Yahoo News It’s curtain-up on panto season – here’s where to take in all the family Christmas shows across Hull and East Yorkshire
A visit to any kind of Christmas show offers an escape from the hectic rush of the festive season for the adults and a true taste of magic for younger ones.
A pantomime is often a child’s first experience of live theatre and everyone can enjoy such a wonderful mood-lifter, from the “in” jokes the actors will crack to the slapstick comedy on stage. The Hull and East Yorkshire area is blessed with theatrical groups aplenty, ready to give their all in a bumper programme of Christmas entertainment for 2024.
The traditional pantos like Jack and the Beanstalk and Aladdin join with musical tales and even a swashbuckling adventure with a festive twist on the Christmas calendar of events. Santa, Scrooge and Jack Frost will also be getting in on the act, depending on which show you choose for your family’s entertainment this year.
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Here is just a selection of the shows that are coming up in the region. Be sure to check each venue for booking details and ticket availability.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Starring the Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer and Dancing on Ice finalist Brendan Cole as the Evil Ringmaster, Goldilocks and the Three Bears will also see the return of Hull's favourite comic Neil Hurst, back for his fifth season, and also Jack Land Noble who last year was one-half of the theatre's Wicked Stepsister Duo.
The theatre will be transformed into a sensational circus, where everything is possible, and anything could (and will) happen. A festive extravaganza packed with riotous comedy, extraordinary special effects, hair-raising stunts and international circus acts.
Hull New Theatre, from December 11 to 31
The Snow Queen
Parkway Beverley and TaleGate Theatre Productions invite you to the coolest panto this Christmas - The Snow Queen. Jack Frost has convinced the Snow Queen to rule over Bevonia causing Winter to last forever.
Thank goodness for the Summer Fairy – will she save the day? - and fabulous panto dame, Nancy Neapolitan and her silly Reindeer friends. A fast-paced, highly entertaining frozen feast of family fun featuring pop songs, magic and puppets.
Parkway Beverley, Flemingate, various dates between December 14 and 30
Aladdin
Beverly Musical Theatre presents the popular panto tale from the Arabian Nights. The wicked wizard Abanazar is on the hunt for the magical lamp and only one person can stand between him and world domination – Aladdin!
Magic and mayhem are on the cards, with songs, jokes and a few surprise along the way.
Beverley Memorial Hall, Lairgate, running now until December 1
The Borrowers
Discover a magical hidden world under the floorboards! Arrietty Clock is an adventurous and spritely “Borrower”, secretly living under the floorboards of a country house in rural East Yorkshire with her family.
This small, but perfectly formed family borrow from the humans above – furnishing their home and fuelling their appetites with their finds - but Arrietty longs for freedom and fresh air; then an evacuee, a human boy from neighbouring Hull, arrives in the main house, Arrietty becomes curious, and starts making mistakes.
Hull Truck Theatre, November 29 to January 4, 2025
Rod Campbell’s Dear Santa Live
Santa is determined to deliver the most fantastic Christmas present to Sarah, but he doesn't get it right straight away. With the help of his cheeky Elf, he finally settles on something “perfect”, just in time for Christmas Eve.
From the author of the well-loved children's book “Dear Zoo”, Rod Campbell, comes “Dear Santa” with a live show that is an ideal introduction to theatre for those aged two and over. The Christmas cheer continues, with the opportunity to meet Santa in his grotto after the show.
Hull City Hall, December 1 and 2
Fairytale of New York
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Irish culture as the talented singers, musicians and dancers perform a world class concert featuring all the festive favourites including Driving Home for Christmas and of course The Fairytale of New York.
Hull City Hall, December 7
Rapunzel
Celebrating and exploring themes of friendship, bravery and adventure, this heart-warming festive production will have young audiences and their families beaming from ear to ear long after the applause.
Godber Studio, Hull Truck Theatre, December 12 to 29
Jack and the Beanstalk
Bill Ward (Coronation Street and Emmerdale) is headlining this year's panto as the giant's sidekick, Fleshcreep. Plus favourites Troy Harris as Muddles and Joe Standerline as Dame Trott return to the stage - with Brian Blessed as the voice of Giant Blunderbore.
Bridlington Spa, South Marine Drive, December 14 to January 5, 2025
Treasure Island
The rock'n'roll Hull panto, with Middle Child Theatre, returns with another anarchic take on a classic story. Catch it down Humber Street this Christmas to jump aboard and kickstart a swashbuckling new tradition.
Social, Humber Street, Hull, December 20 to 29
Elf The Musical
With catchy songs, lively choreography, and a touching story about love and friendship, it's a feel-good experience that will leave you with a smile on your face and the joy of the holiday season in your heart.
Connexin Live, Hull, December 27 to 29
Bauble Town
An enchanting new musical full of laughter, puppets and Christmas magic! It’s Christmas week and Bauble Town is buzzing as the baubles wait to be chosen by a new family to take their place of honour on the Christmas tree – but will Bob, the most unassuming bauble on the shelf, fit with the other ornaments?
East Riding Libraries, on tour with various dates from November 30 to December 24
A Christmas Carol
Share in a magical celebration of tradition and cheer as East Riding Theatre presents the 10th Anniversary Special of “A Christmas Carol”, a great show for all the family. Written by Charles Dickens, adapted by Vincent Regan and directed by John McAndrew, this timeless classic takes audiences into the enchanting world of Ebenezer Scrooge who discovers the true spirit of Christmas.
East Riding Theatre, Lord Roberts Road, Beverley, December 5 to 28
Beauty & The Beast
An enchanting retelling of the classic fairytale, Beauty & The Beast. Using the original tale as inspiration, this magical production promotes the wonder of books, words, and music – perfect for families and audiences with a taste for adventure.
Junction Goole, Paradise Place, December 10 to 29
Talegate Theatre also invites you to be their guest for their magical version of Beauty and the Beast. Follow the beautiful Belle as she is trapped in an enchanted castle by a fearsome Beast - book your tickets before the last petal falls.
The Freedom Centre, Preston Road, Hull, December 7 and 8
Jack Frost’s Christmas Wish
A magical, musical Christmas production, Jack Frost’s Christmas Wish is written by Elizabeth Godber and directed by Jane Thornton. Everyone knows that Jack Frost is from the North Pole, and that he can make it snow, frost-up windows, and freeze anything in sight…right?
Pocklington Arts Centre, Market Place, December 12 to 15 and 20 to 24
Dick Whittington
Dick Whittington and Diddles the Cat will provide the purr-fect family pantomime, courtesy of Hessle Theatre Company. With matinee and evening performances.
Hessle Town Hall, December 6 to 8
Cirquoise Christmas Spectacular
This is when a visit to a garden centre takes on an altogether different vibe. Cirquoise: The Christmas Circus Spectacular will astound the whole family with amazing circus skills.
Langlands Garden Centre, York Road, Shiptonthorpe, daily from December 14 to January 5, 2025 (excluding December 16, 25 and 26 and January 1)
Santa Claus Showtime
With Santa Claus excited to make his return, visitors can expect a stocking full of songs, games and yuletide cheer. Starring Santa, Mrs Claus and their team of playful elves, each performance will feature a mix of original songs, holiday classics and interactive games that will have children singing and dancing along; after the show, families can join a treasure hunt around the market.
Trinity Market, Hull, every Saturday until December 21, with various showtimes during the day
