Winter Shows and Pantos 2025-26
From magical pantomimes and much-loved storybook characters to live music, puppetry and spectacular circus shows, there’s no shortage of festive entertainment for families this Christmas and New Year. Whether you’re looking for a gentle first theatre experience for little ones, a relaxed performance, or a full-scale panto packed with sparkle and laughs, venues across Greater Manchester and Cheshire have something for everyone. Many productions also offer accessible and family-friendly performances, making it easier for all to enjoy the magic of the season. Take a look at our pick of festive shows and events running throughout December and into January.
A Christmas Carol
13 November – 10 January
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
An Octagon Theatre Bolton new musical adaptation.
A joyful stage adaptation of the festive classic
Whilst Christmas cheer and goodwill thrive across Victorian England, tight-fisted Ebenezer Scrooge goes to bed on Christmas Eve with no compassion or love in his heart. However, that night he is visited by the ghost of his old business partner Jacob Marley and is taken on a mystical journey through yuletides past, present and future – will he be able to see the error of his ways before it’s too late?
This joyful stage adaptation features toe-tapping music, festive fun and a good splash of magic. This heart-warming and uplifting tale of redemption is the perfect festive treat for the whole family.
Age guidance: 5+
Octagon Theatre
Howell Croft South, Bolton, BL1 1SB
Tel: 01204 520661
www.octagonbolton.co.uk
Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas
4 – 27 December
Waterside Arts Centre
Step inside the bloomin’ brilliant world of Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas this winter!
Children of all ages will delight in Briggs’ grumpy but loveable Father Christmas as he gets ready for his busiest day of the year: Christmas Eve. Watch as he prepares his Christmas deliveries, feeds his reindeer and finally takes flight into the snowy night.
But things don’t run smoothly and he soon encounters soot-covered chimneys to squeeze through and treacherous weather conditions, all while plenty of mischief is had by his cheeky pets, Cat and Dog.
With plenty of live music, songs and playful puppetry, this critically acclaimed adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ much loved book is a delightful festive treat for children and families to enjoy.
Age guidance: 3+
Waterside
1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, Trafford M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
www.watersidearts.org
Aladdin
5 December – 1 January
Buxton Opera House
A Buxton Opera House Production
When the charming but poor Aladdin meets a Princess, he thinks all his dreams have come true, until he comes across a magical lamp and a Genie who grants him three wishes. However, this is panto, and the course of true love never did run smooth… Will Aladdin outsmart evil Aveajaffa and what will his meddlesome Mother Dame Twankey have to say?
Expect masterful music, mesmerising costumes, and the pantomime mayhem you know and love!
Content warning: loud bangs, flashing lights, smoke and haze
Buxton Opera House
Water street, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN
Tel: 01298 72190
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
Alladin
5 December – 4 January
The Plaza
Take a magical carpet ride to the North West’s home of sensational pantomime entertainment for their glittering production of Aladdin. Starring Brian Capron, star of Coronation Street and many TV and stage presentations who makes a welcome return as the really evil Abanazar, and Karim Zeroual, best known for anchoring CBBC as a presenter for 8 years and reaching the final of Strictly Come Dancing in 2019, who will be appearing as Aladdin. Plus full supporting cast including the much loved Scott Gallagher who returns as Wishee Washee.
BSL Interpreted Performances – Saturday 6th December at 7.30pm & Thursday 11th December at 10.30am and 2.30pm
Stockport Plaza
Mersey Square, Stockport SK1 1SP
Box office: 0161 477 7779
www.stockportplaza.co.uk
Hallé Christmas Family Concert: Sleigh Ride Adventure
7 December 3pm
The Bridgewater Hall
Hop aboard for a musical sleigh ride adventure with the Hallé!
With a little help from conductor Euan Shields, children’s TV presenter Abby Cook, your fantastic orchestra, and the brilliant Hallé Youth Training Choir, you’ll explore Christmas music, old and new.
You’ll jingle all the way through festive favourites including famous TV and film music…and of course there’ll be some carols and sing-alongs so everyone can join in!
So, grab your jingle bells and your brightest smiles and come and join us for a marvellously merry and magical start to the Christmas season!
Age guidance: most suitable for ages 5-13.
The Bridgewater Hall
Lower Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3WS
Tel: 0161 907 9000
www.halle.co.uk
Mrs Claus Saves Christmas
10 – 24 December
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
An Octagon Theatre Bolton and Big Tiny production
As Mrs Claus prepares holiday treats, things spiral into a recipe-tangling disaster. With everything going wrong, she’ll need help from the children in the audience! A fun-filled, magical adventure where kids join the action to save Christmas.
Age guidance: 3-7 years
Warning: Use of flashing lights and water based smoke
Octagon Theatre
Howell Croft South, Bolton, BL1 1SB
Tel: 01204 520661
www.octagonbolton.co.uk
Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show
11 December 2024 – 4 January 2026
Aviva Studios
Produced by Circa Contemporary Circus by special arrangement with Aardman
Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show combines the extreme physicality and awe-inspiring feats of the internationally-acclaimed Australian circus ensemble Circa and the playful charm of the multi-award-winning, globally successful Academy Award®-winning, independent studio Aardman’s animation Shaun the Sheep.
Expect a visual spectacle for the entire family, packed full of Aardman’s signature comedy and outright hilarity, as the Circa ensemble continues to blur the lines between movement, dance, theatre and circus. Watch Shaun and the Flock entertain the audience through incredible feats of daredevil acrobatics and vibrant circus skills.
Aviva Studios,
Water St, Manchester M3 4JQ
Tel: 0333 322 8679
www.factoryinternational.org
Beauty and The Beast
12 December – 4 January
Storyhouse Theatre
Come to see a magical Christmas show bursting with pop favourites, laughter, and unforgettable moments, all wrapped up in a heartwarming story for the whole family. With enchanting characters, spectacular surprises, and plenty of chances to cheer, sing, and dance along. This production of Beauty and The Beast is sure to leave you spellbound. Prepare for a roaring good time!
Warning: use of smoke and haze
Storyhouse Theatre,
Hunter St, Chester CH1 2AR
Tel: 01244 409 113
www.storyhouse.com
More about this show on Mums&Dads pages
Comedysportz Improvised Panto (Tots)
13 December, 2.30pm
Waterside Arts Centre
Bored of the same pantomimes every year? The ComedySportz team are back this Christmas for more Totally Improvised Pantomimes! Heroes, villains, songs and silliness are guaranteed this December as the gang create brand-new pantomime adventures using audience suggestions… and a sprinkling of fairy dust.
This show from the award-winning ComedySportz team is sure to delight audiences of all ages with shows for families, tots and even an adults-only show which promises to be raunchier and ruder, but no less silly fun! Each show is a loving pastiche of familiar pantomime tropes and characters where anything can happen. The performers don’t know their roles beforehand, and audiences might even get involved in the action! There will be live music and songs, games and plenty of festive fun for all.
Waterside
Age recommended: 6 and under
1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, Trafford M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
www.watersidearts.org
Comedysportz Improvised Panto (Juniors)
13 December, 4.30pm & 6.30pm
Waterside Arts Centre
The award-winning ComedySportz team is bringing another performance aimed for slightly older kids but it’s still will be enjoyable by audiences of all ages with shows for families.
The performers step onstage without knowing their roles in advance, and the audience may even become part of the action! The story and songs are created spontaneously, with live music, playful games, and plenty of festive fun for everyone.
The Totally Improvised Pantomimes have proven to be a real hit with audiences with sell-out shows across the North West last year so early booking is advised!
Age guidance: 7+
Waterside
1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, Trafford M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
www.watersidearts.org
A Pirates’ Panto
13, 14 December 2pm
Wythenshawe Forum
Forum Events in Conjunction with OnYaBike Theatre Company
Join the festive fun and discover the swashbuckling story of Pirates’ Panto
Main Hall, Wythenshawe Forum Centre,
Simonsway Wythenshawe, Manchester M22 5RX
Tel: 0161 935 4000
www.wythenshaweforum.co.uk/events/hall-events/christmas-pantomime-a-pirates-panto
The Elves and the Shoemaker
13 – 23 December
Buxton Opera House at Pavilion Arts Centre
A Buxton Opera House Production
It’s nearly Christmas and the elves are on a mission… who can they help tonight? Will it be the kind, hard-working shoemaker? Can they use their magic to work through the night and save the day? A classic story retold with music, interaction, and a whole lot of fun!
Age: 3+
Pavilion Arts Centre,
St John’s Road, Buxton, SK17 6BE
Tel: 01298 72190
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
Hallé Home Alone in Concert
15 December 7.30pm
The Bridgewater Hall
A true holiday favourite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by the The Hallé Orchestra.
Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Through this Hilarious and heart-warming film, join the Hallé for an evening of holiday fun for the entire family!
The Bridgewater Hall
Lower Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3WS
Tel: 0161 907 9000
www.halle.co.uk
Hallé The Snowman & Shaun the Sheep
20 December 4pm, 21 December 11am, 1.30pm
The Bridgewater Hall
The Snowman will be walking in the air, followed by a ‘ewe’-nique performance from Shaun the Sheep, as the Hallé brings the captivating music of these beloved characters to life in this enthralling concert for all ages.
Sit back and enjoy the films on the Big Screen whilst the talented musicians of the Hallé accompany The Snowman as he soars through the wintry sky and Shaun the Sheep gets up to festive mischief in The Flight Before Christmas!
For fans of Wallace & Gromit, Julian Nott’s Theme and Chase will bring the beloved duo’s adventurous spirit to the stage, adding to this unmissable family-friendly celebration of music and storytelling. A concert for all ages to enjoy.
The Bridgewater Hall
Lower Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3WS
Tel: 0161 907 9000
www.halle.co.uk
Cinderella
9 – 18 January
Waterside Arts Centre
Presented by Sale Nomads
Sale Nomads traditional family pantomime, the ever popular, Cinderella!
This classic fairy tale will be brought to life with dynamic songs, dazzling dance numbers, laugh out loud comedy and lashings of magical fairy dust.
Will Cinders make it to the ball? Will the Ugly Sisters get their comeuppance? Will the Fairy Godmother save the day? Come to the Waterside in January to find out for yourselves!
A fun filled treat for all the family, packed with sparkle, slapstick and magical creatures!
Cinderella the Panto – now that’s what we call magic!
Age recommended: all ages
Waterside
1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, Trafford M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
www.watersidearts.org
The Three Little Pigs, The Musical
11 January 2026
Buxton Opera House
Wise Owl Theatre licensed through Music Theatre International
When Mama Pig decides it’s time for her three little ones – sporty Bar, nature-loving Bee and bookworm Q – to leave their messy pigpen behind and build new homes, the adventure begins. Armed with hay, sticks, and bricks, they must work together to outsmart the big bad wolf and navigate the big, bad world. With plenty of laughs and thrills, they discover that success comes from hard work and sticking together.
Age recommended: 3+
Buxton Opera House
Water street, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN
Tel: 01298 72190
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker In Havana
24, 25 January 2026
Storyhouse Theatre
Bursting with colour, warmth and Cuban spirit, this dazzling new production transforms Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet into a joyous tribute to life, love, family and the magic of Havana.
Showcasing a stunning ensemble of over 20 world-class dancers from Acosta Danza, Carlos Acosta’s acclaimed Havana-based company, this Nutcracker keeps the heart of the classic tale: a young girl swept into a wondrous world, while infusing it with the rich culture, rhythms and history of Cuba. Expect breathtaking choreography, irresistible energy and a Nutcracker unlike anything you’ve seen before.
Storyhouse Theatre,
Hunter St, Chester CH1 2AR
Tel: 01244 409 113
www.storyhouse.com
Tales from Acorn Wood
7 December February 2pm & Sunday 8th February at 11am and 2pm
The Plaza
Produced by Norwell Lapley Productions Ltd
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage for the first time in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience. Expect a lot of toe-tapping songs, puppetry, and all the friends from Acorn Wood.
Poor old Fox has lost his socks! Are they in the kitchen or inside the clock? And Rat-a-tat-tat! Who’s that keeping tired Rabbit awake? You can also join in with Pig and Hen’s game of hide-and-seek and discover the special surprise Postman Bear is planning for his friends.
Stockport Plaza
Mersey Square, Stockport SK1 1SP
Box office: 0161 477 7779
www.stockportplaza.co.uk
Pop Princesses – World Tour
16 February 2026, 3pm
The Plaza
A Magical show where beautiful Princesses become Pop Stars. They just love to sing! It’s the perfect mix!
This is the children’s pop concert with a big difference. The four fabulous Fairy tale Princesses are back, and this time they are on their first World Tour! Come and join them on this epic around-the-globe show.
Featuring a soundtrack of top pop hits from artists such as Taylor Swift. Meghan Trainor and Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa and Lizzo, plus a few of the best songs from all your favourite Films and Musicals. The Pop Princesses are embarking on their biggest adventure yet. Join the fun as the Princesses go International!
Stockport Plaza
Mersey Square, Stockport SK1 1SP
Box office: 0161 477 7779
www.stockportplaza.co.uk
Dinosaur Adventure Live: Danger on T-Rex Mountain
21 February 2026, 2pm
The Plaza
A dinosaur show 65 million years in the making… Are you ready for the BRAND NEW adventure?
Join intrepid rangers on a quest to recover the data crystal, restore power to the island and save the Dinosaurs! Stomp, Roar and Swish your tail as we introduce you to some of the most incredible species ever to have lived on planet Earth. An unforgettable Jurassic experience for all the family to enjoy. Learn their history with our amazing Dino-facts, meet our beautiful baby dinosaurs and even feed them, but watch out… you could be on the menu. Feel the excitement as you come face-to-face with a T-Rex and hear it’s roooooooarrrrrr!
This awe-inspiring interactive stage show captivates both young and young at heart, immersing audiences in the enthralling & realistic world of Dinosaurs. You won’t want to miss this adventure of a lifetime, so hold onto your kids as this show will blow them away!
Stockport Plaza
Mersey Square, Stockport SK1 1SP
Box office: 0161 477 7779
www.stockportplaza.co.uk
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
21, 22 February 2026
Storyhouse Theatre
Rockefeller Studios production
The Very Hungry Caterpillar has been dazzling audiences around the globe for over seven years, faithfully bringing to the stage Eric Carle’s timeless classics.
Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, this production of the critically acclaimed show features a menagerie of over 75 magical puppets. The production faithfully adapts four stories by author/illustrator Eric Carle: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Busy Spider and of course, the star of the show – The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Storyhouse Theatre,
Hunter St, Chester CH1 2AR
Tel: 01244 409 113
www.storyhouse.com
Past article about this show on Mums&Dads pages
