The best Pantomimes on in London This Christmas

It's never too early to plan festive entertainment for all the family to enjoy...

A person wearing a pirate costume, including a large hat, striped pants, and a red and white patterned shirt, stands in front of a starry background illuminated by a spotlight. They have an expressive, surprised look on their face.
Theatre Royal Stratford East via Facebook

It's pantomime season - oh, yes, it is! The quintessential, camp British tradition brings colourful characters and fabulous change of style and pace to any theatre's roster, and London's West End has a long history of providing fantastic festive entertainment, especially when it comes to pantomime. However, it’s not just the West End that is packed with panto fun - there are some brilliant pantomimes wherever you look in London this year. 

There are kid-friendly classics as well as raucous adult-only shows packed with  panto dames, lavishly colourful costumes and sets, plus plenty of sing-along performances; read on for all the info you need!


Napoleon Bonaparte: Un Petit Pantomime

A pantomime Napoleon Bonaparte, dressed in full military regalia, peers at the viewer from behind a red curtain
Jermyn Street Theatre

Jermyn Street Theatre 21 Nov 2024 to 5 Jan 2025

The historical French dictator gets the Christmas panto treatment, courtesy of boutique pantomime producers Charles Court Opera


Robin Hood at the London Palladium

The London Palladium 7 Dec 2024 to 12 Jan 2025

Christmas panto doesn’t get much bigger than the London Palladium! This year Julian Clary stars as Robin Hood, with singer and Loose Woman Jane McDonald opposite as Maid Marion


Dick Whittington and his Cat at The Hackney Empire

Promotional poster for Dick Whittington and his Cat at The Hackney Empire

The Hackney Empire 23 Nov 2024 to 5 Jan 2025

This joyful retelling of the classic British rags-to-riches pantomime tale returns to the Empire, now playing its 25th panto!


Theatre Royal Stratdord East presents…Pinocchio!

Promotional poster for Pinocchio at Theatre Royal Stratdord East
TheatreWeekly.com

Theatre Royal Stratford East 23 Nov 2024 to 4 Jan 2025

The puppet who became a boy takes centre-stage for the Christmas pantomime at Theatre Royal Stratford East


Alladin at The Lyric Theatre Hammersmith

Promotional poster for Alladin at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre; Alladin posing in a breakdance move on his flying carpet, against a purple night-sky backdrop with the moon and several multi-coloured paint explosions
WestEndTheatre.com

Lyric Theatre Hammersmith 16 Nov 2024 to 5 Jan 2025

Alladin is a local dancer who “works” at the Wishy Washy Launderette - when he falls for Jasmine, trouble ensues! The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre brings you its take on the classic tale this Christmas


Beauty and the Beast at Richmond Theatre

Promotional poster for Beauty and the Beast pantomime at Richmond Theatre
ATGTickets.com

Richmond Theatre 7 Dec 2024 to 5 Jan 2025

One of the most romantic tales of all time, told in panto fashion!


Jack and the Beanstalk at New Wimbledon Theatre

Wimbledon Theatre 7 Dec 2024 to 5 Dec 2025

Join Jack and family at the New Wimbledon Theatre for a magical Christmas pantomime, featuring Alexandra Burke and joe Pasquale!


Sleeping Beauty at The Broadway Theatre Catford

Promotional poster for Sleeping Beauty pantomime at Theatre Broadway Catford
Catford Broadway

Theatre Broadway Catford 4 Dec 2024 to 31 Dec 2024

Theatre Broadway Catford’s Christmas pantomime - from award-winning director Susie McKenna - is a soulful and fantastically fun take on the classic Gothic fairytale