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Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Pantomimes and winter family theatre in Cornwall - 2023/2024
Check out our guide to family theatre and pantomime experiences that families in Christmas can enjoy during Christmas and beyond in 2023 and early 2024. We have also included some Plymouth events.
Keep checking our website for more events as they are announced.
Check out our full event listings, including non-theatre and free events here
4th to 31st December 2023
Starring Edward Rowe (Kernow King) as Captain Hook, JM Barrie’s timeless coming-of-age adventure, Peter Pan, will land at the Cornwall Playhouse in December. Stuffed full of pesky pirates, freewheeling fun and a gaggle of lost boys, take flight with Peter, Wendy and of course Tinkerbell too!
Following the fizzing festive fun of 2022’s Treasure Island, we’re getting ready to sprinkle fairy dust through Cornwall as we journey to naughty Neverland where dangerous pirates and a certain crocodile are lurking…
Forget all your worries, sew on your shadow and think your happiest thoughts!
www.redruth.merlincinemas.co.uk
21st and 22nd December
Santa’s Christmas Wish 2023
https://www.merlincinemas.co.uk/film/76796-santas-christmas-wish-2023?forcechoice=true
stmas is a season of joy, love and sharing, a time when Santa delivers presents all over the world... but what would Santa himself like for Christmas? Dasher the Reindeer has an idea...Pompom the Penguin thinks he knows... or maybe Snowy the Snowman has the answer? Dotty the Elf needs all their help - and yours - to find out!
Join a fun, festive, musical adventure to give Santa the very best Christmas, then meet him at his home in the North Pole! There every child will receive a special present from Father Christmas in our popular meet, greet and treat, after the most Christmassy Christmas show ever!
Santa's Christmas Wish is a festive, song-filled, interactive family show particularly suitable for 2-8 year olds. It lasts 45 minutes and is followed by a special meet, greet and treat with Father Christmas himself!
10th to 14th January 2024
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.jpg)
https://www.merlincinemas.co.uk/film/77554-snow-white-and-the-seven-dwarfs?forcechoice=true
Pantomime performance presented by R.A.M.P.S
Mirror, mirror on the wall. What's the greatest panto of them all? Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at The Regal of course! With a beautiful princess, a fiendish Wicked Queen, seven funny dwarfs, and not forgetting a poisoned apple and a magic mirror, it's not to be missed. Bursting with toe tapping songs, spectacular dance routines and plenty of laughter, this is a treat for all the family.
17th December
The Christmassy Christmas Show
https://www.squashboxtheatre.co.uk/christmassy-christmas-show
The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmasness! is an over-stuffed stocking of seasonal surprises crammed with puppets, songs and comedy, and over-flowing with crazy characters, silly slapstick, tall tales and fantastic facts - all presented in that unique Squashbox style!
For children aged 4+ and their families.
17th and 18th November
Frozen Jnr
https://tickets.sterts.co.uk/sales/genres/family/frozen-jnr
A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen JR. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humour, Frozen JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart!
15th to 20th December
Elf The Musical
https://tickets.sterts.co.uk/sales/genres/family/elf-the-musical
Based on the cherished 2003 New Line Cinema hit, Elf features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (Disney's Aladdin On Broadway, The Wedding Singer), with a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The DrowsyChaperone).
Dates from 20th December
Frozen Jr
Do you want to build a snowman? You’ll love this 
fanciful and heart-warming stage adaptation of the top-grossing animated film of all time! Join Anna, Elsa, and all of your favourite characters as they embark on an epic, ice-filled journey of self-discovery, camaraderie, and the real meaning of true love. Adapted for young performers, this musical includes favourite Frozen songs such as “Love Is an Open Door,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?,” and “Let It Go,” as well as wonderful new songs from the Broadway production. With its empowering message of love and understanding, Frozen JR. is sure to melt your heart!
www.thepoly.org
20th and 22nd December
Elf (20th Anniversary) (PG)
https://thepoly.org/whats-on/event/1693/elf
For the human living life as an Elf in the North Pole, life can be tough among the elves and for adult Buddy, it's easy to see why he doesn't fit in.
Leaving everything he has known at the South Pole behind, Buddy (played by Will Ferrell) travels to New York in search of his father. Hilarity ensues as this adult human elf tries to win over his cynical businessman father with magical moments like spaghetti, maple syrup and candy for breakfast! Loved by kids and adults alike, this is the must-see festive movie!
Tickets: £6 adult / £5 child
23rd December
It’s A Wonderful Life (U)
https://thepoly.org/whats-on/event/2648/it-s-a-wonderful-life-u
For the human living life as an Elf in the North Pole, life can be tough among the elves and for adult Buddy, it's easy to see why he doesn't fit in.
Leaving everything he has known at the South Pole behind, Buddy (played by Will Ferrell) travels to New York in search of his father. Hilarity ensues as this adult human elf tries to win over his cynical businessman father with magical moments like spaghetti, maple syrup and candy for breakfast! Loved by kids and adults alike, this is the must-see festive movie!
Tickets: £6 adult / £5 child
16th November
Splash Test Dummies
Rub-a-dub-dub, The Dummies are here with some splish-splashing circus set to drown you in tears of laughter.
The Splash Test Dummies are off on an exciting adventure of oceanic proportions! With a brilliant array of catch-your-breath stunt work, dazzling acrobatics, dexterous juggling and side-splitting, slapstick comedy, the Dummies are ready to roll out their beach towels and spring into an exciting hour of circus-filled hilarity for the whole family.
22nd December
The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmasssy Christmasness
The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmasness! is an over-stuffed stocking of seasonal surprises crammed with puppets, songs and comedy, and over-flowing with crazy characters, silly slapstick, tall tales and fantastic facts - all presented in that unique Squashbox style!
For children aged 4+ and their families.
Launceston Town Hall
17th November
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/launceston/launceston-town-hall/splash-t-st-dummies/e-zqpxmy
Rub-a-dub-dub, The Dummies are here with some splish-splashing circus set to drown you in tears of laughter.
The Splash Test Dummies are off on an exciting adventure of oceanic proportions! With a brilliant array of catch-your-breath stunt work, dazzling acrobatics, dexterous juggling and side-splitting, slapstick comedy, the Dummies are ready to roll out their beach towels and spring into an exciting hour of circus-filled hilarity for the whole family.
Solomon Browne Memorial Hall, Mousehole
www.cousinjacks.org/the-mousehole-cat
16th to 31st December
The Mousehole Cat
Cousin Jacks return with their magical puppet and live-action production for the eighth consecutive year.
Based on the well-known Cornish legend this uniquely heartwarming story of the friendship between a fearless fisherman and his devoted cat will warm the cockles of everyone's hearts... almost as much as an ‘efty portion of stargazy pie!
www.helstontheatrecompany.co.uk
23rd to 28th January
Sleeping Beauty
https://www.helstontheatrecompany.co.uk/posts/sleeping-beauty
"In the enchanting kingdom of Helston, a joyous celebration is underway as Princess Aurora is christened, welcoming all except the malevolent Carabosse. Unable to resist the allure of the festivities, Carabosse arrives in a furious storm, casting a wicked curse upon the innocent princess and the entire kingdom.
As the years pass, Princess Aurora matures into a graceful young woman, but the kingdom faces financial ruin. To save Helston, Aurora must embark on a quest to find true love and break the curse. But Carabosse's evil plan threatens to prevail.
With the help of her loyal fairy godmothers and a dash of magic, Aurora navigates a whimsical journey filled with humor, adventure, and unexpected surprises. Can true love conquer the malevolence that Carabosse has woven? Will Aurora's fairy godmothers succeed in their mission to protect her and the kingdom ?Join Helston Theatre Company in this captivating pantomime adventure, a timeless tale woven with tradition and sprinkled with magical moments.
Dates from 6th December
Jack Frost
https://www.coppicetheatre.co.uk/whats-on
17th December - The Poly, Falmouth
21st December - The Acorn, Penzance
Jack Frost is back for more fantastic festive storytelling! Join Jack and friends for his 7th festive adventure in Cornwall! Wintery storytelling for the whole family. Using projections, innovative lighting and traditional storytelling Jack Frost 7 is a magical experience for young and old.
Dates from 6th December
Father Christmas at the Museum
Royal Cornwall Museum. https://www.coppicetheatre.co.uk/whats-on
Rumour has it that Father Christmas is hiding in the Royal Cornwall Museum this year and the elves need your help to find him. Explore the fascinating exhibits of the museum, befriend an elf, listen to their stories, and help them find Father Christmas.
Finding Father Christmas returns to Truro for its third year – this time amongst the fascinating curiosities of the Royal Cornwall Museum in this family storytelling and grotto experience.
Finding Father Christmas at the Museum is a unique walking theatre and grotto experience brought to you by Truro BID in association with Coppice Theatre and with kind permission from the Royal Cornwall Museum.
9th to 30th December
Winter Wood
Tehidy Woods, North Cliffs
https://rogueotherworld.co.uk/winter-wood-23/
Rogue returns to Tehidy Woods, North Cliffs this December with a wild-magic celebration of winter; Winter Wood!
Follow the path into the Winter Wood and lose yourself in the dreamscape of nature.
Gather, as Old Man Winter stirs the night with flying deer magic and ember tales, and catches a wish upon the stars’ pale light.
Various locations across Cornwall from 2nd December
Nadelik
https://www.instagram.com/p/C0Je27JoHcc/?hl=en
It’s Christmas Eve in Cornwall and two little girls and their Gran are excitedly preparing for the big day. But where’s dad?
As night falls, their fisherman father is caught in a storm far out at sea. Will he make it home for Christmas? Perhaps — with some extra special help.
Based on the beloved children’s book A Christmas in Cornwall by Craig Barr-Green, featuring original live music and songs by Matthew Thomason, NADELIK is a delightful, interactive festive show for children and their families, with live action, puppetry, and a heap of festive cheer.
Suitable for ages 3 - 103