There’s nothing like a dame! The great British tradition of pantomime is an enduring force in UK theatres this time of year, full of fairytale hijinks, double-entendres and gleeful shouts of "he's behind you!". And Oxfordshire stages, as ever, are delivering in spades, with multiple venues delivering their own take on the classic panto. We’ve gathered some shows to watch out for this festive season, some more traditional, and some with a modern twist.
Dick Whittington - Oxford Playhouse
The classic rags to riches story gets a Britpop makeover, as young Dick goes to seek his fortune in a London with a decidedly 90s flavour. Can he save Cool Britannia from the dastardly clutches of Liam and Noel Gall- er, we mean Rattagher, before it’s too late? Packing a healthy hit of nostalgia for the 90s kids, and plenty of magic and whimsy for the, y’know, actual kids.
Fri 21st November 2025 - Sun 4th January 2026, tickets from £17.
Beauty and the Beast - Cornerstone Arts Centre
Fans of the Disney classic are in for a treat with the Cornerstone’s all-singing, all-dancing adaptation of this timeless tale. When Belle finds herself taken captive by the fearsome Beast, can the two find love within the castle walls? Featuring a sparkling cast of all new characters, musical showstoppers and yes, even stage dogs, this production is pulling out all the stops; expect high energy and even higher camp.
Thurs 18th - Wed 31st December, tickets £21, £17 for concessions and children.
The Nutcracker - North Wall Arts Centre
Creation Theatre brings their trademark whimsy and imagination to their update of the Tchaikovsky classic. While wrapped up in the madness of Christmas prep, Marie is whisked off to help her enchanted nutcracker save the land of sweets from the machinations of the Mouse King. Boasting a gorgeous original score and plenty of dance (not all of it ballet!), it’s not Christmas without a Creation show.
Sat 29th November 2025 - Sat 3rd January 2026, tickets £32.
Supermarket Scrooge - Pegasus Theatre
Wilhelmina Scrooge is too busy keeping shop at Scroogeways Supermarket for holiday cheer, in Wild Boor’s take on A Christmas Carol. But with the help of her put-upon employee Emily Scratchett and some friendly living produce, Wilhelmina’s about to restock her festive spirit. Puppets, singalongs and interactive storytelling combine for a Christmas shop to remember.
Wed 10th - Wed 24th December, tickets £10-14.
Where’s Father Christmas - Burton Taylor Studio
It’s the night before Christmas and the elves in the wrapping room are hard at work. There’s only one catch, though - they can’t find Father Christmas! In a show especially for young ones aged 3-6, step into the workshop and see if you can help spot the big man himself, with a series of stories, games and songs to help you on your way. All performances are relaxed, making this a great intro to theatre for your little ones.
Wed 3rd - Sun 28th December, ticket prices vary for on/off-peak times.
Jack and the Beanstalk - The Beacon, Wantage
Panto fun on a GIANT scale! Jack’s voyage up the magical beanstalk is brought to life in slapstick and song as he and his mother Dame Trott try to rescue Daisy the Cow from the clutches of an evil giant. They’re armed with only their wits - and they don’t have much of that to begin with - so they’ll need some help from you!
Fri 19th - Mon 22nd December, tickets £12.
Snow White and the Seven Deadly Sins - A Burlesque Panto - Unicorn Theatre
No kids allowed for this one! Cream Tease Burlesque presents a spicy approach to the story of Snow White, in which our heroine is tempted into a world of vice, seduction and sin. Raunchy and ribald but still sporting a terrific sense of humour and a stacked cast of burlesque and cabaret performers, this is one apple you can’t resist biting into.
Thurs 11th - Sat 13th December, tickets £14.
Image credits: Andrew Walmsley, Cornerstone Arts Centre, Creation Theatre, Wild Boor Ideas, Burton Taylor Studio, The Beacon Wantage, Cream Tease Burlesque.