Christmas Shows and Pantos in Liverpool and beyond in 2026
Christmas is on the horizon – oh yes, it is – and that means just one thing. It’s panto time again.
A century ago, pantomimes opened on Christmas Eve and ran through well into the New Year. Over the intervening years, however, the start of the festive season has got earlier and earlier with the first shows in 2026 opening in early November.
As usual the Royal Court and the Everyman are the vanguard of the festive frivolity, but there are also a host of other seasonal shows close on their tails.
This year brings with it, if not a partridge in a pear tree, then at least two Cinderellas, two Snow Whites, and a good spread of other fairytale fare including Rapunzel, Peter Pan, Aladdin, Dick Whittington, Jack and the Beanstalk, Robin Hood and Sleeping Beauty.
And in addition to panto, there are and a whole host of other offerings on stages across the City Region and just beyond, including (non-festive) musicals and shows which channel some of the spirit of Christmas.
Here’s what you can enjoy where in a season that promises to be jolly.
The Scouse Nativity - Royal Court
November 6 – January 16 2027
The Royal Court is first out of the starting blocks this season and Court regulars are in for an absolute treat with the return of the glorious Scouse Nativity.
Kevin Fearon’s Liverpudlian version of ‘the greatest story ever told’ was a smash-hit for the theatre in 2017, and now it’s back for more seasonal shepherd-led mayhem.
Returning cast Paul Duckworth, Keddy Sutton and Lindzi Germain are joined by a host of Royal Court regulars and a new face or two.
Read a review of the 2017 show HERE
Book HERE
It’s a Wonderful Life – Royal Court Studio
November 12-28
Welcome back too to Bedford Falls where it’s Christmas 1945 and George Bailey, a down-on-his-luck banker believes life has passed him by, and he’s at the end of his rope.
But when his guardian angel, Clarence, appears, George is astounded to witness what life could be like without all of the good deeds he’s done. Maybe it’s a wonderful life, after all?
Inspired by the 1946 Frank Capra film of the same name, Mary Elliott Nelson’s enchanting adaptation is a feel-good story which shows just how valuable the gift of life is, and how large of an impact even one person can have on the lives of so many others.
It’s a Wonderful Life, an Old Fruit Jars Production in association with the Royal Court, was first staged in the Studio in 2024 and returned last year.
Read a review of It’s a Wonderful Life HERE
Book HERE
Beauty and the Beast - Liverpool Everyman
November 14 – January 16 2027
The Everyman is promising a ‘riot of riffs, rhythms and romance’ with the return of the ever-popular Rock ‘n’ Roll panto this Christmas.
Audiences can expect powerhouse vocals, electrifying tunes and some wild costumes in a show that’s ‘a little naughty, a lot loud, and totally live’.
The panto is penned by Joe Ward Munrow and directed by Nathan Powell, and the cast includes Adryne Calder-James as Bella, Damien James as ‘the Beast’ and Zoe West as Garston (geddit?!) while Liam Tobin is a dame called Anita, and rock ‘n’ roll regular Adam Keast plays Davey.
Book HERE
The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan - St Helens Theatre Royal
November 28 to January 10 2027
It’s second star to the right – and straight on till January for the cast of The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan which flies in to St Helens Theatre Royal this season.
Mark ‘the Beast’ Labett is the loftiest of baddies as a giant Captain Hook, while former Strictly dancer Flavia Cacace is Tinkerbell in this Neverland-based seasonal romp.
The cast also included Connor Darren James as Pan, Lauren McCrory as Wendy, Lewis Devine as Smee and Richard Aucott as Mrs Smee.
Book HERE
Little Shop of Horrors - Liverpool Playhouse
December 3 – January 9 2027
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the film version of Little Shop of Horrors, and the Playhouse is celebrating by bringing a new production to the Williamson Square stage for Christmas.
The new revival of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s stage musical is produced by Thomas Hopkins Productions and Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre and directed and choreographed by Olivier Award nominee Carrie-Anne Ingrouille.
Liverpool favourite Michael Starke plays flower shop owner Mr Mushnik. And he is joined by Emmerdale’s Jessie Elland as Audrey, along with Jed Berry as Seymour, Marcus Ayton as the voice of the voracious man-eating Audrey II and Benjamin Yates as sinister dentist Orin Scrivello.
Book HERE
Stocking Fillers - Royal Court Studio
December 4 – 30
The Royal Court’s Stocking Fillers are back for another festive season, and this year there are seven new short plays inspired by Christmas being performed by a cast of four in The Studio over the course of one evening.
This year’s playlets, which are all penned by graduates of the venue’s Stage Write course, are: Siren Night by Harriet Ball; Day 521 on Solus IV by Ed Connole; Jacqui Dunne’s Meeting the New One; Christmas Jumpers by David Ellis; Little Things Like Love by Richard Hunt; The Spirit of Christmas by Ste Mc and Maxine McCarthy’s play CrackerJack.
Stocking Fillers is directed by Alex King (It’s a Wonderful Life).
Book HERE
Cinderella - The Atkinson, Southport
December 4 -31
The clock is ticking down to this year’s Christmas panto at The Atkinson which sees KD Theatre Productions return to the venue, this time with ‘the greatest fairytale of them all’.
Cinderella is played by newcomer Tamara Stelfest with the cast also including Joe Churms as Prince Charming, Gregor Duncan as Buttons, Lacey Creed as Dandini, Ferdinand de Leon (from Disney’s The Lion King) as the Fairy Godmother and Terry Burns – Southport’s favourite panto dame - and James Stirling as the Ugly Sisters.
Book HERE
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Epstein Theatre
December 5 – January 3 2027
Magic mirrors, poisoned apples and a septet of mini besties – it can only be Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, hi ho-ing it into Liverpool to entertain Epstein family audiences this festive season.
Corrie’s Ryan Mulvey plays Prince Fredrick while Elisha Mae Curry makes her Regal Entertainments’ panto debut as the titular heroine after triumphing in open auditions which attracted 90 would-be Snow Whites to the Hanover Street theatre.
The cast also features Leanne Campbell as a human Magic Mirror, Shania Pain as the Wicked Queen and Tom Isted as Muddles, while the dwarfs are played by young performers but voiced by a gang of very recognisable names including Ricky Tomlinson, Pete Price, Louis Emerick and John May.
Book HERE
Aladdin - Floral Pavilion
December 5 to January 3 2027
There’s plenty of magic in the air at the Floral Pavilion with the venue offering a magic carpet ride through the Christmas season.
Aladdin is promised to be ‘bigger, bolder and more magical’ with plenty of opportunity for New Brighton audiences to boo the baddie, cheer the heroes and enjoy plenty of other traditional panto interaction.
The cast includes BAFTA-winning Raven host James Mackenzie as the villainous Abanazar, panto prankster Sean Jones (returning for his seventh year) as Wishee Washee, Scott Gallagher as Widow Twankey, James-Royden Lyley as Aladdin, SIX the Musical’s Yna Montarde as Princess Jasmine, John-Paul Birss as the Emperor and Rosie Royle as the Spirit of the Ring.
Book HERE
Dick Whittington - Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight
December 5-31
Join Dick, his trusty cat and a cast of colourful characters as they embark on a magical journey of discovery, friendship and courage at the Gladstone Theatre in Port Sunlight this Christmas.
Theatregoers are promised big laughs and plenty of spectacle in the Dreamworld Entertainments production which stars Darren John Langford as the dastardly King Rat.
He is joined on stage by Lewis Pryor as Dick Whittington, Sarah Craig as Fairy Bowbells, Emily Payne as Alice Fitzwarren, the terribly naughty Michael Chapman as Sarah the Cook and Michael Alan Bailey as Pie-man Simon.
Book HERE
The Pantomime Adventures of Robin Hood – Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park
December 5-8
Deep in Sherwood Forest, the evil Sheriff of Nottingham is causing chaos throughout the kingdom, but Robin Hood and his loyal band of Merry Men are ready to fight back.
Joined by the fearless but slightly crazy Jill Scarlett, the hilarious Friar Tuck and guided by the magical Spirit of Sherwood, Robin must outsmart the Sheriff and restore peace to the land.
Trio Entertainment presents The Pantomime Adventures of Robin Hood at the Knowsley Culture and Leisure Park, and the merry band of players is headed by Stuart Earp as the titular outlaw. Jordan Bateman, Chelsea Thorley-Earp, Farron Ronan and Chantelle Morgan also star.
Book HERE
Mamma Mia! – Liverpool Empire
December 8 – January 3 2027
Here they go again, my my, how can you resist it? The Empire rounds off a very busy year by welcoming the smash-hit stage musical Mamma Mia! for Christmas 2026.
When Sophie, about to get married on the Greek island where she was brought up, embarks on a quest to discover the father she’s never known it brings her mother Donna face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget.
But which one of the three (if any) is Sophie’s father? And will there be more than one happily ever after?
Jenn Griffin plays Donna while Hazel Baldwin is Sophie.
Book HERE
Snow White - The Brindley
December 9 - January 10 2027
When the preening Wicked Queen asks the magic mirror who is the fairest of them all, she doesn’t like the answer she receives and decides to take drastic action to regain the title.
The sweet Snow White is in danger. But happily she also has plenty of friends and protectors out there – some of them tall, and some of them small.
New Pantomime Productions presents Snow White at The Brindley at Runcorn this Christmas.
The panto cast includes Jo Lloyd as the Wicked Queen, Laura Bazely as the Fairy, Mikey Rowan as the Prince, Matt Dallen as Muddles, Liam Darbyshire as Sarah and Emma Laverty as Snow White.
Book HERE
The Night the Toys Came to Life – Unity Theatre
December 11-23
Christmas is nearly here, and the presents are waiting patiently under the tree. But when one very unhappy teddy bear realises that the children might have outgrown him, he fears he’ll never be played with again.
When the motley crew of forgotten and new toys discover that Christmas itself is in danger, they have to solve a magical mystery and save Christmas before it’s too late.
Packed with physicality, puppetry and playful storytelling, The Night the Toys Came to Life is described as a joyful, funny and magical Christmas adventure for little ones.
Book HERE
Rapunzel - Hope Street Theatre
December 11-31
Let down your hair and get in the Christmas spirit at the Hope Street Theatre this December in the company of Rapunzel.
She's been trapped at the top of the Radio City Tower for years, guarded by the gloriously wicked Mother Gothel.
But when a fast-talking busker from Bold Street crashes into her world, Rapunzel discovers there's more to Liverpool than the view from the 14th floor.
Expect big laughs, bigger wigs, and the Dame who keeps coming back for more.
Book HERE
Cinderella – Auditorium at the M&S Bank Arena
December 12-29
Cinderella dreams of escaping her life of chores and meeting the handsome Prince Charming.
When a royal ball is announced, it seems her wish might finally come true with the help of her trusted best friend Buttons and the prince's right-hand man, Dandini.
But with the wicked Ugly Sisters causing trouble at every turn, and time running out, will everything fall into place?
With a little help from her Fairy Godmother, a sprinkle of magic, and a single glass slipper… perhaps Cinderella’s dreams really can come true.
Cinderella stars Rebecca Lake in the title role, Strictly’s Neil Jones as Prince Charming (from December 20 only), audience favourite Bippo as Buttons and ‘the Queen of Scotty Road’ as Dandini, Dominic Mattos as the Fairy Godmother, and Oral Ridpath and Shelley Anne Rivers as the Ugly Sisters.
Book HERE
And further afield...
Rapunzel – Storyhouse
December 4 – January 3 2027
Big beats, big hair and even bigger festive fun….it’s Rapunzel in Chester this Christmas.
The traditional tale is being given a special Storyhouse glow-up with a show that is billed as fast, funny and packed with ‘dazzling dance moves, magical mischief and an irresistible soundtrack of mega hits.’
High in her tower, Rapunzel dreams of seeing the world far beyond the walls that surround her. But when a charming visitor appears, a hilarious adventure ensues…and Rapunzel discovers she has more power than she ever imagined.
Book HERE
Sleeping Beauty - Oak Theatre, Scarisbrick
December 11-31
Welcome to Dreamland where Princess Aurora is preparing to celebrate her 18th birthday with a huge party. Prince George the Dragon-Slayer (BGT’s George Sampson) has arrived from a far-flung kingdom, and Wally is causing mayhem as they put the finishing touches to the festivities. But Dame Dolly is worried.
Tonight is the night of Carabosse’s evil curse. Aurora will prick her finger on a spinning wheel and die. Luckily the fairy is on hand to save the day…if only she could remember where she put her magic wand.
Anton Bensons Productions returns to Scarisbrick near Ormskirk with a cast which also includes Jess Poole as Carabosse, David Foster as Dame Dolly, Mary Shanker as Fairy Starlight, Danny Childs as Wally and Suzanne Fulton as Princess Aurora.
Book HERE