The must-see pantos in London this year
As the festive season approaches, London and the West End are set to sparkle with the magic of pantomime.
In 2023, the stages of London are bringing an array of spectacular pantomime productions, each offering its unique twist on classic fairy tales and beloved stories.
From the grandeur of West End theatres to the charming local stages, the variety of shows available this year promises something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing or an evening of laughter and entertainment, the 2023 pantomime season in London and the West End is not to be missed.
In this article, we’ll guide you through some of the most anticipated pantomimes hitting the London stage this year…
Pantos in London this year
Devil Wears Prada Musical at Dominion Theatre
Currently booking to 31 May 2025 at the Dominion Theatre
Fresh out of college, aspiring journalist Andy scores a job at the prestigious Runway magazine working for fashion's most powerful and terrifying icon — editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly.
Hadestown at Lyric Theatre
Currently booking to 22 December 2024 at the Lyric Theatre
Hadestown intertwines two mythic tales, that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone, as it invites you on an unforgettable journey to the underworld and back
Guys & Dolls at Bridge Theatre
Currently booking to 4 January 2025 at the Bridge Theatre
Join us for Guys & Dolls as The Bridge transforms for one of the greatest musicals of all time. It has more hit songs, more laughs and more romance than any show ever written.
Les Miserables at Sondheim Theatre
Currently booking to 29 March 2025 at the Sondheim Theatre
Adapted from Victor Hugo's novel, Les Miserables is the epic story of one man's life journey through 18th century France and his struggle to live through the injustice and revolution of the time.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow at Phoenix Theatre
Currently booking to 15 December 2024 at the Phoenix Theatre
Brought to life by a multi-award-winning creative team, Stranger Things: The First Shadow is set within the mythology and world of Netflix's hugely popular series.
MJ The Musical at Prince Edward Theatre
Currently booking to 7 December 2024 at the Prince Edward Theatre
He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson's unique and unparalleled artistry is heading to the West End in the multiple Tony Award-winning musical MJ.
Cabaret at Playhouse Theatre
Currently booking to 1 February 2025 at the Playhouse Theatre
Set in the 1930s Berlin, the musical Cabaret tells the story of the seedy Kit Kat Klub and the relationship between American writer Cliff Bradshaw and English cabaret performer Sally Bowles.
Why Am I So Single? at Garrick Theatre
Currently booking to 13 February 2025 at the Garrick Theatre
From the writers of SIX, Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, comes Why Am I So Single? - a Big Fancy Musical where two friends' lonely little lives are transformed into an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza about love, dating, friendship, and... bees
Operation Mincemeat at Fortune Theatre
Currently booking to 16 November 2024 at the Fortune Theatre
A hilarious and sharp-witted musical that's received glowing reviews. The year is 1943 and we're losing the war. Luckily, we're about to gamble all our futures on a stolen corpse.
Mrs. Doubtfire musical at Shaftesbury Theatre
Currently booking to 16 February 2025 at the Shaftesbury Theatre
A hilarious and heartfelt story about holding onto your loved ones against all odds, Mrs. Doubtfire is the musical comedy we need right now.
Wicked at Apollo Victoria Theatre
Currently booking to 1 June 2025 at the Apollo Victoria Theatre
The magical tale reveals the 'true untold story' behind the Wizard Of Oz and just what happened before Dorothy dropped in. Featuring some of musical theatre's most iconic songs, such as Defying Gravity, Wicked will send your spirits soaring to heights you'll never forget.
Back To The Future: The Musical at Adelphi Theatre
Currently booking to 22 December 2024 at the Adelphi Theatre
Back to the Future follows Marty McFly who finds himself travelling back in time 30 years thanks to a time-traveling DeLorean created by Dr. Emmett Doc Brown.
Matilda the Musical at Cambridge Theatre
Currently booking to 25 May 2025 at the Cambridge Theatre
Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, with original songs from comedian Tim Minchin, Matilda is the captivating musical masterpiece from the RSC that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dares to change her destiny.
Dr Strangelove at Noel Coward Theatre
Currently booking to 21 December 2024 at the Noel Coward Theatre
Dr Strangelove, fully titled Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, is an apocalyptical dark comedy released in the 1960s about a United States Air Force general who orders a nuclear strike on the Soviet Union and the attempts to stop a nuclear winter.
Six at Vaudeville Theatre
Currently booking to 4 May 2025 at the Vaudeville Theatre
The crowning glory of the West End, Broadway and beyond, history is about to get over - throne in the homegrown hit musical sensation, SIX
The Phantom Of The Opera at His Majesty's Theatre
Currently booking to 29 March 2025 at the His Majesty's Theatre
The Phantom Of The Opera is based on the French novel of the same name by Gaston Leroux. It tells the story of soprano singer Christine Daaé who becomes the obsession of a masked musical genius who resides beneath a Paris opera house.
Abba Voyage at The ABBA Arena
Currently booking to 25 November 2024 at the The ABBA Arena
Blurring the lines between the physical and digital, see the magic of ABBA brought to life using the latest in motion capture technology
Benjamin Button at Ambassadors Theatre
Currently booking to 15 February 2025 at the Ambassadors Theatre
An electrifying journey through the timeless tale of a love that defies all odds, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is an enchantingly beautiful and truly unordinary musical that reminds us to make every second count.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels in Concert at London Palladium
On 24 November 2024 at the London Palladium
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is coming to The London Palladium in concert for two very special performances with Ramin Karimloo and Hadley Fraser.
Figaro: An Original Musical at London Palladium
From 3 February 2025 to 4 February 2025 at the London Palladium
Set against the backdrop of mid-1800s Italy, Figaro: An Original Musical tells the story of Sienna, a young woman whose mundane life on her father's farm is transformed after meeting two orphans.
Tina - The Tina Turner Musical at Aldwych Theatre
Currently booking to 31 May 2025 at the Aldwych Theatre
Tina is a musical based on the life and legendary music of international recording artist Tina Turner.
The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons at Dominion Theatre
On 16 February 2025 at the Dominion Theatre
Starring Peter Andre - The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is a spectacular high-pitched celebration of timeless music from one of the biggest selling groups of all time.
Robin Hood Palladium Panto at London Palladium
From 7 December 2024 to 12 January 2025 at the London Palladium
Join the festive frenzy as Palladium Pantomime launches its 9th splendid season with an all-new production of Robin Hood!
Six The Musical Sing Along at Vaudeville Theatre
Currently booking to 4 May 2025 at the Vaudeville Theatre
Sing-along special shows! Six The Musical is the hit show that turns Tudor queens into pop princesses as 500 years of historical heartbreak becomes an hour of 21st century sass.
Magic Mike Live at Hippodrome Casino
Currently booking to 29 June 2025 at the Hippodrome Casino
From the bespoke entrance off Cranbourn Street, to the specially curated lounge and bar experience, to the cast of world-class performers, Magic Mike Live is a complete evening of unparalleled entertainment for guests aged 18 and up. Audience members enter Magic Mike’s mythical club and marvel as a group of extraordinary artists perform a 360-degree dance and acrobatic spectacular in front of, behind, and above them. Sexy dance routines intertwined with one-of-a-kind acts, are presented by a diverse cast of performers from around the world.
Oedipus at Wyndham's Theatre
Currently booking to 4 January 2025 at the Wyndham's Theatre
Mark Strong and Lesley Manville star in a new adaptation of Oedipus in the West End.
Dick Whittington at Greenwich Theatre
From 22 November 2024 to 5 January 2025 at the Greenwich Theatre
An all-new, all-singing, all-dancing pantomime adventure comes to Greenwich Theatre in this Christmas, from the team behind the triple Offie Award-nominated Snow White.
Aladdin at Lyric Hammersmith
From 16 November 2024 to 4 January 2025 at the Lyric Hammersmith
Your wishes have been granted, for Aladdin is the Lyric’s 2024 panto! Soar above the streets of Hammersmith with our panto heroes Aladdin and Jasmine for an adventure you won’t forget.
Pinocchio at Theatre Royal Stratford East
From 23 November 2024 to 4 January 2025 at the Theatre Royal Stratford East
Pinocchio will be the 2024 pantomime at Theatre Royal Stratford East this festive season!
A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic
From 9 November 2024 to 4 January 2025 at the The Old Vic
A Christmas Carol fills the auditorium to the brim with mince pies, music and merriment. A unique staging immerses the audience in London's longest running adaptation of this beloved festive favourite.
Starlight Express at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
Currently booking to 16 February 2025 at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
As a child's train set magically comes to life and the engines race to become the fastest in the world, Rusty the steam train has little hope of winning until he is inspired by the legend of the 'Starlight Express'. Seen around the world by over 20 million people, Starlight Express is an electrifying experience for all ages.
Expect extravagant costumes, dazzling set designs, hilarious slapstick, and, of course, the customary boos and hisses as we journey through the best of London’s pantomime offerings for 2023. Join us in celebrating this cherished theatrical tradition that continues to delight audiences of all ages.
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