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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 - 2024/2025
Check out our guide to family theatre and pantomime experiences that families in Cornwall can enjoy through late autumn, Christmas and winter all the way through to early 2025. We have also included some Plymouth events.
Keep checking our website for more events as they are announced - updated 30/10/2024
Check out our full event listings, including non-theatre and free events here
Find out Where Santa is in Cornwall for 2024 here
See the Christmas light switch-on dates, light trail events and other light-based activities for 2024 here
https://www.falmouth.co.uk/falmouth-events/duffy-and-the-stiltskin/
14th December 2024 to 4th January 2025
Duffy and the Stiltskin
The nights are long; the winter wind rattles the windows; outside the moon glints on the frozen puddles. Time to stoke up the fire, huddle round the comforting flames, sing some songs and enjoy a gripping story of foolishness and greed, magic and morality.
Miracle Theatre is excited to bring you Duffy and the Stiltskin – a new take on an ancient Cornish folk tale. Told with the company’s trademark blend of comedy, music, physical theatre and sharp writing, the show follows the young Duffy on a fantastical adventure, through which she learns the surprising fact that life can sometimes be too easy, and some offers are too good to be true!
Gather round for a spellbinding story, with huge heart, full of fun and delight for all ages.
Approx running time: 2 hours including interval. Recommended age 7+
6th to 31st December 2024
Get ready for a giant pantomime fairytale extravaganza laced with Cornish spirit and all the festive fun you’d expect from Jack and the Beanstalk! Starring Kernow King himself Edward Rowe, who bags his bucket list role of Dame Trott alongside a cast of homegrown heroes and West End wonders, Jack And the Beanstalk is perfect for children of all ages (grown-ups and grandparents, that means you as well!). Led by director and all-round pantomime expert Joyce Branagh, they've reassembled the Cornwall Playhouse Productions team who brought you last year’s record-breaking smash Peter Pan.
Expect song-and-dance adventure as our hero Jack, his dear (and rather tall) Mum and their beloved cow chuck caution (and magic beans) to the wind in a last-ditch attempt to save their village from the wicked giant. Head for the clouds with us and explore a mysterious beanstalk that’s taken root faster than a Kernow cabbage. Where will the plant lead, can Jack save the village and who last sharpened the axe? With songs you’ll know, a sack full of plant-based jokes and more fairy-infused fun than you can shake a beanstalk at, it’s time to set off on an unforgettable festive family feel-good adventure! Tickets from £15. Book early for the best prices and availability!
www.redruth.merlincinemas.co.uk
5th to 8th December 2024
Elf the Musical presented by R.A.O.S.T
Buddy, a young orphan mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list, and his step brother doesn't even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread 'Christmas Cheer' is singing loud for all to hear.
15th and 16th December 2024
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!
15th to 19th January 2025
R.A.M.P.S are back with another spectacular Pantomime to brighten up your post Christmas blues. With laugh out loud comedy, incredible special effects, stunning song and dance numbers, this will surely be a show you don't want to miss! Will Robin be able to defeat the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, will Friar Tuck find his next meal, will Little John find his true love, will Maid Marian save the day!?!
www.theatreroyal.com
21st December 2024
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.
The Poly - events for 2024/2025 still to be announced
www.thepoly.org
23rd December
A Christmas Carol
Spend an evening with Ebenezer Scrooge: a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, clutching, covetous, old miser. Bah! Watch horrified as Ebenezer Scrooge is haunted by four creepy ghosts (wooo-oooh) each one more terrifying than the last. Bah!
Sob at the bedside of a tiny, malnourished child riven with rickets. Bah! In their inimitable style, the team that brought you Great Expectations, Dracula and The Odyssey will now take you on a grim (sort of) journey through the dark, dismal streets of Victorian London.
This is Dickens’ original words with added silliness. Silliness? Bah! Celebrate the festive season with a mesmerising one-man performance of Charles Dickens’ timeless, transformative story: A Christmas Carol. Bah! Suitable for adults and accompanied children 9+
Solomon Browne Memorial Hall, Mousehole
www.cousinjacks.org/the-mousehole-cat
14th to 31st December 2024
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
28th January to 2nd February 2025
Cinderella
"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 humour, 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.
www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk
Dates from 7th December 2024
Father Christmas at the Museum
Royal Cornwall Museum.
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.
10th December 2024
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 local author 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. Tea for children is provided before the show.
23rd November
In a corner of the countryside not too far from here trouble is brewing.
One too many sandwiches have been stolen;
One too many flowers eaten; And one too many goat poos have been pooed.
SOMETHING must be done about the Goats, but no one agrees what that is!
Mixing puppetry, storytelling and live music, get ready for a rollicking adventure about goats, division and overcoming conflict - but with chase sequences and competitive poo collection!
4th to 7th December 2024
Be our guest this Christmas and enjoy a tale as old as time with Wonder Pantomimes as they bring the story of Beauty and the Beast to Lane this festive season as part of a six week national tour.
Join bookworm Belle who lives a quiet provincial life, but it quickly turns to danger when she finds herself imprisoned by a hideous Beast. Will the Beast learn how to love and be loved in return? Will Belle melt the Beast’s frosty heart? Will the spell be broken before the last rose petal falls?
So don’t wait until the last petal has fallen, book your tickets now to find out as this is a festive treat not to be missed.
30th November 2024
Nadelik
Based on the beloved children’s book A Christmas in Cornwall by Craig Barr-Green, featuring original live music and songs by Matthew Thomason.
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.
Nadelik is a delightful, interactive festive show for children and their families, with live action, puppetry, and a heap of festive cheer.
www.trevowhelston.co.uk
6th December 2024
The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmasness
The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmasness! is a celebration of everything Christmassy, from fir trees, fairy lights, sleigh bells and snowflakes to crackers, carols, presents and puddings!
Join Craig as he goes on a quest to find The Twelve Sprouts of Christmas, and along the way spot some naughty elves, meet a wise-cracking snowman, say hello to an over-excited Christmas puppy, endure the world’s worst Christmas jumper and gaze in wonder at the “beautiful” Christmas fairy…
www.tolmencentre.co.uk
12th and 13th November 2024
The Cratchits' Christmas Cracker
The Cratchit family is having a party and you’re all invited. Join Mrs Cratchit, cousin Edith and Uncle Hugo as they celebrate Christmas with a marvellous mix of festive songs, stories and parlour games.
The Cratchits’ Christmas Cracker! is a festive feast of seasonal silliness, a merry mixture of Yuletide foolery, created and performed by Mary Woodvine, Craig Johnson and Jenny Beare, who between them have decades of theatrical experience with Kneehigh, Wildworks, the Minack, o-region, the RSC, the National Theatre and countless village halls.
For adults and children 10+
www.northcoastarts.co.uk
5th December
‘Nadelik’ – Schools Performance
Performance based on ‘A Christmas in Cornwall’ for school groups – see website for details
5th December
‘Nadelik’
Performance based on ‘A Christmas in Cornwall’ – see the website for details
9th December
A Christmas Carol
One person performance of the Charles Dickens festive classic
17th December
National Maritime Museum Cornwall
www.nmmc.co.uk
14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd December
Nadelik
Interactive festive show based on A Christmas in Cornwall, featuring original live music and songs, live action and puppetry
Cornish Cinema Club - Pendennis Community Centre (Ships and Castles)
www.thelittleboxoffice.com/skylightcinema
Join in at Pendennis Community Centre for a magical experience featuring a selection of festive films for all ages. Whether you're looking to relive your favourite Christmas classics or discover new holiday favourites, there's something for everyone.
Take your family, friends, and loved ones to this unique outdoor movie experience, where you can enjoy the festive atmosphere from the comfort of your car. Snuggle up with blankets, sip on hot chocolate, and enjoy the twinkling lights as you get into the Christmas spirit.
Movies will be shown on the state-of-the-art LED screen spanning an impressive 8 meters in width and 4 meters in height, creating a visually stunning display that's hard to miss. With its expansive size, the all weather screen provides crystal-clear resolution and vibrant colours in breathtaking clarity.
19th December 2024
The Santa Clause - 1994 (16:30)
20th December 2024
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) - 16:30
21st December 2024
22nd December 2024
https://o-region.co.uk/theatre/nadelik-2024/
8th December 2024
Based on the beloved children’s book A Christmas in Cornwall by local author Craig Barr-Green, featuring original live music and songs by Matthew Thomason, and directed by Simon Harvey, Nadelik is a delightful, interactive festive show for children and their families, with live action, puppetry, and a whole heap of festive cheer.
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.
Suitable for ages 3 – 103
19th December 2024
Nadelik
Based on the beloved children’s book A Christmas in Cornwall by local author Craig Barr-Green, featuring original live music and songs by Matthew Thomason, and directed by Simon Harvey, Nadelik is a delightful, interactive festive show for children and their families, with live action, puppetry, and a whole heap of festive cheer.
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.
Suitable for ages 3 – 103
WTW Cinemas
White River Cinema - www.wtwcinemas.co.uk/st-austell
The Regal Cinema, Wadebridge - www.wtwcinemas.co.uk/wadebridge
The Plaza, Truro - www.wtwcinemas.co.uk/truro
Lighthouse, Newquay - www.wtwcinemas.co.uk/newquay
Dates from 14th December 2024
The Polar Express: Pyjama Party (20th Anniversary)
Join in for a journey aboard the "Pyjama Party Express," where we'll embark on a heartwarming adventure to the North Pole with a screening of the beloved holiday classic, "The Polar Express." Get ready to don your comfiest pyjamas and snuggle up with a hot chocolate as we follow the journey of a young boy who learns the true spirit of Christmas. Each guest will receive a steaming cup of hot chocolate and pack of cookies each.