Panto season 2023: the best family pantomimes across the UK
The best family pantomimes mix slapstick, songs, a booming dame and plenty of "he's behind you!", and the UK's classic panto theatres do it better than anyone. Panto season is in full swing, with shows running from late November into early January. Here are nine theatres famous for their pantos, tips for each age group and how to make the day easy, from parking to post-show pizza.
What's on: panto season at a glance
Most pantomimes run through December and into the first week of January, with extra matinees during the school holidays. Every theatre picks a classic story each year, such as Cinderella, Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk or Peter Pan, so check what's on locally.
| Theatre | City | Known for | Best ages | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London Palladium | London | star-studded West End panto | 6+ | £££ |
| Hackney Empire | London | traditional community panto | 4+ | ££ |
| Lyric Hammersmith | London | modern, funny panto | 5+ | ££ |
| Theatre Royal Stratford East | London | lively East End panto | 4+ | ££ |
| Birmingham Hippodrome | Birmingham | big-budget spectacular | 5+ | £££ |
| Liverpool Everyman | Liverpool | rock'n'roll panto | 6+ | ££ |
| York Theatre Royal | York | classic family panto | 4+ | ££ |
| Sheffield Lyceum | Sheffield | traditional panto | 4+ | ££ |
| Theatre Royal Newcastle | Newcastle | long-running star panto | 5+ | ££ |
Price per ticket: £ = under about £15, ££ = about £15–£40, £££ = over £40. Rough guide only, prices change.
Check dates, relaxed performances and prices on the official website before you book.
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What's in it for kids by age
Little ones love the colours, the songs and shouting at the stage; older kids get the jokes and the slapstick.
- Ages two to four: a short matinee, aisle seats and a relaxed performance if available. Studio pantos for under-fives are a gentle first taste.
- Ages five to eight: the perfect panto age, with full participation in every "oh no it isn't!".
- Ages nine and up: they'll enjoy the topical jokes, the special effects and spotting the celebrity in the cast.
Top family pantomimes across the UK
The big-name pantos are at the London Palladium and Birmingham Hippodrome, while community favourites like Hackney Empire and York Theatre Royal are loved for their warmth.
In London, the London Palladium puts on a glitzy show with big stars. Hackney Empire and Theatre Royal Stratford East are much-loved local pantos with great atmosphere, and Lyric Hammersmith is known for a fresh, funny take.
Outside the capital, Birmingham Hippodrome stages one of the UK's biggest pantos. The Liverpool Everyman is famous for its rock'n'roll panto with live music. York Theatre Royal, Sheffield Lyceum and Theatre Royal Newcastle all have long panto traditions.
Practical tips: parking, prams and baby change
Book a matinee, arrive 30 minutes early and leave the pushchair in the car or the theatre's buggy park.
- Prams: most theatres have a cloakroom or buggy park, but you can't take pushchairs into the auditorium.
- Booster seats: many theatres lend booster cushions for children, so ask at the front of house.
- Parking: city-centre car parks fill up at weekends in December, so public transport is often easier.
- Baby change: available in most large theatres, but queues at the interval are long.
- Snacks: pack quiet snacks, and bring a little money for the interval ice cream.
Where to eat nearby
Plan a late lunch or early tea near the theatre, ideally somewhere that welcomes families and serves food quickly. Chain restaurants and pizza places near city-centre theatres are usually easy with children. Booking ahead is wise on December weekends.
Find kid-friendly restaurants near your theatre on the Kid.ooo map. For twin-mum family life and days out, take a look at @girl_twin_mum_plus_one on Instagram.
Alternatives if it's busy
If the big pantos are sold out, look for local amateur, village hall and studio pantos, which are cheaper and often more relaxed. Many arts centres also put on Christmas shows for under-fives.
For an indoor alternative on a wet holiday day, try our list of the best soft play centres in the UK. If your family loves stories, our literary days out for kids guide has more ideas for the holidays.
More family attractions on the Kid.ooo map
Kid.ooo is a free family days out map where parents share theatres, attractions, playgrounds and cafés. Use it to find things to do with kids near me this Christmas, and kid-friendly cafés near me for before or after the show.
Explore family attractions on the Kid.ooo map
Missing your favourite local panto venue? Add it to Kid.ooo and help other parents find a brilliant Christmas show.
Frequently asked questions
What age is panto suitable for?
Most pantomimes suit children from about three, and many toddlers enjoy them too if the show isn't too long. Shows usually run two to two and a half hours with an interval, so a matinee is best for little ones.
What is a relaxed panto performance?
A relaxed performance keeps the house lights low but on, turns down loud effects and lets children move around or leave and come back. It suits children with autism, sensory needs or anyone who finds theatres overwhelming.
When does panto season run?
Most pantos open in late November or early December and run until early January. Matinees in the school holidays sell out first, so book early.
Are there cheaper panto tickets for families?
Many theatres offer family tickets, preview discounts and cheaper weekday matinees. Smaller community and studio pantos are also great value.
Find family places near you
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