Local Pantomimes: Yorkshire

It’s hard to believe that this intrinsically British form of entertainment has its roots in ancient Greece and 16th century Italy, but the joys of “he’s behind you” are all around us. Here’s a list of some nearby pantomimes for 2016-2017…

ALADDIN

Where: Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York, YO1 9SW

When: 9 December-1 January

With Princess Jasmine, Abanazar, the Emperor and Wishee Washee all on hand to help or thwart the hero’s progress, this should be a show filled with fun and famous faces.

Link: www.atgtickets.com/venues/grand-opera-house-york

DICK WHITTINGTON

Where: Harrogate Theatre, Oxford Street, Harrogate HG1 1QF

When: Until 15 January

With Puss in Boots and Queen Rat to add to the action, Dick’s progress from Harrogate to London is an adventure not to miss.

Link: www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk

SLEEPING BEAUTY – THE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL PANTO

Where: City Varieties Music Hall, Swan Street, Leeds, LS1 6LW

When: Until 8 January

This hilarious, high-speed panto promises all the traditional audience participation and corny gags with the added bonus of a full-blown “boulder fight” and plenty of top pop & soul hits played live on stage!

Link: www.cityvarieties.co.uk

CINDERELLA

Where: The Carriageworks, Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 3AD

Where: Until 7 January

Be charmed by the classic rags to riches fairy tale of the downtrodden Cinderella, forced to scrub and slave for her jealous step sisters and wicked stepmother.

Link: www.carriageworkstheatre.org.uk

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS

Where: White Rose Theatre, The Tetley, Hunslet Rd, Leeds, LS10 1JQ

When: 8 December-1 January

A star studded production of this year’s most popular pantomime, look out for a magic mirror and don’t take a chance with any tasty looing apples.

Link: www.whiterosetheatre.com

PETER PAN

Where: Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford, BD7 1AJ

When: 17-29 December

Alhambra favourite Billy Pearce makes a welcome return to the theatre and boards the Jolly Roger heading into Neverland.

Link: www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

CINDERELLA

Where: York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York YO1 7HD

Where: 8 December -28 January

Berwick and the gang are back where they belong: on the brand-new stage in the newly refurbished Theatre Royal, bringing back a hilarious take on this well-known tale.

Link: www.theatre-royal-york.co.uk

CINDERELLA

Where: Crowns Theatre, KC Lightstream Stadium, Hull HU9 5HE

When: 8 December-1 January

Expect plenty of magic, pizzazz and comedy escapades delivered by a star-studded cast including Linda Lursardi as the Wicked Stepmother, the Grumbleweeds as the Ugly Sisters, and Rainbow’s Zippy and George.

Link: www.thecrownstheatre.com

SNOW WHITE

Where: The Georgian Theatre Royal, Victoria Road, Richmond, DL10 4DW

When: Until 8 January

Promising ‘top-quality family entertainment with all-star performances, dazzling dances, catchy songs, sparkling costumes and, of course, huge helpings of rip-roaringly funny comedy and good-humoured audience participation’ in a special location, this is one to put on your list if you’re heading north.

Link: www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk

 

 

And for those who like their Christmas entertainment a little less traditional…

THE SNOWMAN TOUR

Where: York Barbican, Paragon St, York YO10 4AH

When: 16 December

A big screen, an iconic film and world-class musicians will combine to create a mesmerising show. First see Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker brought to life with an animated film, accompanied by a live orchestra. Then enjoy live music alongside the much-loved film.

Link: www.yorkbarbican.co.uk

THE WITCHES

Where: Courtyard Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds LS2 7UP

When: Until 21 January

Definitely a modern classic, if not quite a fairy tale, Roald Dahl’s scariest book is brought to life in this terrifying treat for the whole family. Enjoy mind boggling illusions that will leave you flabbergasted in the telling of this story.

Link: www.wyp.org.uk