From Salford swashbucklers to arena-sized adventures to Oz and beyond, Manchester’s acclaimed theatres are decking the halls with another dazzling array of enchanting pantos and family musicals this festive season.
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.
Starring comedic superstar Jason Manford alongside Britain’s Got Talent finalist and seasoned panto castmate Ben Nickless, Opera House Manchester’s production of Robin Hood rides from the streets of town into Sherwood Forest for a classic Christmas blockbuster, as the loveable outlaw and his merry men stage an adventure for the ages, evading the Sheriff with trademark cheek and courage in a large-scale production to delight the whole family.
This December, the smash-hit West End production of the C.S. Lewis classic brings the journey of a lifetime to Lowry for an unmissable festive run.
Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter on their wintry odyssey through the magical kingdom of Narnia as they unite with Aslan and battle against the Ice Queen in a timeless tale of courage, sacrifice and love that promises ‘a fantastical family treat’ (Telegraph).
For grown-ups, Hope Mill Theatre hosts the ‘udderly cheeky, naughtiest version of Jack and the Beanstalk you’ve ever dared to see’. Filled with filthy innuendos, best to leave the kids at home for this one…
Acclaimed theatre company The Big Tiny take over Contact with a riotous reimagining of the Grimm fairytale this December.
Packed with classic storytelling, larger-than-life performances and whip-smart comedy, this vibrant production invites audiences into the heart of Bavaria’s Black Forest, where a scheming imp plots against the townspeople from his hovel underneath the haunted hollow tree.
With Cupid absent for twenty years and evil in the shadows, the town of Lieblingsberg needs all the help it can get to overcome Rumpelstiltskin’s nastiness and restore holiday cheer to their Alpine home.
Book tickets below.
On the night before the night before Christmas, the cavernous AO Arena bcomes a breathtaking big top experience as World’s Biggest Productions presents an all-new staging of the Wicked Wizard of Oz, complete with forty performers and a show-stopping circus twist on the grandest scale.
Led by the stars of Elf – The Arena Spectacular, the iconic pantomime collides with jaw-dropping aerial acrobatics, spellbinding special effects and incredible choreography as Dorothy, Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion and and the Tin Man – reimagined as a ten-foot transformer – venture over the rainbow and along a yellow brick road filled with high wires, broomstick-borne witches and flying monkeys on the way to the wicked wizard’s Emerald Circus.
Salford Arts Theatre presents a traditional version of Dick Whittington across a blockbuster run from Wed 3 to Wed 31 Dec.
Harry Luty and the theatre’s in-house Professional Family Pantomime outfit breathe new life into the classic tale of the hopeful adventurer and his faithful cat, as they reckon with the wicked King Rat on their voyage to fame and fortune.
Performed in an intimate setting with charming community spirit, SAT’s 2025 Christmas special promises humour, warmth and a generous helping of audience participation for parents and children alike.
Pick your dates and book tickets below.
Featuring dazzling set design, slapstick mischief and irresistible sing-a-longs, Stockport Plaza’s Aladdin transforms ‘the North West’s home of sensational pantomime’ into a magical desert realm, as the daring young street urchin discovers an ancient, wisecracking genie inside a magic lamp and, armed with three wishes and endless possibilities, embarks on an action-packed journey to defeat the evil Abanzabar and win the heart of his princess.
Aladdin stars Coronation Street‘s Brian Capron, CBBC Presenter Karim Zeroual and the much-loved Scott Gallagher.
- Words:
- Wire Editor
- Published on:
- Tue 2 Dec 2025
Heading to Bolton’s neoclassical Albert Halls, The New Adventures of Peter Pan is jam-packed with spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes, amazing special effects, lots of audience participation, plenty of comedy and a good helping of fairy dust!