Everybody pooh-poohs the pantomime, but really it is a magical British affair that everybody loves to see. Christmas really wouldn’t be Christmas without a true traditional pantomime or festive play added to its agenda. If you’re looking for some festive fun this Christmas in Surrey and South-West London, check out this selection of pantomimes, shows and concerts – all great for families and a cheerful way to celebrate the season.
YA
Beauty and The Beast
- Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford
- Sat 29 Nov 2025 - Sun 4 Jan 2026
- Tickets from £15
A traditional tale with a modern twist, accessible for younger kids and nostalgic for adults. It stars Lucy Benjamin (EastEnders, Detectorists), along with local favourites Matt Pinches (Guildford Shakespeare Company) and Radio Surrey panto dame veteran Peter Gordon.
NVT
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- New Victoria Theatre, Woking
- Fri 5 Dec 2025 - Sun 4 Jan 2026
- Tickets from £13
A big production with star names – ideal if spectacle and special effects are your thing. The cast includes Lesley Joseph (as The Wicked Queen) and Rob Rinder (as The Man in the Mirror). The New Victoria panto is always a lavish affair, and this year should be no exception. Listen out too for some great dialogue between Mr Rinder and Ms Joseph.
RT
Cinderella
- Richmond Theatre
- Sat 6 Dec 2025 - Sun 4 Jan 2026
- Tickets from £13
Another no-holds-barred experience that offers a really big, bright Christmas treat. Expect big song and dance numbers with West End favourite Charlie Stemp as Buttons alongside Call the Midwife star (and ex-Strictly contestant) Helen George. Basil Brush is also on hand to add to the comedy mayhem.
NWT
Robin Hood
- New Wimbledon Theatre
- Sat 6 Dec 2025 - Sun 4 Jan 2026
- Tickets from £13
Introducing Pete Firman: a fab magician and comedian who is worth the ticket price alone. There will also be some standout dance numbers, as Ashley Banjo and Diversity join the expedition into the heart of Sherwood Forest.
Camberley Theatre
Aladdin
- Camberley Theatre
- 4 to 31 December 2025
Get ready to join Aladdin on the adventure of a lifetime in this year’s spectacular family pantomime. Follow our cheeky hero and his loveable mother Widow Twankey as they journey through bustling marketplaces, enchanted caves, and royal palaces in their quest to stop the evil sorcerer Abanazar. Determined to become master of the world, Abanazar will stop at nothing to get his hands on the magic lamp – but with the help of the all‑powerful Genie of the Lamp and the mischievous Spirit of the Ring, Aladdin might just have a chance to save the day.
ET
Sleeping Beauty
- Esher Theatre
- 4 to 31 December 2025
- Tickets from £22
Traditional family fun from the pen of panto royalty Bobby Davro, who stars as Muddles. The cast also includes Mark Bradford as Nanny Nora and Debbie Arnold as The Wicked Fairy.
Lyric
Jack and the Beanstalk
- Lyric Hammersmith
- Nov 15 2025 to Jan 4 2026
- Tickets from £10
Fleshcreep Academy pupil Jack reaches new heights, courtesy of panto supremos Sonia Jalaly and Nicholai La Barrie. This creative spin on Jack and The Beanstalk is guaranteed to be a Hammersmith hoot.
Theatre Royal Windsor
Cinderella
- Theatre Royal Windsor
- Nov 21 2025 to Jan 11 2026
- Tickets from £19
A bumper cast includes 80s heartthrob and Dynasty star Michael Praed as Baron Hard-up. Packed with sparkles, this enchanting family favourite is guaranteed to get toes tapping on the way to the ballroom.
Even more local pantos
Cinderella
- The Rose Theatre, Kingston
- Nov 26 2025 to Jan 4 2026
- Tickets from £16.50
A fresh take on this familiar festive favourite. Ella learns that happily-ever-afters aren’t always what they seem, and that family and friendship might be the greatest magic of all.
Millie and Snowy’s Magical Christmas Tree
- Hampton Hill Theatre
- Dec 13 – 24 2025
- Tickets from £12
A surefire winner for children aged 5-8. The holidays are at hand, but Millie isn’t feeling festive. Her dad can’t afford a Christmas tree and – worse – he won’t let her keep Snowy, the big, fluffy white dog she has rescued. Can Millie and Snowy save Christmas?
Jack and the Beanstalk
- Cecil Hepworth Playhouse, Walton
- Jan 16 – 18 2026
- Tickets £15 (adults); £10 (children)
Every year, the Desborough Players' panto sells out. This year, the fun-filled script comes from the busiest man in panto-land, Alan Frayn.
The Snowflake
- Polka Theatre, Wimbledon
- Nov 29 to Jan 25
- Tickets from £13
Pure delight for children aged 3-6. Based on the Christmas story by Benji Davies, this timeless tale of a snowflake, a little girl and her Pappie – all longing for their own special place in the world – shows how everyone can shine.
A Christmas Carol
- Twickenham Exchange
- Dec 10 & 11 2025
- Tickets £16
A new adaptation of Dickens’s own performance script by Vincent Franklin (Happy Valley, Doc Martin), guaranteed to chill your blood and warm your heart.
The Nativity Journey
- The Wintershall Estate, Bramley
- Dec 18-21 2025
- Tickets £27 (adults), £15 (children)
A truly atmospheric event evoking the true meaning of Christmas, visitors can stand with the shepherds and follow Mary and Joseph as they prepare for the birth of their son.
