Festive Panto Season has arrived… Oh yes it has!
FESTIVE PANTO SEASON
All the classic pantos are back… Oh yes they are!
by Danni Murphy
From spellbound castles and enchanted lamps to festive fun with Santa and classic fairy tale twists, Cumbria’s 2025 pantomime season has something for everyone.
Whether you’re after big production values, interactive children’s shows, or traditional panto silliness, there’s a show waiting to brighten your winter nights.
We’ve rounded up 5 of the most magical pantomimes taking to the stage across Cumbria this year – so grab your tickets, don your Christmas jumper, and get ready for a season of pure panto joy!
Santa’s Christmas Party
Dates across late November – December
Rosehill Theatre
Interactive festive fun with songs, party games, and a chance to meet Santa himself at the North Pole. Mischief from Jack Frost threatens to derail the celebrations, but with help from Dotty the Elf, Dasher the Reindeer, and Pompom the Penguin, the magic of Christmas is sure to shine through.
Aimed at children aged 2–8.
Little Red Riding Hood (GRC Production)
27 November – 6 December
The Green Room, West Walls Theatre, Carlisle
Following 2024’s sell-out Hansel & Gretel, this year’s panto classic promises songs, slapstick, and audience participation galore. At just 45 minutes plus a Santa meet-and-greet, it’s a great introduction to pantomime for younger theatregoers. Every child leaves with a gift from Father Christmas, making it a perfect festive outing for families with little ones aged 2+.
Beauty and the Beast
3 December
Carnegie Theatre, Workington
Produced by Made To Measure Pantomimes
The Carnegie team return for their fourth year of school pantomimes with this spellbinding retelling of a timeless tale. Expect lavish sets, dazzling dance numbers, and plenty of laughs courtesy of Mrs Potty and her son Silly Billy. Will Belle’s love be enough to break the Beast’s curse before the last petal falls?
A magical family treat.
www.carnegietheatre.ticketsolve.com
Aladdin
9–14 December
Solway Hall (Civic Hall), Whitehaven
Magic carpets, wicked sorcerers, and the Genie of the Lamp bring one of the most loved pantos to life in Whitehaven. With evening and matinee performances across six days, this show promises plenty of fun for all ages. Tickets start from £12, with an opening night special offer — perfect for families looking to kick off their Christmas celebrations.
Cinders (Penrith Players)
17 & 18 December
Penrith Playhouse Theatre
David Ross’s witty take on Cinderella gives the story a cheeky twist. With a hapless Fairy Godmother, a Prince Charming with attitude, and possibly the most glamorous dames in pantoland, this is a show packed with laughs, magic, and all the “Oh yes it is!” traditions. A family panto suitable for ages 4 to 104.
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