Sexual innuendo, raunchy jokes, exuberant drag and girls dressed as boys in thigh-length boots; it doesn’t sound much like a kids’ show I know, but welcome to the world of pantomime! We've rounded up the best pantos and Christmas shows in town (including a few that are definitely just for the grown-ups!). What is a pantomime? Pantomimes, or pantos for short, can trace their roots back to the sixteenth century and Italy’s Commedia dell’Arte, featuring the mischievous character of Harlequin. By the early eighteenth century these shows of music, slapstick comedy and acrobatics were so popular that in 1732 Harlequin actor John Rich used his panto profits to build Covent Garden Theatre. The Theatres Act of 1843 permitted the use of dialogue in all plays, which led to the introduction of the jokes, puns and cheeky word play so integral to pantos today. By the end of the nineteenth century, extravagant costumes became a key part of the shows which usually opened on Boxing Day, hence the link with Christmas. Traditionally a woman plays the role of Principal Boy and a man plays the Dame. The Principal Boy usually wears a short, belted tunic and thigh-length boots, allowing for much thigh-slapping to take place, whilst the dame gets the most gaudy, glittery, over-the-top costume of the night. If you were playing panto-casting bingo, you’d be hoping for a burly retired boxer or rugby player for the dame, a glamorous soap opera/reality TV star for the principal boy, a comedian or magician for the sidekick and a singer (ideally a veteran diva or ex-boy band member) for any other role. In stark contrast to most other theatre, audience participation is actively encouraged in the world of panto. This will be led and prompted by the cast, within traditional rules: Booing and hissing of baddies (don’t worry, you’ll know who the baddies are!) Warning the goodies when a baddie is around, or they are searching for something; spoiler alert, the warning is ‘It’s behind you!’ Sympathising with goodies; a long ‘Aaaaaaaahh’ if you feel sorry for them Disagreeing with baddies; they will say ‘Oh yes it is!’ to which the audience shouts ‘Oh no it isn’t!’ (or the other way round) If you go to the very last performance of a pantomime, it may not seem to run quite as smoothly as you might expect. This is traditionally when the cast and crew prank each other during the performance, leaving the actor to style it out live on stage. London Pantos for 2025/6 Robin Hood at the New Wimbledon Theatre, Wimbledon The majestic Edwardian auditorium of the New Wimbledon Theatre is a perfect backdrop to this classic, much-loved panto. A starry cast includes dancers Ashley Banjo and Diversity as Robin Hood and his Merry Men, comedian and magician Pete Firman as Will Scarlet, musical theatre star Lauren Hampton as Maid Marian and veteran panto villian Steve Arnott as the scheming Sheriff of Nottingham. Dates: 6th December 2025-4th January 2026 Best for: Those south of the river who want to go to a proper panto without trekking in to central London Tickets from (+ booking fee) Book here Pinocchio, Wandsworth This much-loved tale of everybody's favourite pants-on-fire puppet promises an adventure for audiences of all ages, which you can enjoy at the Wandsworth Civic Suite this festive season. Along the way you’ll follow an unforgettable cast of characters on their journey of friendship, bravery, support and, above all, honesty. Dates: 13th-23rd December 2025 Best for: Those looking for a great value family panto Tickets from (+ booking fee) Book here Sleeping Beauty at the London Palladium, Soho Undeniably pricy but the OG of London panto venues, expect extravagant sets, lavish costumes and every beloved panto trope you could hope for. With Julian Clary cast as King Julian alongside Catherine Tate as Carabosse the wicked fairy and Nigel Havers as Keeper of the Privy, we’re expecting the classic panto innuendo and double-entendre game to be particularly strong. Dates: 6th December 2025-11th January 2026 Best for: A star-studded cast, and the ultimate panto experience Tickets from Book here Cinderella at the Hackney Empire, Hackney Hackney Empire pantos are more of a good clean fun, community affair; this is reflected in the fact that children of all ages are welcome, with children aged 3 and under sitting on an adult’s lap getting in free of charge. Panto veteran Clive Rowe directs Siobhan James as Cinderella, Nicholas McLean as Buttons, Alexandra Waite-Roberts as the Wicked Stepmother and Kat B and George Heyworth as Flatula and Nausea, the Ugly Sisters. Running time is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, including a 20 minute interval. Dates: 25th November-31st December 2025 Best for: Those with a young family Tickets from (plus booking fee per ticket online, per ticket over the phone) Book here Dick Whittington and his Catford Cat at the Broadway Theatre, Lewisham This classic folk tale of London’s most famous mayor has been transformed into an elaborate musical extravaganza inspired by the Windrush Generation and marking 77 years since the HMT Empire Windrush arrived with its very first passengers. Packed full of joyful characters, slapstick humour, popular showtunes and dazzling dance routines from Lindy hop to hip hop, this year’s spectacular production will run for three and a half weeks in December. Dates: 9th-31st December 2025 Best for: A joyful celebration of London's diversity and history Tickets from Book here Mama Goose at the Theatre Royal Stratford East, Stratford Another lovely local panto suitable for all ages; if you are bringing a child under 2, then you can pay for a lap seat. Expect a classic tale with a special East London twist. This year it's the turn of Mama Goose, featuring Charlie Cameron as AI Jill, Duane Gooden as Mama Goose and Mya Fox-Scott as BFF (The Bougie Fierce Fairy). This is one of the most popular pantomimes outside of central London and well worth the trip; if you’re an east London local, lucky you. Running time is approximately 2 hours, plus an interval. Dates: 21st November 2025-3rd January 2026 Best for: Those with a young family, and panto-loving east Londoners who don’t fancy the West End Tickets from Book here If pantos are not your thing, you can get your Christmas vibes from some outdoor ice skating, winter markets or a walking tour of London's Christmas lights - or check out these other festive classics. Other Christmas Shows The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre, West End Back for its 28th year with Sadler’s Wells in the West End, journey to the North Pole with Raymond Briggs’s famous snowman for an evening of magic, dance and storytelling. It also features a live orchestra and one of the most famous songs ever. All together now: ‘We’re walking in the air . . . ‘ Dates: 26th November 2025-5th January 2026 Best for: Getting into the festive spirit Tickets from Book here A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic, Waterloo Paul Hilton (Slow Horses, The Crown) stars as Scrooge in Jack Thorne’s adaptation of Dickens’s classic Christmas tale. This fabulous immersive staging is suitable for children aged 8 and over; it’s a lovely way to get those festive feels – and The Old Vic will be raising money for charity throughout the run. Dates: 12th November 2025-10th January 2026 Best for: Celebrating a much-loved literary classic Tickets from Book here Cheapo Top Tip: If you live in Lambeth or Southwark, you are eligible for local discounts: check out the details here. The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum, Covent Garden Nothing says it’s nearly Christmas like the English National Ballet’s production of this festive favourite (except maybe that half-opened advent calendar with the dodgy chocolate Santas). Adventures and romance abound, along with gorgeous scenery and costumes that whisk you into a magical world. Dates: 11th Dec 2025-11th January 2026 Best for: Ethereal Christmas entertainment Tickets from plus booking fees Book here David Copperfield at the Jermyn Street Theatre, West End Charles Court Opera traditionally offer ‘boutique pantos’ with a more classic literary or historical inspiration than the usual fairy tale. This year’s co-production with the Guildford Shakespeare Company is Dickens classic David Copperfield - presented by just three actors playing all the roles. Dates: 20th November-20th December 2025 Best for: Eccentric intellectual fun Tickets from Book here Shows for the Grown-Ups These next few come with a Parental Advisory sticker: 'contains filthy festive fun'. Beauty and the Beast; a Horny Love Story, Charing Cross Theatre Award-winning adult-panto queens He’s Behind You! return with an outrageous new version of the classic love story. With the irrepressible Matthew Baldwin back for 2025, there will be fabulous classic panto fun, frocks and frolics - just definitely NOT for the whole family! Dates: 21st Nov 2025-11 Jan 2026 Best for: Adults only Tickets from Book here Lovers Actually, The Other Palace A hilarious and irreverently naughty take on one of the best-loved classic Christmas movies. Will Mark give his best friend's new wife a little more than just cue cards? Will the prime minister show his staff the real meaning of a hung parliament? Book now to find out! Dates: 3rd December 2025-4th Jan 2026 Best for: Adults only (16+) Tickets from Book here Sinderella, Scala Billed as 'London's naughtiest adult pantomime', expect some top-tier innuendo and double-entendre as Cinderella, Prince Donkey Dick, Buttons and the two Ugly Slappers go in search of balls, with some clssic party anthems along the way. Dates: 19th December 2025-11th Jan 2026 Best for: Adults only (18+) Tickets from Book here While we do our best to ensure it is correct, information is subject to change. This article was originally published in November 2017. Last updated on 3rd December 2025.
A Cheapo's guide to London
A Cheapo's guide to London
A Cheapo's guide to London