From giant beanstalks in Stockport to fairy-tale adventures in Saddleworth and a customary programme of timeless family entertainment in the city, Greater Manchester’s theatres are gearing up for another season of festive mischief, musical numbers and good old-fashioned audience participation.
It’s never too early, so parents, children and call-and-response fanatics unite: here are the best pantomimes and musicals around Manchester this winter.
A Lowry and Royal & Derngate co-production brings Janet and Allan Ahlberg’s much-loved Christmas tale to Lowry, as the Jolly Postman cycles through a snowy fairy-tale landscape delivering letters and parcels to a cast of familiar characters.
Packed with live music, original songs and a sprinkling of theatrical magic, this festive family show provides a gentler alternative to the traditional panto while keeping the Christmas cheer firmly intact.
Following 2025’s Rumpelstiltskin, The Big Tiny returns to Contact with another suitably riotous fairy-tale reworking, this time putting Sleeping Beauty under its singular spell.
Expect the company’s trademark blend of magic, mischief and playful comedy, with Aurora’s enchanted slumber given a distinctly contemporary spin at the acclaimed indie theatre.
For a night of classic grown-up Christmas entertainment on the naughtier side, Hope Mill Theatre brings the joyous family-friendly season into disrepute once again with Happy Ending Pantomimes’ adults-only spin on Sleeping Beauty.
Princess Rose, Prince Charming and Maleficent get caught up in a decidedly less innocent fairy tale, while Christopher Biggins lends his voice to the Giant in a production billed as the cheekiest panto in town.
Stockport Plaza’s giant family pantomime returns with Jack and the Beanstalk, as EastEnders and The Bill star Todd Carty takes on the role of Fleshcreep.
Devised and directed by Richard Chandler and David Vickers, with spectacular staging and a pile of textbook panto silliness, the Plaza’s legendary art deco auditorium is set to get the full festive treatment throughout December and into the new year.
Award-winning South Manchester AOS returns to Z-arts for its eighth spectacular panto, diving beneath the waves for a fresh take on The Little Mermaid.
With a wicked Sea Witch, an ambitious mermaid princess, dazzling costumes and all-singing, all-dancing choreography guaranteed as ‘shrimply the best’, the November run provides an early festive hit for families in Hulme.
The Met and Big Tiny Production Company head skywards for a giant panto adventure in Bury, as Jack swaps the family cow for a handful of curious beans and finds himself facing towering dangers and a kingdom in need of a hero – in case the plot was a mystery.
Running throughout December, The Met’s festive production promises comedy, show-stopping moments and another generous helping of Christmas sparkle north of town.
Further afield, the Saddleworth Panto returns to Millgate Arts Centre with a local twist on The Pied Piper of Hamelin, as the dastardly Piper threatens everything that makes the valley special.
Young shopkeeper Rudy finds himself caught up in an enchanting adventure involving Fairy Mary, Little Bea Poop and a host of typically colourful characters, with musical numbers, spectacular effects and the customary audience participation.
- Words:
- Wire Editor
- Published on:
- Tue 2 Dec 2025
Hometown comic and panto stalwart Jason Manford and fellow award-winning funnyman Ben Nickless return to the Opera House for a fifth Christmas theatre season together, this time taking on the classic tale of Dick Whittington as the ambitious hero sets off in search of fame, fortune and the Lord Mayor’s office.
With lavish sets and costumes from The London Palladium, plenty of boos and hisses and a familiar pairing in town, the latest production promises an unforgettable experience as Manchester’s big festive panto of the year.