A guide to the best pantomimes in the North East 2016

We love a good Christmas show here at North East Family Fun and already have a couple booked into our diary for this year. If you're still undecided which panto is best for you and your family, I've put together a little guide:

Best Traditional Panto | Beauty & the Beast at Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Why: The Newcastle Panto Co. performances are always lots of fun. We look forward to their version of the '12 days of Christmas' every year. Expect plenty 'he's behind yous' and Geordie humour in this beautiful setting.
When: 2 - 30 December
Tickets: From £14 - £22 available here

Best Panto for the whole family | Aladdin at Whitley Bay Playhouse

Why: This panto is so much fun for both kids and their grown ups. Boyzone's Shane Lynch will star as Abenazer and we cannot wait to see the 'ghostbusters' return. There are always lots of laughs guaranteed with a few jokes thrown in just for grown ups. There is spacious seating and free parking too.
When: 5 December - 2 January
Tickets: From £14 - £23 available here

Something a bit different | James & the Giant Peach at Northern Stage

Why: The best Christmas performance we've ever watched was at Northern Stage (it was Get Santa if you're interested). Recommended for ages 5+, Northern Stage never disappoint with their superb acting, staging and costumes. I can't wait to see James' insect friends being brought the life.
When: 19 November - 31 December
Tickets: From £10 - £18 available here

Best Christmas Show for Toddlers & Pre-schoolers | Luna at Northern Stage

Why: Northern Stage produce a special Christmas show for 2 - 4 year olds every Christmas and it is the perfect introduction to the theatre for little one's. The performances are relaxed with no formal seating. Expect lots of captivating puppetry, music and magic. 

When: 6 - 31 December 

Tickets: From £8 - £13 available here

Best Christmas performance for adults only | The Suggestibles

Why: Described as a 'panto' with no script, no score and no kids. You just don't know what to expect with the Suggestibles. The Guardian describes their performance as 'one of the hottest tickets in the North East' and I think it's just the ticket for an adults-only night out.
When: 6 nights, 5 venues across the North East
Tickets: From £12.50 - £18 available here

All-out panto experience in Newcastle | Cinderella at Theatre Royal 

Why: Many people will tell you that the Theatre Royal provides the best of the best with comedy trio Danny Adams, Clive Webb and Chris Hayward. This performance is maybe not recommended for the very young/sensitive children as there are bangs, flashes and special effects however my three always really look forward to watching this show every year with school.
When: 22 November - 15 January
Tickets: From £13 -  £34 available here

All-out panto experience in Sunderland | Sleeping Beauty at Sunderland Empire

Why: With an all-star cast (Coronation Street's Vicky Entwistle stars as the villian & Steps Faye Tozer plays the good fairy will be joined by Cbeebies favourite Andrew Agnew plus more). Expect sparkling performances, knock out songs and wonderful staging. 

When: From 9 - 31 December

Tickets: From £11 - £34.90 available here

The best performance for Christmas magic | The Snowman at The Sage

Why: Who can resist the classic animated film 'The Snowman' at Christmas time which is even more magical when accompanied by the live Northern Sinfonia Orchestra.

When: 22 - 24 December
Tickets: From £15.05 - £21.50 available here

Best Christmas Show for Under 7's | Santa's Naughty Elf at The Custom's House

Why: This Christmas show is designed for under 7's and their families and always receives rave reviews. As an added extra, all children get to meet santa and are presented with a gift.
When: 3 - 24 December
Tickets: £10 each available here

Community Pantomime Round-up

 

There are of course LOTS of community performances planned for the festive season too - if you know of any, please leave a comment and I'll add them to my list when I can:-

Ponteland Repertory Society presents Aladdin from £6 - details here
Dick Whittington at Phoenix Theatre, Blyth from £12 - details here
Pinocchio at Alnwick Playhouse from £6 - details here
Peter Pan at ARC Stockton from £10 - details here
Silver Moon at Arts Centre Washington from £7 - details here
Jack at the Beanstalk at Village Hotel from £9 - details here

Let me know which performance you'll be watching this year

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