Pantomimes are back with a bang this Christmas and there’s something for the whole family in every city across Scotland.
From the classic tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to the reimagined adventures of Peter Pan, this year’s pantomimes will have everyone cheering, laughing, singing and, of course, shouting “he’s behind you.” Get the family together this festive season and enjoy the magic of live theatre.
Aberdeen: The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan
It’s a brand-new adventure for Peter Pan this Christmas in Aberdeen as he heads off on a swashbuckling adventure to Neverland. You’ll spot some familiar faces in the cast - Strictly Come Dancing’s former professional dancer Brendan Cole, River City star Paul J Corrigan and panto Dame Alan McHugh all come together to make sure everyone takes flight for a memorable adventure.
Where: His Majesty's Theatre Aberdeen
When: From Saturday, 3 December until Sunday, 8 January.
Find out more and book your tickets here
Dundee: Cinderella
At Dundee Rep this Christmas, there’s a new story to be told … written and composed by Lynda Radley and Michael John McCarthy. Young farmer Ella has big dreams and needs some help to make them come true. This new musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale, described as an ‘elemental re-telling of classic Cinderella’ will enchant and inspire audiences this festive season. The production is aimed at ages 5+.
Where: Dundee Rep Theatre
When: From Saturday, 26 November until Saturday, 31 December.
Find out more and book your tickets here
Edinburgh: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
While the King’s Theatre undergoes redevelopment, the venue’s famous panto moves to a temporary home at the Festival Theatre. The self-proclaimed ‘most magical panto of all’ is sure to dazzle audiences with its lavish production. Starring stalwarts Allan Stewart and Grant Stott, alongside Scot Squad’s Jordan Young, Clare Gray, Liz Ewing, Brian James Leys and Francesca Ross, you’ll be singing along in no time!
Where: Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
When: From Saturday, 17 December until Sunday, 22 January.
Find out more and book your tickets here
Glasgow: Beauty and the Beast
Pantomime legends Elaine C Smith and Johnny Mac unite for the King’s traditional show which entertains no fewer than 85,000 theatre goers every year. The enchanting story of Beauty and the Beast is always a crowd pleaser and this year’s production will leave the whole family feeling thoroughly entertained and in the festive spirit. You’ll want to book early to secure your seats.
Where: King’s Theatre, Glasgow
When: From Saturday, 26 November until Saturday, 31 December.
Find out more and book your tickets here
Inverness: Peter Pan
Taking place in Eden Court’s largest theatre, the Empire, this panto is a traditional adaptation of JM Barrie’s tale of the boy who wouldn’t grow up. Expect spectacular song and dance routines, a hilarious panto dame and plenty of slapstick as you take off on a memorable adventure from the streets of Inverness to the wonder of Neverland .
Where: Eden Court Theatre, Inverness
When: From Wednesday, 7 December until Sunday, 8 January.
Find out more and book your tickets here
Perth: Jack and the Beanstalk
Fee Fi Fo Fum we smell a hilarious Pantomime! Based on the classic fairytale of Jack and his magic beans, this hilarious re-imagining of the tale will have the whole family chuckling away. Come and join the fun as Lettie Lou, Jack and Jock try to save Middle Perth… This cracker of a pantomime is written and directed by Barrie Hunter.
Where: Perth Theatre
When: From Friday, 25 November until Saturday, 31 December.
Find out more and book your tickets here
Stirling: Maw Goose
Join a bunch of much-loved fairytale characters in The Macrobert’s production of Maw Goose as they try to stop Narcissa’s evil plans. It’s sure to be a hilarious experience as everyone tries to come together to save the day. Based on Mother Goose, this adaptation has been written by Johnny McKnight and directed by Julie Ellen.
Where: Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling
When: Between Friday, 2 and Saturday, 31 December.
Find out more and book your tickets here
Dunfermline: Beauty and the Beast
After the residents of Dunfermline voted for Beauty and the Beast to be this year’s pantomime, the cast can’t wait to dazzle audiences with spectacular sets, special effects and lots of laughs. The Alhambra’s biggest ever panto features the legendary Ian ‘Sheepie’ Smith (who you may have seen last year as the hilarious ‘Buttons’ in Cinderella) alongside much-loved Funbox stars Kevin Macleod and Anya Scott-Rodgers.
Where: Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline
When: Between Thursday 8 and Wednesday 28 December.
Find out more and book your tickets here
Travelling to the pantomime by train
Make the most of your day or evening out to the pantomime by taking the train. Look out for Off-Peak tickets if you're travelling after 9:15am or at anytime on the weekend. And don’t forget, every adult can take up to four kids with them for just £1 return each with a Kids for a Quid ticket when you go Off-peak.