From classic wintry tales in Bolton to new Antarctic odysseys in Sale, there is a vast array of interactive musical magic on show across Greater Manchester throughout Christmas.
Parents, children and call-and-response fanatics unite: here are the best pantomimes and musicals around Manchester during the festive season.
Returning to Contact Theatre for a second year, eight-freestyle’s production of Robin Hood runs from Sat 10 Dec to New Year’s Eve with a classic tale of ‘courage, friendship and bad puns’ set to the uniquely joyous sounds of upbeat 80s pop.
Based on the beloved children’s book The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum, the world premiere of Claus The Musical promises a show ‘as magical as Christmas itself’. Featuring spellbinding songs, enchanting sets and ‘a whole load of festive fun’, guests of all ages are invited to discover the story of Claus and how he became the original spirit of Christmas.
Led by comedic superstar Jason Manford as Captain Hook alongside Britain’s Got Talent finalist Ben Nickless as Smee, The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan transports families on a swashbuckling journey to Neverland in a cavalcade of ‘amazing special effects, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and barrel-loads of laughter.’
Starring Eastenders’ Cheryl Fergison and The Royle Family’s Phil Mealey, Cinderella runs at Stockport’s art deco jewel for a month as ‘The North West’s Premier Family Pantomime’, with a full supporting cast and immersive set design.
A brand new stage adaptation from the writers of the Octagon’s smash hit production of Treasure Island, this joyous interpretation of A Christmas Carol follows the classic tale of Ebeneezer Scrooge and his festive redemption with ‘toe-tapping live music and a good splash of magic.’
Billed as ‘a traditional pantomime’, Harry Luty’s Jack and the Beanstalk runs throughout December at Salford Arts Theatre in a series of intimate, engaging shows ideal for kids who prefer their musical magic up close.
- Words:
- Wolf McFarlane
- Published on:
- Thu 15 Dec 2022
Running at Sale’s Waterside Arts from Wed 30 Nov to Sat 31 Dec, The Man Who Wanted To Be A Penguin brings family-friendly ‘playful energy’ and a mix of puppetry, music and song to follow the story of an extraordinary explorer whose journey to Antarctica celebrates ‘wild creativity and the joy of individuality’.