Best Pantomimes in the East Midlands

It wouldn't be Christmas without a family trip to the panto, it's fun for all the family from 2 to 102!

Here are all the top pantomimes around the East Midlands including Derby, Nottingham, Lincoln, Leicester and Northampton.

A Christmas Carol

Palace Theatre, Appletongate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
5th Nov 2026

Presented as a radio-play-live-on-stage starring live on stage Colin Baker and Sophie Aldred (Doctor Who) with a specially recorded appearance by Tom Baker.

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ELF: The Musical

Melton Theatre, Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 0HJ
10th Nov 2026 to 14th Nov 2026

In this heart-warming musical, Santa narrates the story of Buddy, an apparently oversized elf who has been raised in the North Pole.

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The Littlest Yak

Curve, Belgrave Gate, Leicester LE1 3YQ
11th Nov 2026 to 13th Nov 2026

This musical adaptation of the award-winning children?s book will delight audiences young and old with beautiful puppets, catchy tunes and an uplifting tale of self-acceptance for all the family.

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Dick Whittington

Loughborough Town Hall, Market Place, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3EB
21st Nov 2026 to 3rd Jan 2027

Join Dick Whittington on his search for fame and fortune as he sets off for London where the streets are paved with gold, or are they?

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A Christmas Carol

Pavilion Arts Centre, St John's Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE
21st Nov 2026

On Christmas Eve night, the miserly and cold-hearted businessman Ebenezer Scrooge embarks upon a journey through his past, present, and future.

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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Curve, Belgrave Gate, Leicester LE1 3YQ
21st Nov 2026 to 9th Jan 2027

Roald Dahl's magical and much-loved story of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY is spectacularly brought to life this Christmas in our thrilling new Made at Curve production.

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The Railway Children

Derby Theatre, 15 Theatre Walk, St Peter's Quarter, Derby, DE1 2NF
27th Nov 2026 to 2nd Jan 2027

This Olivier Award-winning adaptation of E. Nesbit's beloved classic brings the story to life with imaginative staging, music and storytelling. The Railway Children is a winter treat to enjoy together.

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Robin Hood

Baths Hall, 59 Doncaster Road, Scunthorpe, DN15 7RG
3rd Dec 2026 to 31st Dec 2026

Heigh-Ho in the Merry Green Wood! The legendary Annie Fanny bursts back into The Baths Hall as she teams up with Robin Hood and his band of merry misfits for a panto adventure.

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The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

The Deco Theatre, The Old Savoy, Abington Square, Northampton NN1 4AE
4th Dec 2026 to 28th Dec 2026

Join all the characters you know and love on their whirlwind journey to the Emerald City, packed with dazzling costumes, toe-tapping tunes, laugh-out-loud comedy and plenty of audience participation. A magical treat for all ages is on its way.

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Sleeping Beauty

Buxton Opera House, Water Street, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN
4th Dec 2026 to 2nd Jan 2027

Expect a sensational cast, glittering costumes, and toe-tapping tunes ? all wrapped up in the pantomime magic you know and love.

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Beauty and the Beast

1435 Theatre, Corporation Street, Chesterfield, S41 7TX
4th Dec 2026 to 3rd Jan 2027

Packed with breathtaking sets, outrageous costumes, magic and mayhem the award-winning Little Wolf Entertainment bring this absolute 'beast' of a furry-tail adventure to Chesterfield.

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Snow White

Derby Arena, Royal Way, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8JB
4th Dec 2026 to 31st Dec 2026

Starring Derby's favourite award-winning Dame, Morgan Brind, this dazzling panto adventure has the perfect recipe to outwit the Wicked Queen. Bring a touch of fairytale sparkle to your festive season with a magical pantomime, Snow White.

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Jack and the Beanstalk

Palace Theatre, Appletongate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
8th Dec 2026 to 3rd Jan 2027

This spectacular production will transport you to a world of magic beans, a majestic castle in the clouds, and a walking, talking, and rather bad-tempered Giant. It?ll be the STALK of the town!

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Help! Santa's Missing

Chapel Street Arts Centre, Chapel Street, Derby, Derbyshire, United Kingdom, DE1 3GU
10th Dec 2026 to 23rd Dec 2026

Work together to solve puzzles and unravel the mystery by following a trail of clues through enchanted forests, snowy landscapes, and bustling Christmas markets. Will you discover who is behind Santa's disappearance?

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Peter Pan

Lighthouse Theatre, Thurston Drive, Kettering NN15 6PB
11th Dec 2026 to 31st Dec 2026

Join Peter, Wendy & Tinker Bell as they battle the fearsome Captain Hook and his motley crew of pirates. With pixie dust in the air and adventure around every corner, there?s only one rule in Neverland - never grow up!

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Beauty and the Beast

De Montfort Hall, Granville Rd, Leicester LE1 7RU
12th Dec 2026 to 3rd Jan 2027

TV quiz legend, singer, presenter, and star of ITV's The Chase, Jenny Ryan will lead the cast as the Enchantress, bringing her signature charm and wit to the Leicester stage for the first time!

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Robin Hood

Melton Theatre, Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 0HJ
12th Dec 2026 to 20th Dec 2026

Join us this Christmas for a magical adventure in Sherwood Forest as Stuart Earp returns for his 12th year, donning the famous green tights as the legendary Robin Hood.

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Scrooge: A Cirque Spectacular

Vaillant Live, 2 Colyear St, Derby DE1 1LA
15th Dec 2026 to 16th Dec 2026

This delightful fusion of Victorian pantomime and cirque artistry features acrobatics, lively musical numbers and stunning costumes that bring Dickensian London to life.

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