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There's nothing like a pantomime - the iconic British tradition, with its music, dancing and songs (and jokes that only the grown-ups get). 2022 is set to be the most exciting season in years with many old favourites returning to the stage and some big panto names returning, there’s a great collection of pantos to go and see all across the south west.
Pantos in London
Richmond Theatre: Goldilocks and the Three Bears
- When: 3 December to 31 December
- Our nearest station: Richmond – Richmond Theatre is less than 5 minutes' walk from Richmond station - just cross the road, walk through Old Station Passage, and turn left onto Little Green.
Join Richmond Theatre for a star-studded cast of Mat Baker, Jessica Martin and Nigel Ellacott as Dame Betty Barnum in their version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The show will see the Richmond theatre transformed into a circus that is under threat from an evil rival circus owner - Countess Von Vinklebottom.
New Wimbledon Theatre: Snow White and the Seven Dwarves
- When: 3 December to 31 December
- Our nearest station: Wimbledon – the New Wimbledon Theatre is just a ten-minute walk from the station along The Broadway.
With a legendary cast of Ruthie Henshall, Brenda Edwards, Lee Mead, TV's Dick & Dom and famous panto Dame Matthew Kelly, the New Wimbledon Theatre panto is set to be the fairest of them all. Tiktok sesation Hannah Lowther stars as Snow White but will she find her prince? Book your tickets and find out!
Battersea Arts Centre: Little Red Robin Hood
- When: 6 December to 8 January
- Nearest station: Clapham Junction – exiting onto St John’s Hill, turn left and head toward Lavender Hill. It’s less than ten minutes’ walk to the Arts Centre.
Perfect for children, comedic company Sleeping Trees bring you a panto mash up of Little Red Robin Hood. In the show the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham has captured the famous outlaw Robin Hood and Red Riding Hood tries to save the day. With sensory adaptive performances and a pay what you can scheme for tickets this is the most accessible panto this season.
Pantos in the south west
Cinderella will be very busy this panto season in the South West. The popular princess will have many balls to attend and many princes to choose from!
Exeter Corn Exchange: Cinderella
- When: 17 December - 2 January
- How to get there: Just 10 minutes walk from Exeter Central station - head towards Exeter Cathedral, and make your way onto Market Street for the box office and venue entrance.
Much-loved panto regulars Matt Finegan and Olivia Williamson return as Fairy Bella and Cinderella in the Corn Exchange’s splendid telling of an all-time panto favourite. With all the classic ingredients to a festive family panto, you’ll find romance and custard pies, magic and slapstick all in equal measure.
Kings Theatre Portsmouth: Cinderella
- When: 2 December to 31 December
- Nearest station: Portsmouth & Southsea - Kings Theatre is 25 minutes' walk from the station, or just 10 minutes on the Route 2 bus, which runs every 10 minutes from the Civic Offices.
Search for Cinders winner Michelle Antrobus is joined by Jack Edwards as the dubious Fairy Godmother and First Dates Star Grant Urquhart as the handsome Prince in a panto that’s set to knock your glass slippers off. Pompey panto favourites return with new faces to bring you a magical production with special effects, live music, hilarious jokes and lots of audience participation.
New Victoria Theatre, Woking: Cinderella
- When: 4 December to 31 December
- Nearest station: Woking – it’s just five minutes' walk through the Peacocks Centre.
Strictly and soap star legend Brian Conley leads this year’s fabulous retelling of Cinderella, bringing a glittering festive treat for all ages. Featuring live music, beautiful costumes and laugh-out-loud comedy, this stunning production joins Cinders as she goes from rags to riches and finds her prince charming.
So, if you fancy a trip to enjoy this most British of traditions, then book your tickets today. Don’t forget – you can save a third or more with a Railcard, and for the best fares you can book in advance.
