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It's Showtime - Pantomime, christmas and winter theatre in Norfolk
Its Showtime for Christmas 2024!
Theatres across Norfolk are marking the festive season with a great selection of pantomimes, musicals and other shows this winter, all suitable for families. See our guide to stage shows that you can see this Christmas and winter in Norfolk.
Updated 29/10/2024
Check out our full Norfolk listings for families here
The Garage
8th December 2024
Cinderella Rocks! 2024
Poor Ella. She just wants to be a famous rock star, but her sour-faced sisters sabotage her dreams like little Grinches. Can you help her headline the royal party this Christmas?
The Garage and All-In productions are thrilled to cordially invite you and your family to have a ball with us at Cinderella Rocks!
An all-female cast of hugely talented actor-musicians are set to inject a dose of girl power into this year’s festivities, creating an unforgettable panto concert experience turned up to 11!
After all, who needs a handsome prince when you’ve got rock ‘n’ roll?
Recommended for under 8s and their families. Relaxed and BSL performances are to be announced
Norwich Theatre Royal
19th to 23rd November 2024
One magical night. Three mysterious ghosts.The spirit of the season is overflowing in Northern Ballet’s A Christmas Carol.
As the clock strikes midnight join Ebenezer Scrooge on the journey of a lifetime to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Travel with the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future through family firesides, cold winter nights and the promise of a brighter future. A festive feast for the senses, Northern Ballet brings one of the most loved stories of all time to life.
Dickens’ timeless tale is reimagined through dance, music and storytelling which will transport you to Victorian Leeds and leave your heart aglow.
- Touch Tour - 23rd November 2024
- Audio Described - 23rd November 2024
7th December 2024 to 5th January 2025
A magic lamp and three wishes… What would you wish for? A ticket to Norwich Theatre’s 2024 pantomime, of course!
Starring Norwich favourite Joe Tracini, back for his fifth year on our pantomime stage. Joe will be back in the centre of the comedy action and is joined by the wonderfully talented Lisa Maxwell (The Bill, EastEnders, Hollyoaks, Casualty, Loose Women) in the role of our Evil Aunt.
West End musical theatre star Tarik Frimpong plays our good guy and title character, Aladdin, with Jazz being played by Meesha Turner (SIX the musical and the West End stage show Stranger Things).
And it wouldn’t be panto without a dame! Introducing Owen Evans, best known as one half of the Norfolk favourite comedy duo, the Nimmo Twins!
- Touch Tour - 30th December 2024
- BSL interpreted - 27th December 2024
- Captioned - 27th December 2024
- Audio Described - 30th December 2024
- Relaxed - 2nd January 2025
28th January to 1st February 2025
To celebrate its 100th year, Norfolk and Norwich Operatic Society (NNOS) is delighted to announce Singin’ in the Rain as their 2025 production. This musical is adapted for the stage from the golden-age movie of the same name.
Pouring with laughs, charm, romance, and wit, expect high-energy dance routines and classic songs from the movie. This is the perfect way to celebrate the NNOS centenary.
The show features some of the best-loved comedy routines ever, plus toe-tapping dance numbers and classic musical theatre songs, including Good Mornin’, Make ‘em Laugh, Broadway Melody, and the show-stopping title number, Singin’ in the Rain.
- Captioned performance on 30th January 2025
Norwich Theatre Playhouse
www.norwichtheatre.org
11th December to 22nd December 2024
Experience mischief this Christmas and see the acclaimed stage adaptation of Dr Seuss’ The Cat In The Hat.
From the moment his tall, red and white-striped hat appears, Sally and her brother know that the cat in the hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas, he turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure.
The Cat in the Hat is a lively and engaging first theatre experience for young children aged 3+.
8th February 2025
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
Spontaneous musical comedy at its absolute finest – direct from the West End and returning to Norwich Theatre Playhouse by popular demand.
With fifteen years as an Edinburgh Fringe must-see phenomenon, a BBC Radio 4 series, a critically acclaimed West End run and an Olivier Award to their name, The Showstoppers have delighted audiences across the globe with their ingenious blend of comedy, musical theatre and spontaneity.
A brand new musical comedy is created from scratch at each performance of this award-winning show as audience suggestions are transformed on the spot into all-singing, all dancing productions with hilarious results. These incredible performers are guaranteed to impress as they create shows packed with drama, dazzling dance routines and catchy melodies – and it’s all made up on the spot!
Norwich Puppet Theatre
1st December 2024
A Seagull Christmas Carol is an imaginative, playful and faithful adaptation of the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge; a cranky old miser who makes life a misery for everyone he meets, until an evening of ghostly visitations forces a dramatic change in him.
Two dynamic performers give this magical, hilarious and vibrant family friendly retelling a spirited twist. Following a multitude of East Anglian tours and three sell-out runs at Biddy’s Tea Room The Keeper’s Daughter’s production of this classic is back in Norwich by popular demand!
14th to 31st December 2024
Norwich Puppet Theatre’s Puppet Pantomime returns for a thrilling third year in the shape of The Sleeping Beauty.
The classic fairytale is given a fresh re-telling by Mark Mander, creator of 2022’s Cinderella and 2023’s Jack and the Beanstalk.
Expect a fast paced adventure with beautiful puppets in spectacular costumes, wonderful and witty new songs, captivating visuals and hilarious jokes for the whole family.
If you are looking for a treat this Christmas make sure you don’t miss this dazzling production packed full of wonderful puppetry new surprises and traditional seasonal sparkle!
Cromer Pier
25th November to 30th December
Cromer Pier Christmas Show 2024
The highly acclaimed Cromer Pier Christmas Show will warm your hearts and get you well and truly in the Christmas spirit. The production team is working hard behind the scenes to create an eclectic blend of the finest variety entertainment on the planet in one enthralling festive theatre show. Expect all the usual West End production values, including our jaw-dropping 8-meter video wall, delivering impressive special effects alongside our unique and traditional scene sets, creating a visual sensation. Add to that, dazzling bespoke costumes, spectacular lighting effects and so much more. You can be sure of laughs by the bucket load, thrilling specialty acts, powerhouse vocals, music and spellbinding dance routines.
Everything else is top-secret just now, but what you can be sure of is fun by the bucket load, powerhouse vocals, and spellbinding dance routines, all delivered in our special trademark way, worthy of the only full season festive end-of-pier show in the whole world.
The Hippodrome Circus
www.hippodromecircus.com
7th December 2024 to 5th January 2025
Christmas Spectacular Circus and Water Show
Festive themed circus show with an international circus cast
Gorleston Pavilion
14th to 16th November 2024
Joseph & The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
The enchanting modern classic from Disney is based on the 2018 Broadway and West End musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage. The show features all of the memorable songs from the animated film, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus five new songs written for the Broadway and West End production.
A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond between them. 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!
22nd November 2024
Pavilion Players Stage School Showcase
Join in for a very special evening as they welcome their Pavilion Players Stage School students to the stage to showcase everything they have learnt this term.
For many students this will be the first time they have performed on a stage and to a live audience, which is a vital way for them to build their confidence and enjoy the buzz of a live performance!
5th December 2024 to 4th January 2025
Following on from the huge success of 'Dick Whittington - The Traditional Family Pantomime' in 2023, Gorleston Pavilion are hugely excited to announce that their 2024 pantomime will be ... Cinderella!
Join in on a magical adventure that follows the classic tale of Cinderella, Buttons, the Good Fairy and of course the Ugly Sisters and their Wicked Stepmother.
10th to 12th January 2025
Triple T Productions are thrilled to be returning to the fantastic Pavilion theatre for their annual pantomime. Following on from last year’s highly acclaimed ‘Treasure Island’, they are bringing the Giant of a Fe-Fi-Fo Fun-filled family panto ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ to the Pavilion stage.
Follow the adentures of Jack as he climbs the beanstalk to try and defeat the evil giant that lives in the clouds above. This timeless classic is sure to entertain audiences of all ages with its mixture of magic, colourful characters, crazy comedy, and a healthy dose of audience participation, in the very best pantomime tradition. Those who have seen Triple T pantomimes before will know what to expect, but those who haven’t ……. you’re in for a real treat!!
Maddermarket Theatre
6th to 8th December 2024
Xmas Pop Party is BACK at the Maddermarket this December, celebrating 'The Most Wonderful Time of the Year' with Live Music, Singing, Dancing, Circus and Christmas Comedy - perfect for little and big kids from 1 to 101! Enjoy a star-studded setlist from Mariah Carey and Wham to Bing and Bublé and sing and dance your hearts out to such classics as “White Christmas” and “Fairytale of New York” as our talented cast of Performers, Characters and Live Band bring your favourite festive hits to life.
20th to 30th December 2024
Written by Roald Dahl and adapted by David Wood, FANTASTIC MR FOX is the Maddermarket’s family Christmas show for 2024.
This adventurous tale follows a family of foxes, as they battle farmers, rats and JCBs to protect their underground community of larger-than-life creatures. This production promises to be a spectacle, as we use puppetry, movement and music to deliver an evening of storytelling for all the family.
Sheringham Little Theatre
www.sheringhamlittletheatre.ticketsolve.com
13th December 2024 to 4th January 2025
Cinderella
Join the heroic outlaw, the arrow-shooting hero Robin Hood, as he strives to win the hand of the beautiful Maid Marion. Will Robin and his trusty Merry Crew outwit the evil Sheriff of Nottingham?
Robin Hood features all the ingredients of a perfect pantomime: a fabulous cast, laugh out loud comedy, fantastic dancers, popular songs, bundles of audience participation, special effects, and plenty of boos and hisses for all the family to enjoy.
17th December 2024
The Nutcracker - theatre screening
Join Clara at a delightful Christmas Eve party that becomes a magical adventure once everyone else is tucked up in bed. Marvel at the brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s score, as Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker fight the Mouse King and visit the Sugar Plum Fairy in the glittering Kingdom of Sweets. Peter Wright’s much-loved production for The Royal Ballet, with gorgeous period designs by Julia Trevelyan Oman, keeps true to the spirit of this festive ballet classic, combining the thrill of the fairy tale with spectacular dancing.
31st January to 1st February 2025
Ali Baba and the Four Tea Thieves
Join Clara at a delightful Christmas Eve party that becomes a magical adventure once everyone else is tucked up in bed. Marvel at the brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s score, as Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker fight the Mouse King and visit the Sugar Plum Fairy in the glittering Kingdom of Sweets. Peter Wright’s much-loved production for The Royal Ballet, with gorgeous period designs by Julia Trevelyan Oman, keeps true to the spirit of this festive ballet classic, combining the thrill of the fairy tale with spectacular dancing.
Thursford
8th November to 23rd December 2024
Christmas Spectacular
Extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music humour and variety suitable for ages 8+. This fast moving celebration of the festive season features an eclectic mix of both seasonal and year round favourites with a cast of 130 performers.
Cinema City
www.picturehouses.com/cinema/cinema-city-picturehouse
Saturdays
Kids Club
Reduced price film screenings – see website for schedule
Wells Maltings
www.wellsmaltings.org.uk
20th December
Royal Ballet Live: The Nutcracker
Screening of this classic ballet. Join Clara at a delightful Christmas Eve party that becomes a magical adventure once everyone else is tucked up in bed. Marvel at the brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s score, as Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker fight the Mouse King and visit the Sugar Plum Fairy in the glittering Kingdom of Sweets. Peter Wright’s much-loved production for The Royal Ballet, with gorgeous period designs by Julia Trevelyan Oman, keeps true to the spirit of this festive ballet classic, combining the thrill of the fairy tale with spectacular dancing.
Westacre Theatre
29th November 2024
Using Dickens’ own words, Vincent brings the world’s most infamous miser, four ghosts and more than 20 other extraordinary characters to life in a ghostly tale of damnation and redemption.
Vincent Franklin (Happy Valley, Gentleman Jack, The Thick Of It) has adapted Dickens’ own performance script to create a unique theatrical experience that will leave audiences with their blood chilled and their hearts warmed.
7th December 2024
Star of The Greatest Magician™, and the BBC’s most broadcast magician of the last decade - the award-winning James Phelan - debuts this breath-taking new magic show.
Most infamous for jamming the BBC switchboard after correctly predicting the lottery, and described as ‘Joel Dommett meets Derren Brown’ - The Dreamer is a celebration of the impossible becoming possible.
With ‘heartwarming story-telling’ (The Standard) and unparalleled ‘mind-blowing magic’ (Herald) - you’ll find yourself swept into a wonderful world of amazement, laughter and mystery.
The Dreamer is an astonishing, enigmatic, five star rated spectacle that will leave you aching with laughter and dizzy in disbelief. You can’t afford to miss it.
14th to 24th December 2024
Westacre Theatre Company present Rufus Norris' Sleeping Beauty - A Magical Adventure for the Whole Family!
Bring the whole family along for a journey into the enchanted world of Sleeping Beauty, reimagined by Westacre Theatre Company in Rufus Norris' stunning adaptation. This captivating production brings the classic fairy tale to life with a fresh twist, offering a perfect blend of magic, adventure and heart-warming moments.
Watch as Princess Beauty's tale unfolds in a kingdom filled with wonder, where brace heroes, wicked witches, and unexpected surprises await at every turn. With dazzling costumes, mesmerising sets, and a story full of excitement, this production promises to delight both children and adults alike.
Join in for an unforgettable experience that's sure to spark the imagination and leave everyone enchanted.
Don't miss out on this magical adventure!
Princess Theatre
15th to 24th December 2024
Jack and the Beanstalk
Westacre Theatre Company present Rufus Norris' Sleeping Beauty - A Magical Adventure for the Whole Family!
Bring the whole family along for a journey into the enchanted world of Sleeping Beauty, reimagined by Westacre Theatre Company in Rufus Norris' stunning adaptation. This captivating production brings the classic fairy tale to life with a fresh twist, offering a perfect blend of magic, adventure and heart-warming moments.
Watch as Princess Beauty's tale unfolds in a kingdom filled with wonder, where brace heroes, wicked witches, and unexpected surprises await at every turn. With dazzling costumes, mesmerising sets, and a story full of excitement, this production promises to delight both children and adults alike.
Join us for an unforgettable experience that's sure to spark the imagination and leave everyone enchanted.
Don't miss out on this magical adventure!
St George’s Theatre
13th to 31st December 2024
Join in at St. George’s Theatre this Christmas as they look into the magical mirror to see the fairest panto of them all! The Evil Queen thinks she is the most trending topic on Instagram, but Snow White’s beauty stands in her way. Snow White, along with her hilarious Nurse Jolly Jabs, must escape to get away from the Queen and her bumbling henchman.
Snow White will be spectacularly brought to life with an apple full of comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, fabulous costumes and stunning effects. The company who brought you ‘Robin Hood’ and ‘Peter Pan’, bring a magical mirror, seven friendly faces, a beautiful princess, a handsome prince and plenty of audience participation which makes the perfect recipe to outwit the Wicked Queen and let love prevail in this glittering festive treat for all ages.
Norwich Theatre Royal
19th to 23rd November 2024
One magical night. Three mysterious ghosts. The spirit of the season is overflowing in Northern Ballet’s A Christmas Carol.
As the clock strikes midnight join Ebenezer Scrooge on the journey of a lifetime to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Travel with the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future through family firesides, cold winter nights and the promise of a brighter future. A festive feast for the senses, Northern Ballet brings one of the most loved stories of all time to life.
Dickens’ timeless tale is reimagined through dance, music and storytelling which will transport you to Victorian Leeds and leave your heart aglow.
Audio described perfromance on Saturday 23rd November and Touch Tour on 23rd November 2024
7th December 2024 to 5th January 2025
A magic lamp and three wishes… What would you wish for? A ticket to Norwich Theatre’s 2024 pantomime, of course!
Starring Norwich favourite Joe Tracini, back for his fifth year on our pantomime stage. Joe will be back in the centre of the comedy action and is joined by the wonderfully talented Lisa Maxwell (The Bill, EastEnders, Hollyoaks, Casualty, Loose Women) in the role of our Evil Aunt.West End musical theatre star Tarik Frimpong plays our good guy and title character, Aladdin, with Jazz being played by Meesha Turner (SIX the musical and the West End stage show Stranger Things).And it wouldn’t be panto without a dame! Introducing Owen Evans, best known as one half of the Norfolk favourite comedy duo, the Nimmo Twins!
Follow Aladdin in this Genie-us production as he dreams of finding love and making his fortune. Will it be that simple? Of course not, it’s pantomime!Boo at the baddies, cheer for the heroes, laugh, sing and join in as we delve into the cave of wonders and turn it into a Christmas delight for the whole family.
Expect colourful costumes, singing, dancing and more glitter than you could shake a magic carpet at.
BSL interpreted:Fri 27th Dec, Captioned:Fri 27th Dec, Audio Described:Mon 30th Dec, Touch Tour:Mon 30th Dec, Relaxed:Thu 2nd Jan
11th to 22nd December 2024
Experience mischief this Christmas and see the acclaimed stage adaptation of Dr Seuss’ The Cat In The Hat.
From the moment his tall, red and white-striped hat appears, Sally and her brother know that the cat in the hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas, he turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure.
The Cat in the Hat is a lively and engaging first theatre experience for young children aged 3+.
8th February 2025
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
Spontaneous musical comedy at its absolute finest – direct from the West End and returning to Norwich Theatre Playhouse by popular demand.
With fifteen years as an Edinburgh Fringe must-see phenomenon, a BBC Radio 4 series, a critically acclaimed West End run and an Olivier Award to their name, The Showstoppers have delighted audiences across the globe with their ingenious blend of comedy, musical theatre and spontaneity.
A brand new musical comedy is created from scratch at each performance of this award-winning show as audience suggestions are transformed on the spot into all-singing, all dancing productions with hilarious results. These incredible performers are guaranteed to impress as they create shows packed with drama, dazzling dance routines and catchy melodies – and it’s all made up on the spot!
10th to 15th February 2025
Starring Strictly Come Dancing’s Joanne Clifton (Shrek the Musical, The Addams Family) as the fierce yet fabulous Velma von Tussle. Making her directorial debut is Hairspray royalty Brenda Edwards (Hairspray, We Will Rock You) who will bring new energy from behind the scenes.
Hairspray took Broadway by storm, winning 8 Tony awards. The production went on to win 4 Olivier awards in the West End, and multiple awards worldwide. This feel-good classic is back. Featuring some of musical theatre’s biggest hit songs, Welcome to the 60s, You Can’t Stop the Beat, Good Morning Baltimore and many more. Hairspray is the hilarious, joyous, and inspiring musical for all!
Join big hearted Tracy Turnblad and her new friends the spirited Seaweed and his sister Little Inez, heartthrob Link Larkin and the resolute Motormouth Maybelle as they strive to change the world. Hairspray has wowed audiences in The West End and on Broadway and still packs a punch with its message of tolerance and the fight against racial discrimination.
This fun-filled show is bursting with show-stopping numbers and dizzying dance routines, come and join the beat because just to sit still would be a crime!
16th February
Adventures In Science
Science themed show for ages 6+
Princess Theatre, Hunstanton
7th December to 5th January
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Pantomime of the classic story with special effects, dance routines, musical numbers, audience participation
Gorleston Pavilion
22nd November
Pavilion Players Stage School Showcase
Showcase from the Pavilion Players Stage School
5th December to 4th January
Cinderella
Pantomime performance from Pavilion Productions
10th to 12th January
Jack and the Beanstalk
Fun filled pantomime for the whole family from Triple T Pantomimes
Thursford
From 8th November to 22nd December
Christmas Spectacular 2024
Extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing music, humour and variety suitable for ages 8+
Norwich Cathedral
29th November
Christmas at the Movies by Candlelight
Classical performance of a number of festive movie music from London Concertante
Hippodrome Great Yarmouth
www.hippodromecircus.com/christmas
7th December to 5th January
Christmas Circus and Water Spectacular
Internation circus cast combining the festive spirit of Christmas with the magic of the circus
Corn Hall, Diss
25th and 26th November
When You Believe Discord Chori Charity Concert
Evening and popular songs covering many genres raising money for Cancer Research Uk and Motor Neurone Disease Association
20th to 29th December
Jack and the Beanstalk
Pantomime of the classic story suitable for ages 5+
Maddermarket Theatre
6th to 8th December
Xmas Pop Party
Christmas show from Joe Ringer events with live music, singing, dancing, circus and Christmas comedy
20th to 30th December
Fantastic Mr Fox
Adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic for all the family. Family ticket offer available.
Sheringham Little Theatre
www.sheringhamlittletheatre.co.uk
8th December
Carols at the Theatre
Annual Christmas carol concert from North Norfolk Youth Circus
13th December to 4th January
Robin Hood
Pantomime version of the classic story
31st January to 1st February
Ali Baba and the Four Tea Thieves
A fresh new twist on the famous tale from the Arabian Nights and the story of Ali Baba who stumbles on a secret den to reveal the treasures within
Norwich Puppet Theatre
1st December
A Christmas Carol
Imaginative, playful and faitful adaptation of the classic story recommended for ages 5+
14th December
An Animated Christmas Experience
Collection of animated festive films with music and narration performed live by local musicians. Audio visual experience for both young and old with plenty of opportunities to sing-along – suitable for ages 7+
Dates from 14th December
Sleeping Beauty
Adaptation of the classic fairytale with puppets, new songs, captivating visuals and jokes for the whole family.
Kings Lynn Corn Exchange
www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
20th November
A Christmas Carol
Authentic staging of Charles Dickens’ Victorian classic recommended for ages 8+
26th January 2025
Award winning extravaganza that plays tribute to Taylor Swift with a live band and dancers delivering the most authentic recreation of a Taylor experience
Dereham Memorial Hall
www.ticketsource.co.uk/derehamtheatrecompany
27th December 2024 to 1st January 2025
Pantomime adaptation of the classic fairytale to Dereham Theatre Company.