There’s something very special about a theatre packed with people of all ages shouting in unison, so as we put 2021 behind us (not sorry!) it’s time to get in the panto spirit
What: Cinderella
Where: Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
When: December 7 to 24
Welcome to Russia, the setting of Sutton Coldfield’s 2021 pantomime spectacular: Cinderella!
Imagine a time of ice-cold winters with the snow laying deep on the frozen hard ground. Imagine a palace where the fountains spout icicles and Russian bears hibernate in the forests…
Now imagine a draughty old country house with the only warmth from a sooty fireplace, and it’s your job to keep the fire burning! Out in all weathers collecting wood and sleeping in the cinders of the fireplace, because your wicked stepmother and your ugly stepsisters are too mean to let you sleep in a bed.
That’s what happened to poor Cinderella and this is the story of how she dreamed of escape, of being warm and of meeting a handsome Prince who could save her from this miserable life.
Tickets can be purchased online or over the telephone, priced from £17.00 per person. For more details visit: www.suttoncoldfieldtownhall.com
What: All-New Adventures of Peter Pan
Where: Lichfield Garrick Theatre
When: November 25 to January 2
Don’t miss the swashbuckling spectacular, All New Adventures of Peter Pan, as it flies into the Lichfield Garrick for the 2021 festive season! The Garrick has once again joined forces with Paul Hendy and Evolution Productions to bring audiences a real festive treat with this year’s full-scale pantomime.
Lichfield legend, Sam Rabone, is back in a frock for his sixth year at the Garrick as he stars as Mrs Smee, as well as once again steering the ship as the show’s director. All New Adventures of Peter Pan promises to be a dazzling show with a brilliant cast, larger-than-life costumes, and more laughs than you can shake your hook at! Tickets start from £13.00. For more details visit: www.lichfieldgarrick.com
What: Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Where: Birmingham Hippodrome
When: December 18 to January 30
Actor, singer and TV personality Jason Donovan makes his pantomime debut as The Evil Ringmaster in Goldilocks and the Three Bears at Birmingham Hippodrome this December, alongside long-time Birmingham panto favourite Matt Slack.
Dame Betty Barnum and her daughter Goldilocks’ circus is under threat from an evil rival circus owner and, with the help of their madcap circus friends, they’re battling to rescue their Big Top from ruin. Will they succeed? All seems lost, until three brilliant bears join the gang…
Featuring sets and costumes direct from The London Palladium, Goldilocks and the Three Bears will be packed with riotous comedy, extraordinary special effects, hair-raising stunts and international circus acts. Roll up from December 18 to see panto join the circus, and be swept away by Birmingham Hippodrome’s must-see festive extravaganza, the panto that’s just right! Tickets start from £16. For more details visit: www.birminghamhippodrome.com
What: The Snowman
Where: Birmingham Rep
When: January 6 to 9
When a young boy’s snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a night-time quest for adventure. They meet Father Christmas, dancing penguins, reindeer and crowds of The Snowman’s friends, but will they escape evil Jack Frost and get back home for Christmas morning?
The much loved festive classic is back on The Rep’s stage this January. Based on Raymond Brigg’s much-loved book and featuring Howard Blake’s classic song Walking In The Air, this enchanting live show has thrilled audiences throughout the world since first appearing on stage over twenty-five years ago, going on to become the West End’s longest running Christmas show. An amazing 60 costumes are used in the show, and each one was handmade in The Rep’s wardrobe department. Each of the 11 Snowman costumes took 1 week to make, using more than 11 miles of white net! Tickets are available now priced from £16.50 per person. For more details visit: www.birmingham-rep.co.uk
What: Jack And The Beanstalk
Where: Old Rep, Birmingham
When: January 13 to 16
Join The Old Rep for an evening of family fun as the award-winning Birmingham Youth Theatre brings the classic fairytale of Jack and the Beanstalk to life this coming January!
Jack Trott is madly in love with Princess Jill but he’s just a poor farm boy with only a cow as his best friend. When things get tight for him and his family, Fairy Hiccup shows up to help Jack lay his hands on the Giant’s untold wealth, but not all is as it seems… Join us on this fantastical journey full of twists, surprises and plenty of magic! Tickets are priced at £14.95 or £16.95, with family tickets available at £60. For more details visit: www.oldreptheatre.co.uk
