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
When: 2 - 30 December
Tickets: From £14 - £22 available here
Best Panto for the whole family | Aladdin at Whitley Bay Playhouse
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
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
If you'd like to receive a monthly email featuring 'What's On in the North East' please subscribe here:
Pin Me for Later
Some great panto choices, there. The local Washington Pantomime at the Arts Centre Washington is The Swan Princess. Tickets are only £5!Starts January 13th. http://www.artscentrewashington.co.uk/production-details.aspx?id=899
ReplyDeleteNice roundup of pantos Sam. Looking forward to Aladdin at Whitley bay
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to James and Giant PEach on Christmas eve and then the Customs House panto sometime between Christmas and new year!
ReplyDelete