packed season at The Old REP this Christmas, with fantastic shows running between November and January.
Alice and Wonderland, a stage adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale, is showing until Friday, December 17.
Then, after Christmas you can see Birmingham Youth Theatre’s panto, Jack and The Beanstalk.
Brought to the stage from some of the city’s most talented young performers, this family-fun panto runs from Thursday 13 January until Saturday, January 15, 2022.
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