It's that time of year again - when pantomime comes to London in full force. And whether you love it or hate it, undoubtedly it’s a true British holiday institution - the slapstick comedy, catchy music, silly songs, and plenty of audience participation (“Oh no he didn’t!” /“Oh yes he did!”) make for a hilarious evening.
Traditionally, pantomime draws on familiar fairy tales and children’s stories, but in a way that transforms them. Including cross-dressing characters (especially the “panto dame”), playful insults, silly jokes, audience call-outs and a mix of child-friendly fun and cheeky humour for adults, many Londoners (including the writer) will tell you of their fond childhood memories, gazing up at at what is a real theatrical spectacle.
The History of Pantomime
The word "pantomime" derives from the Greek language and means "all-acting". At first, it referred to a silent, one-man performance. But in the 16th century, in Italy, the idea developed using a style named Commedia dell-arte, featuring improvised performances, stock characters such as Arlecchino (Harlequin) and Pantalone, and distinctive masks.
These performances made for popular street entertainment and helped establish the idea of characters who had distinct personalities. Over time, British pantomime developed unique traits, such as the two-part structure (a non-musical first half and a musical Harlequinade second half) and the tradition of cross-dressing, with a man playing the Dame and a woman playing the Principal Boy.
What Makes Pantomime at Christmas So Special?
Perhaps it's the mix of silliness, warmth and community spirit — families laughing together, kids enthralled by magic, grown-ups enjoying irreverent jokes — that makes pantomime in England a tradition that is hard to replicate elsewhere. And in London, with so many theatres — from small neighbourhood venues to big West End stages — the endless options mean you can find something to suit you - whether it’s sparkly and glamourous, nostalgic, or a humorous modern twist on a beloved classic tale.
Let's take a look at what's playing in the capital this month…
1. Jack and the Beanstalk
This Christmas, London is playing host to multiple productions of Jack and the Beanstalk, each bringing a different spin on the familiar tale.
At the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, the show is running up until 4th January 2026, offering two hours of music, slapstick, dance and family-friendly fantastical fun. The story they tell remains close to the original: young Jack trades the family cow for a handful of mysterious beans, only to wake up the next morning to find a towering beanstalk stretching up into the clouds With a giant’s castle waiting at the top, up he will climb, to come face to face with danger and fight for his family’s future.
Meanwhile, at the King’s Head Theatre in Islington, a different version of Jack and the Beanstalk is running and what's fun here is they offer both a traditional family-friendly show and a separate “Adults Only” performance. Expect all the hallmarks of a classic panto — audience participation, jokes, slapstick— as Jack attempts to rescue his mother’s dairy farm and defeat the fearsome giant.
2. Cinderella
The story of Cinderella remains one of the pillars of Christmas pantomime in London and, this year, one of the most notable productions is at the Hackney Empire, running until 31st December 2025. It’s a version that transforms the tale of a downtrodden young girl and her magical journey to a Royal ball into a spectacle of vibrant costumes, sing-alongs, laughter and iconic lines (“You shall go to the ball!”)
Cinderella is about kindness, young love and a belief that life can change for the better, no matter how difficult things seem. So if an evening that mixes magic and romance is what you're craving, get yourself over to east London quickly!
3. Sleeping Beauty
If you’re looking for something glitzy and classic, Sleeping Beauty is another big draw this year. Their production at London Palladium is particularly high-profile, running until 11 January 2026.
This “Palladium panto” is described as a sparkling blend of fairy-tale enchantment with the kind of spectacle — grand costumes, song, dance and comedic interludes — you’d expect from one of London’s most famous theatres.
It’s ideal for families wanting a more traditional, polished show — somewhere between a fairytale adventure and an extravagant holiday performance. And because of its location, after you've seen the pantomime you can walk down Regent Street and Oxford Street and enjoy the fabulous Christmas lights on display there.
4. Potted Panto
Not every pantomime this season opts for a single fairy tale. At Wilton’s Music Hall, the show titled Potted Panto running until 3rd January 2026, packs seven classic pantomime stories into one fast-moving, madcap production — a real whirlwind for kids and grown-ups alike.
For those who enjoy variety, this might be the perfect option: different tales, changing characters, a bit of everything. In a madcap ride through the most beloved stories and best-loved characters from panto, from the rubbing of Aladdin’s lamp to roaming the golden streets of Dick Whittington’s London and making sure that Cinderella gets to the Ball, it’s a hoot of a show and unmissable fun.
5. Peter Pan
“Peter Pan: A Pantomime Adventure” at Greenwich Theatre whisks its audience off to Neverland in a swashbuckling, high-spirited family show. The story begins when the devious Captain Hook uncovers a mysterious map that could unlock great power — and sets sail in a daring bid to claim it. But the ever-youthful Peter Pan, along with Wendy, Tinkerbell and their loyal friends, won’t stand by.
With flying sequences, a full-scale pirate ship (the Jolly Roger), lively music and plenty of laughs, the show combines magic, mischief, and music for all ages. Written by and starring award-winning writer Anthony Spargo, this 2025 pantomime offers you fun and adventure in one of south London’s most pretty neighbourhoods.
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