It’s panto time. Oh no, it’s not. Oh yes, it is.
A great pantomime – a very British tradition at Christmas – is full of larger than life characters and plenty of laughs – a villain that everyone hates, a comical dame and young love.
From Oxford to Banbury, Henley to Chipping Norton, here’s our pick of the unmissable Pantomimes in Oxfordshire in 2022 as well as a selection of ‘non panto’ family-friendly Christmas shows in theatres across Oxfordshire.
We’ve also included the note-worthy non-Christmas themed shows taking place in Oxford and across Oxfordshire during this festive season, and Pantomimes worth travelling beyond Oxfordshire for.
So what are you waiting for, it’s time to get booking!
Join Dick and his feline companion on a globetrotting adventure full of non-stop laughter, fantastic original music and sheer silliness. From the chaotic streets of Victorian London to jungle palaces, from the world’s worst cook to the first female explorer – and of course, not forgetting the sweeties – this show has it all. Expect a hilarious brand-new twist on this traditional tale.
The handsome but hapless Prince Charming has finally left university and returned home to the Kingdom of Ox. He’s ready to take on the crown and looking for a wife. His ‘loyal’ deputy is there by his side, but the devilish Dandina has her own plans. She’s determined to become Queen herself, whatever that may take… Join Cinderella on a midnight carriage ride like no other to the Oxford Playhouse Panto Party of the year!
Join The Story Museum for a feast of story and song this Christmas for their festive show for 2022, ‘The Royal Christmas Pudding’. Featuring traditional stories woven together with original songs and music, this festive treat promises to give even the hungriest of appetites a happily ever after.
Creation Theatre is heading back to The North Wall for its 10th Christmas show, presenting The Tale of Beauty and the Tail of the Beast, a joyfully anarchic adaptation of this Christmas classic for the whole family to enjoy together.
With heaps of audience participation, dazzling costumes, spectacular sets, and magical special effects, this year’s offering promises to be out of this world. Join the fun with what promises to be our most spectacular pantomime yet…a magical adventure you’ve been wishing for: ALADDIN. Book now for this GENIE-us pantomime extravaganza guaranteed to make your family’s festive wishes come true.
A mother. A daughter. 3 possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! Set on a Greek island paradise, a story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA. Whatever age you are, you can’t help but have the time of your life at MAMMA MIA! Join the performers at MAMMA MIA! and enjoy the ultimate feel-good factor at the world’s sunniest and most exhilarating smash-hit musical!
Discover more: What’s on at New Theatre Oxford
Unwrapped, scrumpled and thrown away… Crumple’s Christmas adventure begins! Shaping up into a wrapping paper figure, he sets off on a quest to find the forest where he belongs. With your help, he discovers snow and trees and makes new friends along the way. Changing form and having fun, Crumple becomes a star in his home and the world at large.
This Christmas, award-winning puppetry and visual theatre company – Smoking Apples – brings you a reinvention of a classic story. Come face to face with the magical spirits, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim, as Cornerstone Arts Centre is transformed into the enchanting setting of the past, present and future of Mr Scrooge.
Mother Goose is a side-splitting new pantomime starring Ian McKellen and John Bishop. Meet Mother Goose (McKellen) and her husband Vic (Bishop). Running an Animal Sanctuary for waifs and strays, they live a wholesome life inside an abandoned Debenhams. But when a magical goose comes a-knocking, will fame and fortune get the better of them?
And further afield…
Pure panto genie-us is coming your way with Aladdin. Your wish is our command this Christmas as the magical family pantomime returns! Expect fun by the lamp-load, stunning costumes, sensational song and dance numbers, and an adventure full of memories to treasure. Rub the magic lamp and book your tickets now if you haven’t already!
This Christmas join comedy superstars Dawn French and Julian Clary, with Alexandra Burke making her Palladium pantomime debut, as they lead the cast of a brand-new production of Jack and the Beanstalk at London’s iconic home of pantomime. This is the panto you’ve bean waiting for – book today!
Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show is a vibrant celebration of Eric Carle’s adored classics and the perfect introduction to live theatre. Four timeless stories are brought to life in one delightful show – including a special edition of Eric Carle’s ‘Dream Snow’!
Mrs Delgado at Old Fire Station is a world premiere from Olivier Award-winner Mike Bartlett. It is a funny and poignant new play tells a story of desire, control, raised blinds and lowered boundaries pPerformed by acclaimed actor Rakhee Sharma and directed by Olivier Award-winner Clare Lizzimore.
Will Kayla and Snowy get back home in time for Christmas? Take a starlight adventure with amazing puppets made by theatre company Smoking Apples and join Kayla and Snowy as they journey around the world, making new friends with the animals they meet along the way!
Margot’s Magical Winter Wonder Party is a party like no other. It’s a celebration of the here and now – using physical comedy, original music, magical lights and puppetry as we collectively celebrate being back at the theatre. Join Margot and her cat Simon at Pegasus Theatre this winter and get ready to dance in your seats for the party of the year.
The classic tale of a young lad going to London to make his fortune and his adventures with his new best friend, Tommy the cat. Boo the villains and cheer the heroes as pantomime returns to the Unicorn Theatre!
Robin Hood arrives in Banbury in January 2022 for a beloved classic tale with a unique twist by Avocet Theatre Company. Featuring a hilarious script and brilliant musical numbers, Banbury’s favourite pantomime specialists return to bring this dazzling summer pantomime spectacle to Wykham Theatre.
This most popular of fairy tales is heading to town with dashing Dandini, CBBC’s Mark Rhodes (from Sam and Mark’s Big Friday Wind Up) playing loyal servant to the handsome prince, alongside stunning Cinderella AKA Gemma Naylor (Nick Jnr) and of course, panto favourites BBC 3 Counties’ Breakfast Show presenter Andy Collins and Britain’s Got Talent’s La Voix (or flamboyant Fairy Godmother to you!).
Looking for more festive things to do? See our full guide to Christmas in Oxfordshire.