Festive Family Fun: Pantomime & Christmas Shows

Get ready for a season of laughter, wonder, and festive fun with the best pantomimes and Christmas shows across Essex in 2024! Perfect for the whole family, these magical performances promise to delight audiences of all ages. From classic tales brought to life with sparkling costumes and lively songs to hilarious antics and interactive moments, there’s something to enchant everyone. Whether it’s your first pantomime or a cherished holiday tradition, these shows are the perfect way to make memories and embrace the spirit of Christmas together. Let the curtain rise on your festive adventure!

1. A Christmas Carol

Venue: Hedingham Castle
Town: Halstead
Organiser: The Pantaloons Theatre Company
Date: 11th December 2024
Time: 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Price: Adult (16+) – £17.50; Junior (under 16) – £13
Description: The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company presents a new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ festive fable. Expect live music, audience interaction, and moving performances in the Ballroom Marquee. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Free parking and fully accessible.
Website: A Christmas Carol

---

2. Beauty and the Beast Christmas Panto

Venue: Hedingham Castle
Town: Halstead
Organiser: Hedingham Castle Events Team
Date: 23rd December 2024
Time: 11:00 AM / 6:30 PM
Price: Adult (12+) – £16; Junior (2-11) – £12; Senior or Carer – £14
Description: From the creators of Peter Pan and Jack and the Beanstalk comes a magical, funny panto perfect for all ages. Heated and seated, the Ballroom Marquee performance features songs, silliness, and festive cheer.
Website: Beauty and the Beast Christmas Panto

---

3. The Ho Ho Ho Christmas Show

Venue: Mercury Theatre
Town: Colchester
Organiser: Mercury Theatre Productions
Date: 3rd December – 24th December 2024
Time: 11:00 AM / 2:30 PM
Price: £9.50 – £13.50
Description: Join Ivy, the new Head Elf, in Santa’s workshop for a magical, interactive family show. With puppetry, magic, and snow, it’s a festive treat for believers of Santa Claus!
Website: The Ho Ho Ho Christmas Show

---

4. The New Adventures of Peter Pan

Venue: Mercury Theatre
Town: Colchester
Organiser: Mercury Theatre Productions
Date: 23rd November 2024 – 19th January 2025
Time: Multiple shows per day – see schedule
Price: £10.00 – £42.00
Description: Take flight in this spectacular production featuring breathtaking sets, costumes, flying effects, and comedy. Fun for the entire family!
Website: The New Adventures of Peter Pan

---

5. A Christmas Carol

Venue: Brentwood Theatre
Town: Brentwood
Organiser: The Hutton Players
Date: 4th December 2024
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Price: Adults – £15; Children – £10
Description: This magical midwinter ghost story features beautiful costumes and special effects in a new adaptation by Chrissie O’Connor.
Website: A Christmas Carol

---

6. Jack and the Beanstalk

Venue: Towngate Theatre
Town: Basildon
Organiser: Towngate Theatre Panto Team
Date: 28th November 2024 – 5th January 2025
Time: Multiple shows per day – see schedule
Price: £14 – £28
Description: Join Basildon’s panto favorites in a magical fairytale adventure featuring stunning performances and festive fun for the whole family.
Website: Jack and the Beanstalk

---

7. Elf The Musical

Venue: Colchester Events
Town: Colchester
Organiser: Colchester Events Team
Date: 14th December 2024 – 5th January 2025
Time: 2:00 PM
Price: £20.00
Description: Join Buddy, the elf raised in the North Pole, as he embarks on a hilarious journey to reconnect with his family in this musical adaptation of the hit film.
Website: Elf The Musical

---

8. Dick Whittington

Venue: Harlow Playhouse
Town: Harlow
Organiser: Harlow Playhouse Productions
Date: 29th November 2024 – 5th January 2025
Time: Multiple shows per day – see schedule
Price: Concession – £22; Ticket – £24
Description: Join Dick Whittington and his friends as they battle King Rat in this dazzling pantomime adventure filled with humor and festive cheer.
Website: Dick Whittington

---

9. Snow White

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre
Town: Chelmsford
Organiser: Chelmsford Theatre Productions
Date: 29th November 2024 – 5th January 2025
Time: Multiple shows per day – see schedule
Price: £18.00 – £30.00
Description: This fresh take on the classic tale features singalongs, jokes, and festive fun. Will Snow White’s friends and love overcome the evil queen?
Website: Snow White

---

10. Santa’s Christmas Cracker

Venue: Thameside Theatre
Town: Thurrock
Organiser: Honalee Media
Date: 24th November 2024
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Price: £12.80
Description: Join Father Christmas and Dotty the Elf for a 45-minute, interactive family show. Every child will meet Santa and receive a specially wrapped present.
Website: Santa’s Christmas Cracker

---

11. Santa’s Wish

Venue: Palace Theatre
Town: Southend-on-Sea
Organiser: Trafalgar Tickets
Date: 12th – 15th December 2024
Time: Multiple shows per day – see schedule
Price: £18.75 – £28
Description: A magical musical journey as Snowflake the Elf helps Santa save Christmas! This colorful, fun-filled adventure is perfect for all ages.
Website: Santa’s Wish

---

12. The Muppets Christmas Carol

Venue: Palace Theatre
Town: Southend-on-Sea
Organiser: Trafalgar Tickets
Date: 8th December 2024
Time: 8:00 PM
Price: £9
Description: Join the Muppets as they perform this classic Dickens holiday tale with humor and heart. Perfect for fans of all ages!
Website: The Muppets Christmas Carol

---

With an array of fantastic shows to choose from, this festive season in Essex promises unforgettable moments for the whole family. Whether you’re cheering on the hero in Jack and the Beanstalk, immersing yourself in the timeless magic of A Christmas Carol, or soaring to Neverland with Peter Pan, there’s a performance to capture every imagination. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy these heartwarming tales and lively productions with your loved ones. Let the magic of pantomimes and Christmas shows bring a sparkle to your holiday season!