Pantomimes and Christmas shows in Liverpool City Region for 2025

On the first day of Christmas Liverpool region's theatres gave to me...three Cinderellas, two Beanstalks and Beauty and the Beasties and a host of other shows to entertain everyone from three to 103.

It's true the 'greatest fairytale of them all' appears to be the most popular choice for Christmas 2025, but away from pumpkins, glass slippers and clocks striking 12 there's a lot of choice out there this year - whether you want full-blown panto or something a bit different.

In the panto corner, Regal Entertainments is staging its first ever Dick Whittington at St Helens Theatre Royal, while you snooze, you lose at the Floral Pavilion which is home to Sleeping Beauty for the season.

Away from pantomimes, Matilda the musical comes to Liverpool for the first time - appearing at the Empire, while for something a little bit different there's Mel Brooks' outrageous Young Frankenstein at the Playhouse.

And for those who prefer carols to A Christmas Carol, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic will be getting into the Spirit of Christmas again this season.

Here's a run down of what you can see where on a stage near you during December and into the New Year.

The Scouse Christmas Carol – Royal Court

November 7 to January 17

A Christmas Carol has been told every which way since Charles Dickens read it at St George’s Hall a century-and-three-quarters ago – and this year it’s the Royal Court’s turn to give it, well, the Royal Court treatment.

Jacob Marley is dead, and nobody knows who bumped him off. Mary Marley, his missus, is going to track down the killer and she’s got one man in her sights. Scrooge. But how can she make him cough to the crime? 

Ebeneezer is a geezer who always quite fancied Mary, but now she’s ghosting him with the help of the Scratchitt family and Mr Kettiwig. Will he learn his lesson? Will Marley be avenged by three little birds?

Book HERE

Jack and the Beanstalk Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto - Liverpool Everyman

November 15 to January 17

Time to grab some magic beans and tune up those air guitars, because the Everyman’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto is back. And this time it’s with the tallest of stories.

Jack and the Beanstalk, written by Liverpool playwright Chloe Moss, is billed as ‘a musical adventure bursting with cheeky gags, big tunes and festive fun’.

Head up the beanstalk as hero Jack battles a greedy giant, grabs the gold and saves the day.

Rock n Roll panto anchorman Adam Keast plays Fairy Spacecake and Zoe West, fresh from scooping the title of ‘top villain’ at the UK Pantomime Awards, is evil Alan Sucre. Liam Tobin is the Dame.

Book HERE

Cinderella – Shakespeare North Playhouse

November 21 to January 10

In the Kingdom of Prescotisia lives a young woman called Cinderella, whose world is turned upside down when her beloved mother suddenly disappears, and her father remarries. Even worse, it turns out Cinders’ new stepmother, Filania, is awful – and so are her two dreadful daughters.

When Prince Flarf of Crosbinia decides to throw a huge party, they are determined to be celebrated as the belles of the ball while Cinderella is left home alone.

But all is not lost because happily, help is at hand in the form of Fairy 23780, better known as Mandy, who is fresh from Fairy Godmother school and excited to be able to assist Cinderella to find her missing mum AND win the heart of the handsome prince to boot. Or rather, glass slipper.

Book HERE

Dick Whittington – St Helens Theatre Royal

November 28 to January 11

There are adventures aplenty when poor-but-ambitious young Dick Whittington leaves his Merseyside home to travel to London, where he’s heard the streets are paved with gold, accompanied only by his loyal cat Tommi.

There in the big city he is befriended by a magical fairy, falls for Alice the beautiful daughter of big-hearted businesswoman Felicity Fitzwarren, and does battle with the villainous King Rat. Will our hero find his fortune and live happily ever after with his true love? Or will the dastardly King Rat and his gang succeed in foiling his dreams?

Emmerdale’s Matthew Wolfenden plays Whittington.

Book HERE

Royal Court Stocking Fillers - Royal Court Studio

November 28 to January 3

Stocking Fillers returns to the Royal Court Studio for another year and with six new 10-minute festive plays to entertain audiences.

Billed as a merry mix of comedy and drama, the Stocking Fillers will make you feel “Christmassy from your head to your mistle-toes” and “shouting for myrrh”.

The short plays are written by members of the Royal Court’s writing groups and each evening four talented actors will bring them to life before your very eyes. Stocking Fillers wraps up six different shows, so there is something for everyone.

Book HERE

Matilda the Musical - Liverpool Empire

December 2 to January 4

The Liverpool Empire marks its centenary year with the arrival not of a traditional panto but with multi-award-winning smash hit musical Matilda.

Matilda is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.

Based on Roald Dahl’s inimitable young heroine, the musical has a book by Dennis Kelly, lyrics and music by Tim Minchin and is directed here by Matthew Warchus.

Book HERE

Young Frankenstein - Liverpool Playhouse

December 3 to January 3

The acclaimed Hope Mill Theatre brings its version of Mel Brook’s Young Frankenstein to Williamson Square this festive season.

Adapted by Brooks from his 1974 film starring Gene Wilder, Young Frankenstein tells the tells the story of the grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced “Fronk-en-steen”) who inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania.

With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced “Eye-gore”), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga (pronounced normally), Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. “It’s alive!” he exclaims as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather’s. Eventually, of course, the monster escapes….

Book HERE

Cinderella - Epstein Theatre

December 5 to January 4

The Epstein Theatre is going to the ball this season after being dark for the past two Christmases, and with the greatest fairytale of them all.

Regal Entertainments brings its hit production of Cinderella to Hanover Street, with a lavish treat in store for audiences.

Corrie’s Katie McGlynn is Cinders, Leanne Campbell is the Fairy Godmother and Kevin Duala plays Cinderella’s best friend Buttons.

Book HERE

Beauty and the Beast - The Atkinson

December 5-31

KD Theatre Productions returns to The Atkinson this Christmas with the enchanting Beauty and the Beast fairytale.

When a vain and selfish Prince is cursed to live as a fearsome Beast, his only hope is to find true love before the final rose petal falls. But who could ever love a Beast? Will Belle be the one to break the curse and save the day?

The sparkling production promises dazzling costumes, hilarious comedy, live music, plenty of audience participation and a few hairy surprises along the way in a show bursting with personality, charm and panto magic from start to finish.

Book HERE

Sleeping Beauty - Floral Pavilion

December 6 to January 4

The Floral Pavilion has a starry Christmas cast waiting to transport people to the land of Sleeping Beauty this season.

Eternal’s Kelle Bryan will sprinkle seasonal sparkle over proceedings as Fairy Snowfall, while Princess Rose is played by Olivier Award-winning Cleo Demetriou (one of the original Matildas in Tim Minchin’s hit musical).

They are joined by Blood Brothers star, and Wirral panto favourite, Sean Jones who this yea plays Lester the Jester with lightning-fast one-liners and irrepressible energy.

A cursed princess, an evil spell, a race against time…what more could you ask?

Book HERE

Peter Pan - Gladstone Theatre Port Sunlight

December 6-31

Dreamworld Entertainments invites Gladstone Theatre family audiences to take flight to Neverland this Christmas with The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan.

Join the dastardly Captain Hook (Darren John Langford) and mischievous Tink (Tasha Rowson), along with Peter (Lewis Pryor) and Wendy (Darcey Blake), in a swashbuckling journey packed with adventure, laughter and a sprinkle of fairy dust.

Michael Chapman is Dame Tootles and Michael Alan Bailey as Smee in the magical tale.

Book HERE

Cinderella - The Brindley

December 11 to January 11

Magic wands, pumpkins and midnight chimes? It can only be the world’s favourite fairytale Cinderella, set to entertain Runcorn panto audiences this festive season.

New Pantomime Productions brings the greatest fairytale of them all to the Brindley stage, promising dazzling costumes, plenty of jokes, singalong songs and fun for all the family.

CBBC’s Simon Grant, Eurovision’s Nicki French and Brindley panto favourite Matt Dallen are among the cast for 2025.

Book HERE

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – Auditorium at M&S Bank Arena

December 12-28

Could Snow White be the fairest pantomime of them all? There’s only one way to find out.

Described as Liverpool’s biggest ever pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs takes over the arena’s Auditorium stage for seasonal shenanigans.

Ellis Lloyd is the eponymous Snow White, Corrie’s Helen Flanagan plays the Wicked Queen, X Factor’s Sean Smith is the Prince and there’s the return of comedy star Bippo, this time playing Muddles.

Will the Wicked Queen’s jealousy win the day? Or will Snow White meet her handsome prince and live happily ever after?

Book HERE

Sleep Can Wait! - Unity Theatre

December 12-13, 20 and 22-23

On a snowy winter’s night, with excitement in the air and sleep nowhere to be found, three children open a magical book, and are whisked away on an adventure far from the comfort of their bedroom.

Head for the Unity for a heart-warming, high-energy journey through myths, legends, and imagination in this enchanting, physical theatre show, packed with fun, laughter, and wonder.

Sleep Can Wait is a collaboration between the Unity and Tmesis Theatre.

Book HERE

Spirit of Christmas – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

December 19-20 and 22-23

It wouldn’t be Christmas in Liverpool without a trip to the Philharmonic Hall.

So Come, All Ye Faithful and join the RLPO, Choir and Youth Choirs, all conducted by Matthew Harrison, for an evening of magical and moving music making, with carols both new and old, and plenty of chance for some audience participation.

This year’s very special guest presenter is British-based, German baritone Benjaimin Appl, and as well as introducing the music he will be lending his voice as guest artist too. A seasonal treat.

Book HERE

Santa’s Christmas Party – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

December 20-21

Father Christmas is getting ready to throw his little elves an absolute cracker of a Christmas party at the Philharmonic Hall this December – and everyone is invited.

With the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Children’s Choirs providing a sparkling soundtrack, get ready for seasonal singalongs, plenty of dancing, and fun and games galore in this family festive extravaganza.

Alasdair Malloy is on presenting duties as always and Ellie Slorach conducts at the concerts which are aimed at five to 10-year-olds and their families.

Book HERE

Meanwhile Further Afield....

Beauty and the Beast - Storyhouse Chester

December 5 to January 4

Packed with laughter, music, spectacle and seasonal joy, Beauty and the Beast aims to take Storyhouse audiences on a magical and heart-warming adventure this season.

Expect laugh-out-loud scenes, spectacular surprises, dancing candelabras and clocks, audience interaction and plenty of brilliant pop favourites including A.P.T, I Wanna Dance with Somebody and K-Pop hit Golden making this a Christmas show the whole family can share together.

Book HERE

Jack and the Beanstalk – Oak Theatre, Scarisbrick

December 13-24

When Jack Trott (Corrie's Calum Lill) swaps the family cow for a bag of beans, his mum isn’t best pleased. But when the beans sprout…and keep growing, they lead to the tallest of adventures in the clouds.

Can Jack outwit the wily Fleshcreep and rescue his sweetheart Princess Jill from the clutches of the giant? Or will he fee-fi-fo fumble his chance to be a hero? There’s only one way to find out.

Audiences can expect two-and-a-half hours of toe-tapping song and dance, colourful costumes, fantastic sets – encompassing the venue’s 4k digital wall, and stunning special effects all wrapped up in a hilarious laugh-a-minute script.

Book HERE