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!
PANTOListings
HERTS CHRISTMAS SHOWS
Palace Theatre, Watford
Box Office: 01923 225671
Robin Hood
FRI 6 – SAT 28 DEC
The villainous Sheriff of Nottingham wants to cancel Christmas. But never fear, for Robin Hood, Dame Nellie Nurse and all their friends are on the case...
Come and join us at the Palace for a proper family pantomime, with live musicians onstage, stunning sets and costumes, plenty of audience participation, and song, dance and slapstick performed straight from the heart by a talented company of first-rate actors, most of whom have performed in previous Palace pantomimes.
The perfect seasonal treat for everyone – but book now, many performances of last year's five star hit panto Mother Goose completely sold out!
Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford
Box Office: 0845 075 3993
Russian State Ballet
SUN 15 - TUE 17 DEC
The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty & Swan Lake.
A Christmas Carol
TUE 24 DEC
An original and brand new musical version of A Christmas Carol by Talkwood Productions
Ebenezer Scrooge is a thoroughly disagreeable and lonely man who prefers money to people. However, he is taken on a journey of discovery that completely transforms him - by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future - & included amongst the host of colourful characters that show him the error of his ways are Bob Cratchit and, of course, Tiny Tim!
This spellbinding winter-warmer of a production will have audiences of all ages at once laughing, crying and sitting on the edge of their seats!
The Pump House Theatre & Arts Centre, High Street, Watford
Box Office: 01923 241362
Peter Pan II – the Return
SAT 14 – SUN 22 DEC
Blag Theatre Company
Watersmeet, High Street, Rickmansworth
Box Office: 01923 711063
Sleeping Beauty
FRI 6 – TUE 31 DEC
Evil forces are at play in the classic fairytale story of Princess Aurora, the girl who pricks her finger on a spinning-wheel and falls asleep for 100 years. It’s a true battle of good over evil, depicted with the ultimate diva downfall, as the Lilac Fairy outwits the conniving Carabosse by sending a handsome hero to deliver a kiss of true love which will awaken the kingdom from a one hundred year sleep.
After wowing audiences in Cinderella in 2011, Jonathan Ansell is returning to Watersmeet in this pantomime package of pageantry as Prince Valiant.
Gordon Craig Theatre, Lytton Way, Stevenage
Box Office: 01438 363200
Cinderella
SAT 30 NOV – SUN 26 JAN
Left at home by the ugliest of sisters, Cinders cannot go to the ball. However, with the help of her Fairy Godmother and brilliant buffoonery from Buttons, the most exciting night of her life is about to begin….
Starring EastEnders’ Gillian Wright (Jean Slater), this year’s magical extravaganza is brought to you by the team behind last year’s critically acclaimed Robin Hood, and once again we promise you live music, stunning sets, slick choreography, sensational costumes and spectacular musical numbers.
The Radlett Centre, Aldenham Avenue, Radlett
Box Office: 01923 859291
Aladdin
SAT 7 – TUE 31 DEC
Back by popular demand after last year's highly acclaimed production of Beauty & The Beast, Upstage Productions transport you back to Old Peking to follow the exciting adventures of Aladdin!
Will Abanazar, the scheming sorcerer, steal the magic lamp and become the most powerful wizard?
Will Aladdin be able to save the day with the help of the magical Genie?
Will our hero marry the beautiful Princess Jasmine?
And just how much mayhem will the wacky policemen cause?
Cheer and boo your favourite panto characters in a sparkling new professional show suitable for all the family. Packed with bundles of fun, laughter, popular songs, and audience participation, this is a pantomime not to be missed.
The Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans
Box Office: 01727 844488
Cinderella
FRI 6 DEC – SUN 5 JAN
St Albans’ funniest and most spectacular pantomime ever, once again written by Paul Hendy, and produced by the same team who brought you last year’s smash-hit Aladdin.
This year’s production features Gareth Gates as the dashing Prince Charming, CBeebies presenter Andy Day as Dandini, and St Albans favourite Bob Golding as Buttons, alongside a cast of top class performers, entertainers & dancers, plus two beautiful Shetland ponies.
Cinderella is without a doubt St Albans biggest panto ever & an extra week has been added to cope with the growing demand for tickets; they are selling fast, so don’t be late for the ball… Book Today!
Maltings Art Theatre, The Maltings, St Albans
Box Office: 01727 844222
Cinderella & the Soul Sisters – a Motown Musical
WED 27 – SAT 30 NOV
Cinderella gets a magical makeover in this 1970's musical. Under the star dust of the flamboyant Fairy Snowdrop, together with the songs of the fabulous soul sisters, Cinderella reaches out... a funky, fabulous night out!
A Victorian Christmas
TUE 10 DEC
A fun and festive celebration of the Yuletide our ancestors would have known. Music, song, stories and drama, presented by acclaimed historical entertainment company Blast from the Past, will delight all ages.
Trestle Arts Base, Russet Drive, St Albans
Box Office: 01727 850950
Red Riding Hood
SAT 21 & SUN 22 DEC
A young girl, a hungry wolf, and a walk through the woods – it sounds like a recipe for disaster, but Red Riding Hood’s not scared (well...maybe she’s a little bit scared...)
Horse + Bamboo present this gorgeously rendered re-telling of the classic girl-and-the-wolf tale; exquisite visuals blend with pantomime-style silliness and spooky moments to create an enchanting piece of theatre. Ideal for all ages over 4.
Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead
Box Office: 01442 228091
The Very Snowy Christmas
MON 23 – TUE 24 DEC
A jolly holly snowy adventure!
It’s the night before Christmas and Big Mouse and Little Mouse are putting up decorations. Little Mouse scampers out to search for holly but finds big white flakes falling from the sky. “Goodness me!” he cries. “The sky is coming undone!”
A magical, musical winter’s tale with live music, beautiful puppets and a stunning snowy set which comes to life before your very eyes. This charming festive tale will warm even the coldest of hearts. Inspired for children aged 3-7 and their families.
The Boxmoor Playhouse, St John’s Road, Hemel Hempstead
Box Office: 01442 234004
Jack & the Beanstalk
FRI 6 – SUN 8 & THU 12 – SUN 15 DEC
With the Hemel Hempstead Theatre Company
Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road
Box Office: 01582 767525
Jack & the Beanstalk
FRI 13 – SUN 22 DEC
Join Jack and friends on his magical journey, starting with him swapping his beloved cow for a handful of magic beans, which then takes him to a world far beyond his imagination and high above the one he knows.
Starring Saturday morning TV legend Sally James of Tiswas, CBBC Newsround presenter Hayley Cutts, and BBC 3 Counties Radio’s Ernie Almond, along with fabulous panto dame Richard Aucott, & full supporting cast. With dancers from Harpenden’s Sarah Andrews Dance Academy, and a fantastic live 5-piece band, this year’s panto is set to be a GIANT production, packed full of audience participation, the corniest of jokes, ands plenty of singing and dancing. Book now!
Court Theatre, Tring
Box Office: 01442 824673
Jack & the Beanstalk
SAT 28 DEC – SUN 5 JAN
With not a soap star in sight, this panto features an abundance of local talent with over 40 years of experience in producing traditional family pantomimes. Boo and hiss the baddies as they try to spoil Jack's plans to find true love, and cheer on our heroes to ensure that good triumphs over evil.
As a stunning finale, everyone that wants to, gets to join the cast on stage for a sing song, something the kids will never forget!
The Hawthorne Theatre, Campus West, Welwyn Garden City
Box Office: 01707 357117
The Great Santa Kidnap
SUN 1 DEC
It is Christmas Eve and Fergus, Santa Claus's Chief Forebrownie, is bustling about preparing Santa's sleigh. But at the same time, outside Tommy and Anna's house, three goblins - Sneergripe, Snottle and Bug - are plotting to kidnap Santa Claus and hold him to ransom!
It is up to Tommy and Anna to find Santa and safeguard Christmas for the children of the world. Can they save the day? Delightful Christmas entertainment for young children and grownups.
Alice in Codicote
SUN 15 DEC
A traditional pantomime, incorporating Alice in Wonderland and Dick Whittington. When Alice falls down a rabbit hole she finds herself in the village of Codicote. The people are bright and cheerful but their happiness is threatened by a plague of rats. Can anyone save them? And will Alice fall in love with Dick? Local Am-Dram group The Goat Players will be performing alongside full time professionals to raise funds for The Isobel Hospice. A tongue-in-cheek show not to be missed!
Beauty & the Beast
SAT 21 – TUE 31 DEC
Come along to this year’s sumptuous family Christmas Show, Beauty And The Beast! With lavish costumes and sets, this wholly original production tells the story of Belle, who chooses to live with the hideous Beast in his castle in order to save her father. As time goes on, though, she learns that the Beast is hiding the tortured soul of a man...
With songs and humour, and panto-style audience interaction, this is the perfect Christmas treat for all the family – full of romance, adventure, excitement and fun, it’s sure to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step!
Barn Theatre, Handside Lane, Welwyn Garden City
Box Office: 01707 357117
Peter Pan the Musical
SAT 14 – TUE 31 DEC
This is a delightful musical version of Peter Pan, with many well known and charming songs. All of the familiar characters are here including Peter and Wendy, the Darling family, the evil Captain Hook and his sidekick Smee, Tiger Lily and, of course, that scary crocodile - plus as many Lost Boys, Pirates and Neverland Indians as we can muster!
The Ark Theatre, Borehamwood
Box Office: 020 8238 7288
Mrs Duster’s Magic Toyshop
TUE 17 – SAT 21, MON 23 – TUE 24 & THU 26 DEC
Join us for our fabulous, festive pantomime, full of fun, music and laughter for all the family. Help Mrs Duster bring the toys to life and save her toyshop. Meet the quirky characters, hiss and boo at the evil landlord and sing-along to a mix of Christmas classics and new tunes performed by a multitalented cast!
Abbey Theatre, Westminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, St Albans
Box Office: 01727 857861
The Railway Children
FRI 20 – MON 23 & FRI 27 – SUN 29 DEC
Three children leave their home in prosperous Edwardian London to live in the country with their mother after their father is falsely accused and imprisoned. The railway becomes the centre for many exciting adventures and fascinating new friends are made along the way. Funny, clever and moving, this is the perfect stop for all the family this Christmas.
Hertford Theatre
Box Office: 01992 531500
Beauty & the Beast
FRI 6 DEC – WED 1 JAN
Join our heroine Rose as she journeys from Paris, across the French countryside, through the spooky, moonlit woods and into the deep, dark heart of The Beast's Castle. But all is not as it seems. Where is Prince Christophe? And where on earth is Felix - the talking French poodle!?
Set in the swirling, twirling world of a snow blown Paris, Beauty and the Beast promises to be the most magical Christmas panto in Hertford.
C'est magnifique!
Jack & the Beanstalk
WED 8 – SUN 12 JAN
Once again it's panto time for HD&OS!
Do you believe in the magic of panto? We do! So join our lively, enthusiastic cast as they tell the traditional tale of Jack and the Beanstalk. What will Jack find up in the clouds? Will our hero defeat Giant Thundercrash? And will Nastee ever learn to be nice? Come along and find out while you sing along with Daisy the Cow, jig to our megamixes, and above all, have fun with the whole family! Suitable for all ages. Don't miss it!
Rhodes Arts Complex, Bishops Stortford Museum, South Road
Box Office: 01279 651746
Aladdin
SAT 14 DEC – SAT 4 JAN
Phil Dale returns to the stage as the evil Abanazar, his heart set on finding the fabled magic lamp containing a Genie of awesome power. Only the pure-hearted Aladdin and his bonkers brother Wishy Washy stand in his way.
Join Aladdin and we promise that flying carpets, magical caves and beautiful princesses will all be discovered on the road to happy ever after. Now as essential a part of Christmas as your turkey and pudding, the Rhodes Panto is a festive treat you won’t want to miss!
The Wyllyotts Theatre, Potters Bar
Box Office: 01707 645005
The Very Snowy Christmas
SAT 30 NOV
It's the night before Christmas, and Big Mouse and Little Mouse are putting up decorations. Little Mouse scampers out to search for holly but finds big white flakes falling from the sky. 'Goodness me!' he cries. 'The sky is coming undone!'
As Little Mouse's world is covered in snow, he discovers strange things all around him in this jolly, holly snowy adventure. Wrap up warm as Little Mouse invites you to join him (and Big Mouse) for their fabulous festive celebrations, - guaranteed to warm the coldest of hearts. It's going to be a jolly holly, snowy Christmas. Ideal for age 3+
Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs
SAT 14 DEC – SUN 5 JAN
Jordan Productions return with this year's traditional panto. Mirror, mirror, on the wall - a perfect panto for one and all.....!
Broxbourne Civic Hall , High St, Hoddesdon
Box Office: 01992 441946
Aladdin
FRI 13 DEC – SAT 4 JAN
Fasten your seat belts for a magical ride of mystery, sparkling romance and dazzling adventure with this year’s lavish professional production of Aladdin, where audiences can escape to a world of magic, where adventure beckons on this pantomime flight of spectacle, slapstick and song.
Come and cheer on Aladdin (Andy Scott-Lee), Wishee Washee (Michael Otton) and Widow Twankey as they do battle with the evil magician Abanazar. Will the handsome hero find true love with the delectable Princess Jasmine? Maybe with a little help from the Slave of the Ring and the Genie of the Lamp there will be a happy ever after ending.
Puss in Boots
FRI 10 – SUN 12 & THU 16 – SAT 18 JAN
Broxbourne Theatre Company’s panto features a dame, an ogre, a princess, a fairy, a hero and numerous comic characters, with a large chorus to complement them.
Letchworth Arts Centre
Box Office: 01462 670788
Rumpelstiltskin and the Wheel of Fortune
MON 23 DEC
Of all the fairytale characters, Rumpelstiltskin has got to be the most mixed up. He is helpful yet demanding; secretive yet nosy; short yet owning a name as long as his beard. Not surprisingly, this story of transformation will make you laugh and gasp at the same time!
Using its trademark puppets, music, storytelling and transforming sets, Widdershins aims to create gold on stage with this new version of the Grimms’ classic tale.
The Queen Mother Theatre, Hitchin
Box Office: 01462 455166
Swallows & Amazons
WED 18 – SAT 21 DEC
Arthur Ransome's much loved children's classic is brought to thrilling life on stage in this wonderful adaptation. Meet Susan, Roger, Nancy and the odious Captain Flint when the Swallows meet the Amazons in this special Christmas show suitable for all the family.
The Market Theatre, Sun Street, Hitchin
Box Office: 01462 433553
Rumpelstiltskin
SAT 7, SAT 14, FRI 20 – SAT 21, FRI 27 – SAT 28 DEC
Children's Christmas show.