Watching a pantomime at Christmas is one of the ultimate British traditions to experience as a family. Although aimed at younger children, the ‘panto’ does have appeal for all the family. It’s an all-singing, all-dancing affair with slapstick humour, boo-able baddies, raucous audience participation and often some star-studded names.
If you’re searching spa weekend deals in London and want to add a whacky activity to your time in the city, consider booking tickets to a pantomime. It doesn’t matter if you’re travelling to the Montcalm with or without children – the panto is bags of fun whether you’re six or 106!
Be sure to snap up tickets to one of these 9 pantomimes in the theatres near the Montcalm Hotel in Marble Arch. If you leave it too late to book your seats, you may well turn into a pumpkin…
1) Cinderella
Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King Street, Hammersmith W6 0QL
16th Nov 2019 to 5th Jan 2020
Polish your glass slippers, fill up on afternoon tea for two and make sure you get to the Lyric before the clock chimes midnight – you shall go to the ball with this festive fairytale panto! Expect pumpkins, friendly mice, ugly stepsisters and plenty of twists and turns in the Lyric’s production of the beloved childhood classic.
2) Sleeping Beauty
Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, Greenwich SE10 8ES
22nd Nov 2019 to 5th Jan 2020
Andrew Pollard returns to Greenwich Theatre for a very special pantomime which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the reopening of Greenwich Theatre. This is a tale of a sleeping princess, an unlikely hero, and an even more unlikely villain. This gravity-defying treat presents a modern twist on the traditional tale, and promises a family adventure that’s out of this world. It will inspire you to sleep beautifully in your room at The Montcalm.
3) Dick Whittington and his Cat
Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, Hackney E8 1EJ
23rd Nov 2019 to 5th Jan 2020
In Jamaica, young Dick Whittington is boarding a boat; chasing the dream of a new life in the gold-paved streets of glorious London. Little does he know, magic awaits him and his enchanted feline friend far across the ocean… Join Whittington as he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime: fighting rodent royalty, meeting an eccentric fairy and winning the heart of his true love – all whilst trying to find fame and fortune. Whittington is played by Tarinn Callender who you may recognise from the original London cast of the Broadway hit, Hamilton.
4) Snow White
Chickenshed, Chase Side, Southgate N14 4PE
27th Nov 2019 to 11th Jan 2020
This panto is a little further afield, but with a 1960’s setting for the classic fairytale Snow White, it certainly is something unique! Set in a colourful 1960s world where traditional roles are changing fast, what better place for a modern Snow White to ‘find’ herself – in all senses of the word?
An unbelievably huge cast of all ages, a stunning original score and with an upbeat message of how anyone can get to choose the ending of their own story. The most swinging Christmas panto in London this year is the perfect pairing with your afternoon tea for two.
5) The Nativity Panto: A Not-So Silent Night
King’s Head Theatre, 115 Upper Street, Islington N1 1QN
29th Nov 2019 to 11th Jan 2020
Charles Court Opera return with their thirteenth gloriously festive boutique pantomime. This year, they’ve taken the original story that sparked the season and sprinkled it with a helping of magic, whimsy and Christmas cheer. Join a cast of well-known characters in this respectful yet irreverent spin on the nativity for a miraculous mix of jaw-dropping musical numbers, laugh-out-loud puns and – as always – the entirely unexpected! If you are staying in The Montcalm with your family, book a children’s matinee. Or, enjoy an adult-only performance after dining at one of the nearby Marble Arch restaurants.
6) Potted Panto
Southwark Playhouse, 77-85 Newington Causeway, Southwark SE1 6BD
1st Dec 2019 to 11th Jan 2020
If you can only see one panto this season, why not see seven instead? Potted Panto is a production which mashes seven classics into one eighty-minute performance. The result is a madcap ride through the biggest stories and best-loved characters from the wonderful world of pantomime, our dastardly double act dash from rubbing Aladdin’s lamp to roaming the golden streets of Dick Whittington’s London and making sure that Cinderella gets to the ball. You’ll laugh so much you’ll need to find spa weekend deals to cool off.
7) Goldilocks and the Three Bears
London Palladium, 8 Argyll Street, Westminster W1F 7TF
7th Dec 2019 to 12th Jan 2020
This festive extravaganza is packed with riotous comedy routines, extraordinary special effects, hair-raising stunts, international circus acts and an all-star cast including Paul O’Grady, Julian Clary, Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, Matt Baker (The One Show) and Sophie Isaacs as Goldilocks. Don’t make the same mistake Goldilocks made – have a hearty meal in one of the Marble Arch restaurants before leaving for the night!
8) Peter Pan Goes Wrong
Alexandra Palace Theatre, Alexandra Palace Way, Muswell Hill N22 7AY
13th Dec 2019 to 5th Jan 2020
Following their multi-award-winning success with The Play That Goes Wrong and The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, Mischief Theatre return with their riotous spin on a timeless classic, the West End smash hit Peter Pan Goes Wrong. Battling technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes – will the crew make it to Neverland before it’s time for your afternoon tea for two reservation?
9) Aladdin
Harrow Arts Centre, Uxbridge Road, Harrow HA5 4EA
14th Dec 2019 to 28th Dec 2019
With heaps of audience participation, dazzling costumes, spectacular sets and incredible special effects, this production of Aladdin promises to be a GENIE-us pantomime adventure! Guaranteed to make your family’s festive wishes come true and transport you all to warmer climate filled with magic and wonder.
For easy access to holiday pantomimes and more festive fun, book your stay at The Montcalm today!
