From pantomimes with star-studded casts to kid-friendly adaptations of their favourite books, there’s a show for everyone to enjoy this festive season.
Pantomime season is here…oh no it isn’t! Oh yes it is.
Nothing screams Christmas more than heading to the theatre on a cold, crisp evening and watching a brilliant show. Whether you want to risk being pulled on stage by a lavish panto dame or prefer a more civilised evening at the ballet, there’s so many productions happening in and around Leeds this season for you to enjoy.
So, we’ve collated a list of shows for you to grab your tickets to and you best be quick, as lots are selling out fast.
Dick Whittington
Leeds City Vanities Music Hall | 25 November 2022 – 8 January 2023
One of everyone’s favourite pantomimes has been given a rock and roll makeover, combining traditional panto frivolities with classic rock anthems.
Prepare to be wowed by this breathtaking production and get ready to tap your foot along to the catchy chart-toppers, all performed live on stage by an extraordinarily talented cast.
Get your tickets here.
Jack and the Beanstalk
The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford | 10 December 2022 – 22 January 2023
The Alhambra Theatre in Bradford is famous for it’s fantastic pantomimes, and this year is no exception. Starring panto legend Billy Pearce, Emmerdale star Danny Miller and Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK runner-up Divina De Campo, this magical adventure follows hero Jack, who along with his family, fights to outwit the evil giant and win riches beyond his wildest dreams.
Get your tickets here.
Old Granny Goose
Grand Opera House, York | 10 December 2022 – 8 January 2023
Take a festive trip over to York and catch this spectacular pantomime with York’s oldest dame, Berwick Kaler.
Back with his usual cast of David Leonard, side-kick Martin Barrass, principal ‘girl’ Suzy Cooper and favourite funny man AJ Powell, this panto cast are a Christmas staple and have been providing festive laughs to families who come from far and wide for years on end.
Tickets can be bought here.
Peter Pan
York Theatre Royal, York | 2 December 2022 – 2 January 2023
Starring CBeebies’ Maddie Moate as Tinkerbell, the All New Adventures of Peter Pan at the York Theatre Royal is the ultimate family night out. Expect a night of laughter, music and pantomime fun for all ages with an added sprinkling of fairy dust.
Get your tickets here.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Leeds Playhouse, Quarry Hill | 18 November 2022 – 28 January 2023
Roald Dahl’s devilishly delicious tale of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and wild confectionary wizard Willy Wonka will take you to a world of pure imagination this festive season. Take a journey down the chocolate river and grab your golden ticket to this incredible production by Leeds Playhouse with Neal Street Productions & Playful Productions.
Get your tickets here.
Stick Man
Courtyard Theatre, Leeds Playhouse | 7 December – 31 December 2022
This touching and funny adaptation of Julie Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man is coming to Leeds for the festive season. The heartfelt children’s story follows the journey of a wooden stick who becomes separated from his family home and embarks on an Odyssey-like adventure to return there.
The production will showcase three fantastic actors whom will perform an array of puppetry, live music and funky dance moves. The play will run for 55 minutes and is aimed at children aged 2+, making it the perfect afternoon of fun for all the family.
Find out more here.
Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Leeds Grand Theatre | 20 December 2022 – 7 January 2023
Christmas is not complete without a trip to the theatre to watch the ballet and The Nutcracker is the most festive ballet around. Share in Clara’s adventures as she is swept away by her Nutcracker Prince into an enchanting winter wonderland.
Watch in awe as the dazzling dancing snowflakes, the famous Sugar Plum Fairy and the notorious Mouse King take to the stage this Christmas.
Get your tickets to The Nutcracker here.
Read more: All the alternative Christmas markets coming to Leeds this year
Feature image – Freckle Productions
