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It's Showtime! Pantomimes, Christmas and Winter Theatre For Families in Devon 2026
Welcome to our guide to the best pantomimes and winter theatre productions in Devon for late 2026 and early 2027! As the colder months set in, Devon comes alive with a rich variety of festive performances that bring joy and laughter to audiences of all ages.
From traditional pantomime classics with all the comedy and cheer you expect, to original winter theatre shows that capture the spirit of the season, there's something for everyone. Whether you're enjoying a night out with the family or sharing a festive experience with friends, let us help you discover the top winter theatre events in Cornwall that will make your season bright and memorable!
**Please note that new events are being announced all the time and will be updated below for 2026 as they become available - where there have been 2025 events - that information has been included as an example of a previous event**
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**Details for 2026 still to be confirmed - details below are for the 2025 event ** 15th December to 3rd January The Christmas Circus Step into a world of festive magic & thrills as they present their most yuletide Christmas Circus to date. This festive season gather the whole family & experience a heartwarming, laugh out loud & edge of your seat adventure beneath our bigtop. With acrobatics, hilarious clowns, festive surprises & mind-boggling stunts, all sprinkled with a generous helping of Christmas sparkle |
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27th November 2026 Welsh National Opera’s Family Concert is back with a vibrant and welcoming introduction to live orchestral music. Hosted by Elin Llwyd, the concert blends well-known favourites brought to life by WNO Orchestra, alongside a group of outstanding soloists performing recognisable pieces for all the family. Offenbach’s energetic Can-Can brings a sense of joy and familiarity, encouraging young audiences to connect straight away while Beethoven’s music from Prometheus stands out with its bold, cinematic quality almost like a superhero soundtrack, making it both accessible and thrilling, even for those new to classical music. Adding to the playful atmosphere is Ballo de Orsi (‘Dance of the Bears’), a piece that feels wonderfully visual and full of character. Its lively, almost storytelling quality, invites children to imagine scenes and movement, making the listening experience both fun and immersive. With its mythological theme, engaging repertoire and relaxed setting, this concert offers something enjoyable and memorable for everyone.
4th December 2026 to 3rd January 2027 You shall go to the ball this Christmas with pop icon and stage star Will Young as the Fairy Godfather and breakfast TV favourite and Hollywood correspondent Ross King as Buttons. They will be joined by musical theatre’s Eve Shanu-Wilson as Cinderella, Michael O’Reilly, who is returning to his roots for the festive season as Prince Charming, and Daniel Norford as Dandini. Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients Plymouth audiences expect, Cinderella features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses. Join Cinders as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her very wicked sisters and meets her Prince Charming. The clock is ticking, so book your tickets now!
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Dates from 13th December It’s deep winter, and the townsfolk of Little Trusting are busy preparing for their favourite time of year. Twinkling lights are being hung, wintry songs are being sung and festive gifts are being… brung. Everything is just as it should be. Until something rather large, rather hairy, and rather smelly, moves into the nearby forest. And the townsfolk suddenly find themselves face to face with a surprising new neighbour. Now strange things are happening. Biscuits have been snaffled. Socks have gone missing. Something must be done! So a brave band of adventurers set off on a thrilling quest to find … the YETI. Join us this festive season for a hilarious, heartwarming show for all the family, exploring friendship, courage and what it means to truly belong. Expect big laughs, even bigger feels, spectacular sets, original music and a healthy dose of Quirky silliness.
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https://www.plymouththeatrecompany.com/
1st to 5th December 2026 Step into the enchanted world of Broadway’s classic, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, an international sensation that has been produced in 37 countries worldwide. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. This “tale as old as time” is filled with spectacular costumes, sets and really is family theatre at its best! |
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Exeter Northcott
Dates from 27th November From the same outrageous team that smashed box office records for 4 years running… Get ready for a truly spellbinding Christmas adventure as Exeter Northcott Theatre and Le Navet Bete’s hugely popular panto returns with Sleeping Beauty! Bursting with laughter, dazzling costumes and toe-tapping tunes, this spectacular show promises mischief, mayhem and plenty of audience fun. It’s the ultimate festive treat that will leave the whole family wide awake with joy. Book now before the magic disappears!
Access performances
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Barnfield Theatre
Dates from 17th December 2026 Following two previous hit Christmas shows for little ones and their families, The Elves and the Shoemaker and The Jolly Christmas Postman, we are delighted to present this joyful, immersive adaptation of A Christmas Carol, specially created for children aged 3 – 8 (and still a delight for older siblings and grown-ups). The story begins on Christmas Eve, when three siblings find themselves snowed in together with no electricity. To pass the time, they begin to tell a story… and slowly, the world of Ebenezer Scrooge appears around them. As the tale unfolds, theatrical magic takes us on a wondrous flight around the world, lifting us high above snowy rooftops and glowing windows, into Fezziwig’s factory for a Wotsit-filled dance party, and much more! This warm and playful production is performed by a cast of three actors, who transform the stage using immersive storytelling, catchy songs, imaginative props and projections. The result is a version of A Christmas Carol that isn’t the least bit scary, filled with friendly ghosts, gentle humour and lots of imagination, focused on kindness, generosity and the joy of Christmas. A (little) Christmas Carol is a perfect first theatre experience for young children and a festive treat for the whole family. Access performances
31st December 2026 to 1st January 2027 Get swept away by one of the most enchanting fairy tales of all time, as Hot Rock & Wonder Pantomimes brings Cinderella to the Barnfield Theatre. Join poor Cinderella as she dreams of a better life beyond the kitchen, helped along the way by her fabulous Fairy Godmother, loyal friends, and a little bit of pantomime magic. With a charming prince, dazzling costumes, and plenty of audience participation, this family favourite is packed with music, mischief, and magical moments. Will Cinderella make it to the ball? Will the Prince find his true love before midnight strikes? There’s only one way to find out – oh yes there is! Perfect for all ages, Cinderella promises a joyful theatrical treat full of laughs, surprises, and happily-ever-after fun. Book your tickets now before the clock strikes midnight!
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Princess Theatre
Dates from 11th December 2026 Join in for this year's spectacular pantomime, Snow White. A hilarious, magical adventure featuring a Wicked Queen with a jealous streak, a handsome Prince looking for love and the fairest of all damsels. Not forgetting a hapless huntsman, magic mirror, and of course The Magnificent Seven!! The extraordinary cast is led by Strictly Come Dancing Pro and audience favourite, Karen Hauer, as the Wicked Queen. And where would a Queen be without her henchman? Or in this case, a HENCH-man, as we welcome the rough, tough buff star of Saturday night TV, Alex Gray as Helios the Henchman! Torquay’s favourite dame, Michael Neilson is back as the outrageously glamorous Dame Dolly. Whilst the hilarious Matthew Curnier returns as Herbie the Huntsman. Get ready for another extraordinary extravaganza, brought to you from the team behind last year’s smash-hit Sleeping Beauty. Enjoy show-stopping live music, slapstick silliness and lots of audience participation!
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Queen's Theatre www.queens-theatre-barnstaple.com/whats-on
12th December 2026 to 3rd January 2027 See the website for details |
Seaton Gateway
www.gatewaytheatre.co.uk
**Details for 2026 still to be confirmed - details below are for the 2025 event **
19th and 20th December
Fun-filled action-packed pantomime from Wonder Pantomimes
Palace Theatre, Paignton
www.palacetheatrepaignton.co.uk
Dates from 19th December 2026
Join Paignton Pantomime Productions this Christmas for a whimsical journey in Mother Goose: The Pantomime, a delightful retelling of the classic tale infused with music, laughter, and plenty of audience participation!
Follow Mother Goose, a kind-hearted woman who finds herself in a magical world where her beloved goose, who lays golden eggs, becomes the center of attention. As Mother Goose navigates the challenges of fame, friendship, and the importance of staying true to oneself, this enchanting story unfolds with larger-than-life characters, spectacular costumes, and captivating songs.
10th January 2027
Get swept away by one of the most enchanting fairy tales of all time, as Hot Rock and Wonder Pantomimes brings the most loved pantomime of them all, Cinderella, to the Palace Theatre.
Join poor Cinderella as she dreams of a better life beyond the kitchen, helped along the way by her fabulous Fairy Godmother, loyal friends, and a little bit of pantomime magic.
With a charming Prince, dazzling costumes, and plenty of audience participation, this family favourite is packed with music, mischief, and magical moments.Will Cinderella make it to the ball? Will the Prince find his true love before midnight strikes? There’s only one way to find out-oh yes there is!Perfect for all ages,Cinderella promises a joyful theatrical treat full of laughs, surprises, and happily-ever-after fun.
Book your tickets now before the clock strikes midnight!
Manor Pavilion Theatre
www.sidmouth.gov.uk/event
Dates from 27th December 2025 to 3rd January 2026
Pantomime production with relaxed, sign-interpreted performance on 28th December
Exeter Library
www.facebook.com/exeterlibrary
**Details for 2026 still to be confirmed - details below are for the 2025 event **
17th to 20th December 2025
Theatre in the Library: When Christmas Went Crackers
Festive feast of stunning puppetry, riotous humour and magnificent music for everyone from 3+
Brixham Theatre
www.brixhamtheatre.co.uk
**Details for 2026 still to be confirmed - details below are for the 2025 event **
17th December 2025
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
Screening of the festive film
The Flavel
www.theflavel.org.uk
**Details for 2026 still to be confirmed - details below are for the 2025 event **
23rd to 25th January
Family friendly musical comedy based on the film series presented by Dartmouth Theatre Company
Exmouth Pavilion
www.exmouthpavilion.co.uk
15th December 2026
On Christmas Eve night, the miserly and cold hearted businessman Ebenezer Scrooge embarks upon a journey through his past, present, and future, learning along the way to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas.
A festive treat for all the family, Dickens’ beloved tale of redemption is brought to the stage at Exmouth Pavilion in an authentic and joyful adaptation from Operation Moonlight.
23rd December 2026 to 2nd January 2027
The Pantomime Adventures of Robin Hood
Follow Robin Hood and his merry men, Friar Tuck and Will Scarlett, as they take on the evil Sheriff of Nottingham in a daring battle to save Sherwood Forest. Along the way, they’ll need plenty of courage, a little magic and help from the enchanting Fairy Thorn. Will good triumph over evil, will justice be restored and will Robin finally marry the beautiful Maid Marion?
This brand new pantomime is bursting with spectacular songs, dazzling dance routines, laugh out loud comedy and plenty of audience participation. A festive treat for the whole family that promises fun, magic and memories to treasure this Christmas
Soapbox Theatre
21st to 24th December 2026
From the creators of Yoghurt The Yeti, The Christmas Mouse, Penguin and Bear, and The Elf Who Lost Christmas, this heart-warming tale of adventure and bravery is perfect Christmas treat for children and their families. With puppetry, enchanting storytelling, and magical surprises, this festive show is filled with awe and wonder!
22nd to 24th December 2026
Stiltskin’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol follows this tight-fisted character on a journey deeply rooted in the spirit of Christmas. When Scrooge is visited by four ghosts, he is forced to confront his past, witness the consequences of his present, and glimpse a future shaped by his choices. Along the way, he begins to understand how his actions affect those around him—and what may happen if he refuses to change.
Scrooge, written by Dickens and reimagined by Stiltskin, is a perfect tale for dark winter nights. Expect humour, intrigue, puppetry, and a host of colourful characters—all infused with a touch of distinctive Stiltskin theatre magic.
Pavilions Teignmouth
www.pavilionsteignmouth.org.uk
5th December 2026
otty the Elf thinks Santa is planning a surprise Christmas party, Pompom the Penguin thinks Santa has been making Christmas crackers, and Dasher the Reindeer thinks Santa has got their biggest Christmas tree ever – do you think they’re right?
Or do the other reindeer know? They all seem very excited in their stable…”Join Father Christmas and friends in this brand new, festive, musical, interactive adventure to make 2026 Santa’s Best Ever Christmas! Featuring the voice of children’s TV star CHRIS JARVIS as Dasher the Reindeer, it’s a family show most suitable for 2-8 year olds, where every child will receive a specially wrapped present from Santa – after the most Christmassy Christmas show ever, HO-HO-HO!
Dates from 19th December 2026
Join Dick Whittington and his trusty cat as they set off to seek fame and fortune in the city of London, where the streets are rumoured to be paved with gold. But danger is never far away as the wicked Queen Rat schemes to derail Dick’s plans and take control of London. With the help of the kind-hearted Alice, the hilarious Idle Jack, and the ever-glamorous Fairy Bow Bells, Dick must defeat the rats, save the day, and discover that courage, friendship, and a little bit of luck really can make dreams come true.
Exeter Corn Exchange
12th December 2026 to 2nd January 2027
Following the record-breaking success of ‘The Wizard of Oz’, the gang are back with another fantastic, brand-new family pantomime: PINOCCHIO.
When you wish upon a panto star... You’ll be granted amazing songs, spectacular costumes, a hugely messy trip to Pleasure Island and an eye-popping journey into to the belly of a whale with the little wooden boy who wants to be real, Gepetto the toymaker, Criminy the Cricket and the beautiful Blue Fairy.