Pantomimes are the perfect family day out during the festive season
Cinderella at the Epstein Theatre
Many exciting Christmas pantomimes and theatre shows are coming to Liverpool and surrounding towns for this festive season, perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Popular and well-loved shows are returning while some new shows are also being played for the first time. We’re sure they will make a perfect family night out, suitable for everybody from little ones to nans and grandads.
This year we have fairy-tale classics like Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Jack & the Beanstalk and much more being reinvented for modern audiences.
We also have musicals like Matilda, based on Roald Dhal’s children’s story, which have received praise worldwide with millions of viewers coming to see the show. The shows have star-studded casts with familiar faces from local TV, radio and theatre including former Radio City DJ Leanne Campbell.
Sleeping Beauty
Date: 6 December – 4 January 2026
Location: The Floral Pavilion, New Brighton
This year’s Sleeping Beauty at New Brighton’s Floral Pavilion promises ‘to be the most spellbinding pantomime ever to hit the Floral Pavilion stage’. The show will have a bright set up with musical hits and exciting special effects. TV star Kelle Bryan will be the magical Fairy Snowfall. The Wirral’s favourite, Sean Jones, will also be returning. And Princess Rose will be played by award winning actress Cleo Demetriou.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Date: 12-28 December
Location: M&S Bank Arena Liverpool
The popular pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is back again! The show will feature live music from a band, dance routines and magical special effects. Described as ‘an unforgettable experience for children and adults alike,’ it also has a star-studded cast. Coronation Street’s Helen Flanagan will be playing The Wicked Queen, X Factor singer Sean Smith will play The Prince and singer Ellis Lloyd will be Snow White.
Matilda The Musical
Date: December 2 – January 4,
Location: Liverpool Empire
With over 12m people seeing this show worldwide, this popular musical has won over 100 global awards. Rolling Stone described it as ‘unique and unforgettable’. Matilda is about a brave school-girl with magical powers. The highly anticipated show has music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and is directed by Matthew Warchus.
Rock n roll Panto 2025 Jack and the Beanstalk
Date: 15 November – 17 January
Location: Liverpool Everyman
Described as a ‘part fairy tale, part concert, and 100% fun’ Jack and the Beanstalk is going to be a colourful spectacle performed by talented actors and musicians. The cast has actors like Malek Alkoni as Jack, Amy Bastani as Jill and Theo Diedrink as Roginald.
Christmas Panto: Beauty & the beast
Date: 5 – 31 December
Location: The Atkinson, Southport
‘Dazzling costumes, hilarious comedy, live music’, KD productions is returning with another festive show this December at The Atkinson in Southport. It’s going to be full of music and dancing with the fairy tale story of Beauty and the Beast coming to life. It’s created by the makers of the successful shows behind ‘Sleeping Beauty’ (2024) and ‘Jack & the Beanstalk’ (2023).
Dick Whittington
The cast of Dick Whittington at the St Helens Theatre Royal including Emmerdale’s Matthew Wolfenden as Dick Whittington, alongside St Helens favourites Lewis Devine as Idle Jack and Timothy Lucas as the villainous King Rat
Date: 28 November – 11 January
Location: St Helens Theatre
St Helens Theatre royal are introducing their first production of Dick Whittington this festive season! The pantomime will bring a fresh twist of this classic story. Emmerdale’s Matthew Wolfenden will play Dick Whittington, along with St Helens favourite Lewis Devine as Idle Jack.
Cinderella
Date: 5 December to 4 January
Location: Epstein Theatre, Liverpool
Katie McGlynn as Cinderella and Leanne Campbell as the Fairy godmother in Cinderella at the Epstein Theatre
The well-loved Cinderella pantomime is back at the Epstein Theatre. Liverpool’s own Leanne Campbell will be starring as The Fairy Godmother and Katie McGlynn from Hollyoaks will be Cinderella. The festive show is described as having ‘dazzling costumes, belly laughs, magical moments, and that unmissable panto sparkle’
Peter Pan
Date: December 6 – December 31
Location: Gladstone Theatre, Wirral
Gladstone Theatre in Wirral will be presenting the Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan! The fairy-tale is going to be brought to life this December with a mix of sparkling costumes, dancing alongside hilarious comedy for the whole family. Wirral’s favourite Lewis Pryor will be playing as Peter Pan and Darcey Blake will be Wendy.