Mad-cap fun, catchy songs and crazy costumes - the key ingredients to the perfect panto - but which one will you be seeing this Christmas?
The Mercury Theatre in Colchester, Princes Theatre in Clacton and The Regent in Ipswich are all hosting Aladdin, but if you don’t fancy the magical trip to Agrabah aboard a flying carpet, why not try Cinderella or the brand new Rock and Roll panto at the Wolsey in Ipswich?
Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds - Jack and the Beanstalk
Friday, November 27 to Sunday, January 10
Fe-Fi-Fo-Fum! Join the Theatre Royal for their traditional family pantomime, Jack & The Beanstalk.
The story of Jack, a handful of beans, a cow and a giant will be full of magic, music and fun.
Expect singing and dancing, a handful of magic and a slightly scary giant from this classic fairytale story.
Tickets cost from £8.50 and are available online or by calling the box office on 01284 769505.
The New Wolsey Theatre - The Sword in the Stone
Thursday, November 26 to Saturday, January 30
To celebrate the start of their 15th year, the New Wolsey has a brand new rock and roll pantomime.
Written by Peter Rowe, and performed in the New Wolsey’s traditional actor-musician style, this brand new take on the legendary tale of King Arthur mixes music and magic, swordplay and slapstick into a wicked festive brew with a classic rock n roll kick.
The show includes hit songs I’m Going To Rain On Your Parade, You Got The Love, Come On Baby Light My Fire and Backstreet’s Back, plus Take That’s Rule The World.
Tickets for midweek matinee performances are still available at £10, call 01473 295900 to book or visit their website.
Regent Theatre, Ipswich - Aladdin
Saturday, December 19 to Sunday, January 3
Legendary magician Paul Daniels and his wife Debbie McGee lead an all-star cast at the Regent this Christmas. Also starring in this magical panto are X-Factor runner-up Andy Abraham and Disney Channel presenter Samantha Dorrance, plus Chris Stanton fromCBBC’s hit children’s TV show M.I. High and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Andrew Fleming.
Enchanted Entertainment are promising an even more magical pantomime offering this year.
Tickets are priced from £13, with a £2 discount on top ticket prices for concessions.Family tickets are available from £59.
The Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe - Cinderella
Saturday, December 19 to Sunday, January 3
Meet poor put-upon Cinderella, her ugly sisters, wicked step mother and endearing Buttons.
The Dennis Lowe Theatre Company is returning to Felxistowe with this fabulous festive treat.
Follow Cinderella as she tried to get to the ball - and encounters all of the usual panto dramas along the way.
Tickets cost from £8.50 for concessions and £13.50 for adults, with family tickets at £35 or £45.
Book hereThe Quay Theatre, Sudbury - The Snow Queen
Friday, December 18 to Sunday, December 3
Kay is magicked away by the Snow Queen, aided by her trusty Polar Bears but Gerda chases after them along with her friend, Molly Moose.
She is helped by her aunties and their pet reindeers, Rooni, Roni, Runny and, of course, Rudolph.
After a chase around the Ice Palace the Snow Queen and the Polar Bears are defeated and everyone else lives happily ever after - just as you would expect in pantoland.
Tickets are £8 for children, £10 for adults and can be booked onlineCo-op Juniors Theatre Company at Snape Malting Concert Hall - Alice in Wonderland
Friday, December 4 to Sunday, December 13
The group have been faithful to the spirit of the book and the wonderful characters created by Lewis Carroll, but have added a large dose of stage magic and some amazing sets and effects.
Alice tumbles through the pages of a huge book onstage and down a rabbit hole into a Wonderland of crazy characters including The Mad Hatter, White Rabbit and Queen of Hearts.
Music and dance will once again be at the heart of the Junior’s Christmas Spectacular and for the first time ever they will be using the full stage, including the orchestra pit and forestage. Plus there is a rousing Christmas finale - adding to the magic of this beautiful tale.
For more information, visit the website. Book online or by calling 01728 687110.
Stowmarket Operatic & Dramatic Society - Robin Hood and Babes in the Wood
Wednesday, December 16 to Sunday, December 20
There is a double-whammy in Stowmarket - two pantos for the price of one.
Enjoy a pre-Christmas treat with what is threatening to be an hilarious show, packed full of slap-stick comedy, punchy one-liners and good old fashioned family fun.
Book tickets here they are priced at £13 for adults, and £11.50 for concessions.
The Marina Theatre, Lowestoft - Sleeping Beauty
Tuesday, December 15 to Saturday, January 2
The naughty fairy sends Sleeping Beauty into what could be an ever-lasting slumber, but there is a flicker of hope - true love’s kiss could wake her from her drowsy state.
From the award winning producers of Cinderella and Snow White, this year comes the East Coast’s biggest pantomime, and one that is guaranteed to melt your heart.
Featuring a host of colourful comic characters, spectacular sets, fabulous costumes, delightful dancers and lots of audience participation (oh yes it will!), it’s time to set your alarm clocks for this year’s fun-packed show.
Tickets cost between £7 and £18.50 and are available here.
Mercury Theatre, Colchester - Aladdin
Saturday, November 28 to Sunday, January 10, various times
This panto is set in Old Peking, where Aladdin dreams of marrying the beautiful Princess Jasmine and providing a better life for his mother Widow Twanky and brother Wishee Washee.
With the promise of an inheritance to make him as rich as a prince, the wicked magician Abanazar has tricked Aladdin into helping him find a magic lamp hidden in a secret cavern high in the hills.
Aladdin soon finds himself trapped with only a battered old lamp for company.
It’s only when he rubs the scruffy lamp that his adventure really begins!
Tickets cost from £10. To book, visit their website or call 01206 573948.
Princes Theatre, Clacton - Aladdin
Saturday, December 12 to Sunday, January 3, various times
Go on a thrilling carpet ride this Christmas as Polka Dot Pantomimes and the Princes Theatre present Aladdin, staring Scott Robinson from boy band Five.
There will be dazzling costumes, spellbinding special effects and lots of audience participation that will keep the whole family entertained.
If you have three wishes this Christmas, use one to see Aladdin and discover a whole new world!
Performances take place at 2pm, with 6pm shows on December 12, 18, 19, 23, 27 and January 2.
Schools performances take place for a week from December 14, with tickets costing £7.50.
Tickets for all other performances cost £13.50, £12.50 for concessions or £46 for a family of two adults and two under 16s.
To book, call 01255 686633 or see hereWest Cliff Theatre, Clacton - Cinderella
Friday, January 1 to Sunday, January 3
Clacton Musical Theatre’s 45th pantomime is the rags to riches tale of Cinderella.
The show, which will be full of magic, laughter, song and dance, will include the Fairy Godmother, the Ugly Sisters, the Prince and of course Cinders herself.
Performances will be held at 2pm each day and at 7pm on the Friday and Saturday.
Tickets cost £12, £11 for children under 16 or £35 for a family ticket for two adults and two children.
To book, visit the website or call 01255 433344.
Maldon Town Hall - Aladdin
Friday, January 22 to Saturday, January 30
Maldon Amateur Pantomime Society (MAPS) have been performing Christmas shows in the town for more than 20 years.
In this popular tale, Aladdin is lured to the Cave of Wonders, with its promise of fabulous jewels.
His mother Widow Twankey can’t wait for Aladdin to return home rich, but all is not what it seems.
Performances will be held on January 22, 23, 29 and 30 at 7.30pm, plus there will be Saturday matinees.
Tickets cost £9 for adults, £10 for a balcony seat, £7 for children and concessions or £29 for a family of two adults and two children.
To book, call Maldon Tourist Information Centre on 01621 856503.
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