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
Hamilton at Victoria Palace Theatre
Currently booking to 28 September 2024 at the Victoria Palace Theatre
Hamilton is the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation's first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, Hamilton is the story of America then, told by America now.
Mean Girls The Musical at Savoy Theatre
Currently booking to 27 October 2024 at the Savoy Theatre
Meet The Plastics - Regina, Gretchen and Karen. They rule North Shore High and will burn anyone who gets in their way. Home-schooled Cady Heron may think she knows a thing or two about survival of the fittest thanks to her zoologist parents, but high school is a whole new level of savage. When Cady devises a plan to end Regina's reign, she learns the hard way that you can't cross a queen bee without getting stung.
Hello, Dolly! at London Palladium
Currently booking to 14 September 2024 at the London Palladium
Meddlesome socialite turned matchmaker Dolly Levi travels to Yonkers, New York to find a match for the miserly, unmarried ‘half-a-millionaire’ Horace Vandergelder, but everything changes when she decides that the next match she needs to make is for herself.
Devil Wears Prada Musical at Dominion Theatre
From 24 October 2024 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.
Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder! at Ambassadors Theatre
Currently booking to 14 September 2024 at the Ambassadors Theatre
Award-winning smash-hit murder mystery musical Kathy and Stella Solve A Murder! is coming to the West End!
Kiss Me Kate at Barbican
Currently booking to 14 September 2024 at the Barbican
Adrian Dunbar and Stephanie J. Block star in a brand new revival of Kiss Me Kate in London from the producer of hit musical Anything Goes.
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.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Piccadilly Theatre
Currently booking to 5 October 2024 at the Piccadilly Theatre
Moulin Rouge The Musical is based on the 2001 film Moulin Rouge! directed by Baz Luhrmann and written by Luhrmann and Craig Pearce. It tells the story of Christian who falls in love with actress and courtesan Satine, star of Paris cabaret venue Moulin Rouge.
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
Frozen at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Currently booking to 8 September 2024 at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Based on the hit 2013 Disney movie of the same name, hit West End musical Frozen tells the story of sisters Elsa and Anna as Elsa struggles to control her magical ice powers when she's crowned Queen.
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
From 8 October 2024 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.
Mamma Mia! The Musical at Novello Theatre
Currently booking to 28 September 2024 at the Novello Theatre
Mamma Mia! follows Sophie's desire to discover the father she's never known which results in her mother coming face to face with three men from her distant romantic past.
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
The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience at 56 Leadenhall Street
Currently booking to 29 September 2024 at the 56 Leadenhall Street
The Immersive Experience of Jeff Wayne's The War of The Worlds musical comes to London! The multi award-winning show features live actors, virtual and augmented realities, 5D effects, plus the recorded voices of Moody Blues' Justin Hayward, Inglorious' Nathan James and Kaiser Chief's Ricky Wilson set to Jeff’s multi-platinum selling double album.
Book The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience tickets
Benjamin Button at Ambassadors Theatre
From 10 October 2024 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.
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World at The Other Palace
Currently booking to 8 September 2024 at the The Other Palace
This summer, the UK Theatre Award-winning and hugely successful pop musical Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World is coming to The Other Palace.
Book Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World tickets
Fiddler on the Roof at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
Currently booking to 21 September 2024 at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
A new revival of musical Fiddler on the Roof comes to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre for this year’s summer season.
A Night with Janis Joplin at Peacock Theatre
Currently booking to 28 September 2024 at the Peacock Theatre
Arriving in London this summer, A Night with Janis Joplin is a vibrant musical journey honouring the iconic Janis Joplin and her major musical influences.
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.
Your Lie in April at The Harold Pinter Theatre
Currently booking to 21 September 2024 at the The Harold Pinter Theatre
Manga musical Your Lie in April comes to the West End for a limited 12-week-season – grab your tickets now!
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.
The Rocky Horror Show at Dominion Theatre
Currently booking to 20 September 2024 at the Dominion Theatre
Jason Donovan has exchanged his technicolour dreamcoat for a more comfortable outfit as he steps into the iconic role of Dr Frank'n'Furter in Richard O'Brien's legendary rock 'n' roll musical
The Lion King at Lyceum Theatre
Currently booking to 19 October 2024 at the Lyceum Theatre
The Lion King is set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains to the evocative rhythms of Africa. Exploding with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music, it tells the timeless story of Simba and his epic journey to fulfil his destiny as King of the Pridelands.
Slave Play at Noël Coward Theatre
Currently booking to 21 September 2024 at the Noël Coward Theatre
The most Tony-nominated play of all time comes to London as Jeremy O. Harris’ Slave Play opens at the Noel Coward Theatre this summer.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at Palace Theatre
Currently booking to 29 September 2024 at the Palace Theatre
It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn't much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.
Next to Normal at Wyndham's Theatre
Currently booking to 21 September 2024 at the Wyndham's Theatre
Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical Next To Normal is officially heading to the West End fresh from its recent West End premiere.
Choir Of Man at Arts Theatre
Currently booking to 29 September 2024 at the Arts Theatre
The Choir of Man is the best trip to your local you'll ever have, featuring amazing reinventions of folk, pop, Broadway and rock chart-toppers from artists including Guns n Roses, Fun!, Adele, Avicii, Paul Simon, Sia and many more. It's a party, it's a concert and it's a lock-in like no other.
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.
The Wizard Of Oz at Gillian Lynne Theatre
Currently booking to 8 September 2024 at the Gillian Lynne Theatre
After a spectacular season at The London Palladium and an unprecedented UK & Ireland tour, The Wizard of Oz makes its grand return to the West End for an exclusive four-week run this August.
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
From 4 October 2024 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.
Fawlty Towers at Apollo Theatre
Currently booking to 28 September 2024 at the Apollo Theatre
John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers comes to the West End this year with a brand new new stage play.
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.
The Play That Goes Wrong at Duchess Theatre
Currently booking to 3 November 2024 at the Duchess Theatre
A play within a play, The Play That Goes Wrong follows the hapless members of the fictitious Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society. As they attempt to stage a performance of The Murder at Haversham Manor, a 1920s murder mystery play, a string of disasters strike the set and cast with hilarious consequences.
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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