Yahoo News Pantomimes and Christmas shows taking place across Northern Ireland this festive season
Christmas is quickly creeping up on us and soon Northern Ireland will be in full festive celebrations.
One great way to get yourself in the holiday spirit is by heading down to your local theatre for a fantastic Christmas show or panto.
Whether you want a family-friendly festive outing, a classic Pantomime performance or an adults-only performance for a Christmas night out, there are plenty of great shows coming up this year.
Read more: Belfast Christmas Market 2024 dates, opening times and everything else we know
Read more: Top travel magazine names Belfast Christmas Market as one of the best in the UK
Although it would be nearly impossible to list all the brilliant shows and performances happening for Christmas 2024, we have rounded up a number of pantos, plays and musicals across the country to check out.
The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan - Belfast
Where: Grand Opera House
Northern Ireland’s largest pantomime is back for another magical year with The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan.
In a flash and with a twinkle of fairy dust, the Grand Opera House’s iconic stage magically transforms into Neverland for our most breath-taking, thrilling seasonal spectacular yet.
Aboard the Jolly Roger, Captain Hook is doomed forever to do battle with his two big adversaries - Peter Pan, and an ever-hungry, ever-lurking crocodile. Hook’s hilarious pirate crew can perform heart-stopping acrobatic tricks, but Peter Pan constantly eludes them as he launches into thrilling displays of aerial combat.
Find out more here
A Christmas Carol - Belfast
Where: Lyric Theatre
Step into the enchanting world of Charles Dickens' timeless classic, A Christmas Carol, joyously reimagined for the stage by the award-winning and much-beloved playwright, Marie Jones.
Join for a heart warming journey through the streets of Victorian Belfast as you follow the journey of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Nobody hates Christmas more than the selfish miser Ebenezer Scrooge. But on a cold Christmas Eve, he’s taken on an extraordinary journey through time that presents him with an opportunity to face his past — and change the future — before time runs out.
Find out more here
Elvis Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Belfast
Where: MAC
The hilarious Caroline Curran returns to the MAC this December with a fantastic festive comedy show, Elvis Yourself a Merry Little Christmas!
“It’s now or never” for best mates Marty and Frankie who are die hard Elvis fans and all they want this Christmas is to go to their idols (tribute) concert In Las Vegas before one of them leaves “The Ghetto”. But will getting delayed at the airport have these two “Caught in a Trap” for Christmas?
Come and join the gang that brought you last years hit, Are Yule Being Served? for a rocking new Christmas comedy, and let us have you "All Shook Up" this Christmas!
Find out more here
The Adventures of Red Riding Hood - Belfast
Where: MAC
Join on an action-packed, fun-filled journey through our fairytale planet with feisty heroine, Red Riding Hood.
But in a race to visit Granny Hood with a festive hamper of goodies, could it be a case of mistaken identity for media star Red Riding Hood, the jealous Goldilocks, or the Big (or not so) Bad Wolf?
Packed with original songs, captivating animations and on-screen visuals, larger than life characters and lots of opportunities to join in the fun, find out if good or evil will wear the red hood this Christmas at the MAC, in a fresh twist on a timeless story.
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A Miracle in Great Victoria Street - Belfast
Where: Grand Opera House
Santa once got stuck up a chimney… but now he is stuck in Belfast.
He is unable to deliver the children’s presents in his sleigh due to all of the traffic disruption on Great Victoria Street.
Will Santa make it? Will the children get their presents? Will someone sort out the traffic chaos? Will a miracle happen in Great Victoria Street?
With some of the greatest Christmas songs performed by the cast including Last Christmas, All I Want for Christmas and White Christmas, you are guaranteed a night of fun, mayhem and nostalgia.
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Sleeping Beauty - Belfast
Where: St Comgall's
Following the massive success of 'Cinderella' in 2023, the first ever 'People’s Panto', Brassneck Theatre Company are proud to present their spectacular version of “Sleeping Beauty” by Neil Keery!
‘Our Ora' is living her absolute best life with her #1 auntie, 'Fairy Up-Liquid'! Wee Ora loves nothing more than busking around the town, showcasing her incredible singing talent. However, as her birthday fast approaches, 'Wicked Witch Mallory' plans to end Ora’s career by putting her to sleep for 100 years!
It's the same fairytale that everyone knows and loves, sprinkled with that unique, signature Brassneck twist.
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Rebel Without a Claus - Belfast
Where: Roddy McCorley Heritage Centre
‘Twas the night before Christmas and all round the house, not a creature was stirring, not even… BIG FIRESTICK MCCANN! He’s stuck in custody up at Antrim Crime Suite for a crime he didn’t commit! (Well... according to him anyway!)
Will our rebel get out in time to spend Christmas with his family? Can he convince the peelers that he’s actually an innocent man?? Or has Firestick McCann messed up BIG STYLE this year???
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Beauty and the Beast - Belfast
Where: Waterfront Hall
Get ready for a tale as old as time Beauty & the Beast returns to the Waterfront Studio.
From the same creative team that brought you last year’s smash hit Rapunzel. Get Ready for the magical return of GBL Production’s Beauty and the Beast .
It may be a tale as old as time but expect this one served up with an energetic, laugh out loud Waterfront Panto twist. Get ready for plenty of fun, a sprinkling of magic and a soundtrack of all the latest hits in a family pantomime to warm you up even on the coldest winter day.
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Miracle at Number 34 - Belfast
Where: Grand Opera House
From the writers Elf In Belfast and Home Malone, Diona Doherty and Sean Hegarty bring you more festive fun with Miracle at Number 34.
Meet Eddie, a resident at Number 34, whose life takes a turn when Shelly, a lively new care worker arrives on the scene.
When Shelly discovers Eddie’s bucket list, the two embark on a hilarious journey to tick off his random and rare dreams before the year’s through - from TikTok dances to Buckfast binges, a trip to Barry’s and coming up the Lagan in an actual bubble, this pair prove that you’re only as old as you feel!
Find out more here
Sleeping with Beauty Adult Panto - Belfast
Where: Waterfront Hall
Belfast’s ONE and ONLY late night Adult Panto returns to the Waterfront Studio with Sleeping With Beauty.
Following on from last year’s smash hit, Jack and his Belfast Beanstalk – The Adult Panto, GBL Productions welcome back Gerard McCabe, Kathryn Rutherford, Terry Keeley and Matthew Cavan to bring you the filthiest fairytale of them all, something that will make your ears PRICK up.
An adult Panto that ain’t like your traditional pantomime, but there is a happy ending! Will sleeping beauty prick her finger? Not if Dame Irene Board gets to him first! Strap in and leave the kids at home as we take you on a wild ride through the unconventional tale of Sleeping with Beauty.
Find out more here
Fairytale of New York - Belfast
Where: Waterfront Hall
The ultimate Irish-inspired Christmas concert returns as Fairytale of New York is back at the Waterfront Hall.
After three sell-out tours, the ultimate Irish-inspired Christmas concert is back with an even bigger production for 2024.
From the producers of Seven Drunken Nights-The Story of The Dubliners, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Irish culture as our talented singers, musicians and dancers perform a world class concert featuring all the festive favourites including ‘Driving Home for Christmas’,‘ Step Into Christmas’, ‘Oh Holy Night’ and, of course,‘ The Fairy tale of New York
Find out more here
Frosted: A Family Pantomime - Belfast
Where: Belvoir Studio Theatre
‘Frosted’ is a family panto packed with gags and lovable characters and is something totally new for your family to enjoy – You just won’t be able to let it go until the lights dim after the final curtain calls.
Featuring all the traditional elements of pantomime this new show written by Warren McWilliams promises to warm the hearts of children of all ages and adults alike.
The story tells the tale of two Princesses as one struggles to come to terms with the magical powers she has been given.
Find out more here
A Winter's Tale - Belfast
Where: Ulster Hall
Starburst Theatre School Presents: 'A Winter's Tale' on the 4th of December 2024.
This winter spectacular will feature over 100 children from both Lisburn and Antrim with ages ranging from just 3 years old to 18.
These incredibly talented children have been working hard over the past 3 months to put together a dazzling night of entertainment perfect for the whole family! So join for an evening of festive cheer filled with music and dance to put you in the mood for Christmas.
Find out more here
Aladdin - Coleraine
Where: Riverside Theatre
Welcome to a spectacular journey filled with enchantment, laughter, and a touch of Arabian Nights magic - our Aladdin Pantomime is ready to whisk you away on a magical carpet ride!
Aladdin is a family-friendly extravaganza, blending dazzling costumes, original music and side-splitting comedy, in a script written and produced by Ian Kells and Noleen Esler of Mr. Hullabaloo Productions.
Don't miss your chance to witness the magic of Aladdin live on stage. Gather your friends and family, and secure your seats for an unforgettable evening of entertainment. Whether you're a panto enthusiast or a first timer, Aladdin promises a dazzling escapade that will leave you smiling from ear to ear.
Find out more here
Belfast Actually - Newtownabbey
Where: Theatre at the Mill
Molly and Billy are both MLAs – but that’s where the similarities end, because Molly is on the green side and Billy, the orange – oh and they both fancy the pants clean off each other!
Joseph’s still grieving over his wife’s death when he realises he’s caught feelings for widow support group member Jill. Does he have another chance at love, or will he face another Christmas alone?
Wannabe Luke Combs, Gareth is desperate for fame – he tells his long-suffering agent Minnie he wants to woo his childhood sweetheart back into his life. But when his overnight hit, ‘Potato Farl Heart’ gives him that opportunity, he realises that love might actually have been with him all along…
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Belfast Ma: A Crackin’ Christmas - Antrim
Where: The Old Courthouse
Starring Award winning performers Tiktok’s Paul Nugent and Netflix’s John Travers. This sell out phenomenon is your number one treat this Christmas.
Join Sadie, Stevie and her Big John in the living room at 26 Belfast Street as they get ready for another Christmas not to be missed. Grab yourself a wee Bailey's and find out all the latest biz about Patricia, Theresa, Big Maureen and Dirty Gerty, as everyone prepares for their favourite day of the year.
A hilarious new comedy based on everyone's Ma, at Christmas time.
Find out more here
Cinderella - Newtownabbey
Where: Theatre at the Mill
Yellow Jumper's hilarious and heartfelt panto is a dazzling twist on the classic tale of Cinderella, where enchantment meets modern flair.
Packed with uproarious antics and awesome songs, our vibrant cast of characters, from the lovable Cinderella to the mischievous Silly Stepsisters, will sweep you away on a magical adventure.
Guaranteed to be an absolute ball for princesses, princes, and people across the land.
Find out more here
Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomime - Bangor
Where: Studio 1A
A family fun pantomime.
This reimagined script of Jack and the Beanstalk will take you on twists and turns with laughter, love and magic.
The Trot family are just your normal typical everyday family until they are presented with magic beans that could be life changing for them, but not without a few turns in the road. What will they do?
Find out more here
A Christmas Carol: Being a Ghost Story of Christmas - Bangor
Where: SERC Space Theatre
The award-winning Dyad Productions, who have toured their sell-out festive show Christmas Gothic since 2015, now bring their magic to Dickens' classic and perennially relevant ghost story
It's Christmas Eve, and the miserly misanthrope, Ebenezer Scrooge, is about to have a ghostly night he'll never forget. Dickens' festive, immortal tale of redemption and compassion is brought to life in Dyad's inimitable solo style.
Draw near for an evening of mistletoe and merriment in the company of Marley, Fezziwig, and Cratchit et al to discover the true meaning of Christmas: tenderness for the past, courage for the present, and hope for the future.
Find out more here
Mr Hullabaloo’s Cinderella Pantomime - Larne
Where: McNeill Theatre
Join Mr Hullabaloo's friends for the most magical Pantomime of them all!
From pumpkin coaches to glass slippers, be sure to get your tickets as you're sure to have a ball!
Find out more here
Rapunzel - Armagh
Where: The Market Place Theatre
Get ready for a hair-raising adventure this Christmas at The Market Place Theatre with the spectacular pantomime extravaganza, Rapunzel.
Let your imagination run wild as we unravel the story of Rapunzel, the lonely princess with golden hair who is trapped in a tower and longing for a life of adventure in the outside world. With the help of some ‘a-moo-zing’ animal friends and Dame Pam Loaf, will Rapunzel be able to escape the tower she has been locked in since birth by the evil witch and be reunited with her family?
Brought to you by a superb cast of colourful characters, Rapunzel promises a whirlwind of dazzling costumes, laugh-out-loud comedy, captivating musical numbers and plenty of audience participation in a pantomime that is sure to be a cut above the rest.
Find out more here
Snow White - Lisburn
Where: Lagan Valley Island
Mirror, mirror, on the wall – this year’s Lisnagarvey Operatic and Dramatic Society pantomime is the famous ‘Snow White’, the fairest festive family entertainment of them all!
After the success of last year’s pantomime, Aladdin, L.O.D.S. are back with another fresh take on a classic tale.
Written by iconic local pantomime dame, Andrew Devonshire, ‘Snow White’ is guaranteed entertainment for the whole family!
Find out more here
Tale Of The Frozen Heart - Ballymena
Where: The Braid Arts Centre
Join Nora on her frozen quest as she tells you all her favourite story of ALL TIME!
Let her and her frosty friends take you on a MAGICAL journey into the unknown with a tale of betrayal, reindeer and sisterly love.
Rumour has it that we may even experience some unlikely snowy weather that you need to see to believe!
Find out more here
Snow White and the Seven Christmas Elves - Ballymena
Where: The Braid Arts Centre
Snow White is the most talented girl in Christmas Town and Queen Miserables knows it.
The royal Housekeeper Dame Holly Bush creates comic mayhem throughout and Fairy Jinglebell is training up the fresh Fairy Frosting to gain her wings, and there’s a very special man in the mirror on the block.
When Snow White has to run from the wicked Queen Miserables, she shelters with seven Christmas elves who work in Santa’s workshop building toys. Prince Noel and the others must find her before it’s too late. Will Snow White make it home in time for Christmas?
Find out more here
Carol & Jimmy's Christmas Cracker - Cookstown
Where: The Burnavon Arts Centre
Christmas doesn't start to you see Carol and Jimmy's Christmas Cracker.. Special Guest Paula Mc Intyre from the Hamely Kitchen will tantalize your taste buds!
Annemarie McAleese from BBC Radio Ulster “Your Place and Mine” the Hub choir & guests will get you in the festive mood. This promises to be a great evening.
Find out more here
Beauty and the Beast - Cookstown
Where: The Burnavon Arts Centre
Stewartstown Amateur Dramatics Society returns to the Burnavon Theatre for another magical panto season!
Beauty and the beast is a story of a young prince who is cast under the spell by a nasty witch.
His spell can only be broken if he finds true love before the last petal falls from the rose. The prince gets help from different characters who along the way have many ups and downs before he finds love with beauty.
Find out more here
Aladdin - Derry
Where: Millennium Forum
Come with us to old Peking where evil sorcerer, Abanazar, seeks the magic lamp to bring him untold wealth and power. Can Aladdin save the day? Will Wishee Washee and the Genie of the lamp help our hero? Will Princess Jasmine find the boy of her dreams? Will Widow Twankey finally wear something that doesnt look like an explosion in a paint factory?
This magical adventure story will be brought to life in a spectacular production complete with stunning sets, beautiful costumes and lots of comedy.
Conal Gallen returns as the Forum’s Dame in this all singing, all dancing festive show.
Find out more here
A Christmas Carol - Enniskillen
Where: The Ardhowen Theatre
The world premiere of Charles Dickens 'A Christmas Carol adopted by Alan Harris.
It’s Christmas Eve and Ebenezer Scrooge is miserable – will he ever get into the Christmas spirit? Candlelight is incorporated intermittently at the appropriate times, adding mood and atmospheric ambience in storytelling in this version of Dickens’ festive classic tale exploring a living, breathing Victorian community.
Come and be whisked away to a dream world where anything can happen, and ghosts are just around the corner…… With unique staging set to fully immerse the auditorium with ghostly drama, comedy, music and mystery.
Find out more here
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