North East pantomimes 2022: Where can I see a panto show across Tyne and Wear this Christmas?

Panto season is nearly upon us, but which shows are happening in the North East this Christmas?
North East pantomimes 2022: Where can I see a panto show across Tyne and Wear this Christmas?North East pantomimes 2022: Where can I see a panto show across Tyne and Wear this Christmas?
North East pantomimes 2022: Where can I see a panto show across Tyne and Wear this Christmas?

Pantomimes are a staple of Christmas in the UK. The tradition of child friendly comedy shows goes back generations and theatres across the region are looking to bring back their productions with a bang this winter.

There are plenty of pantomime options for families to choose from this year, with theatres across the region hoping to welcome groups to venues large and small.

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The largest panto in Sunderland comes from the Empire Theatre where the High Street West venue will be hosting a production of Aladdin. The classic fairytale will be interpreted with a brand new script and will feature a cast full of Sunderland panto favourites.

Former The Bill, Footballers’ Wives and Hollyoaks star Gary Lucy will be playing Abanazar, the villain in the production, and tickets are now on sale through the theatre’s website. The show will run from Friday, December 9 until Monday, January 2.

Another large production can be found in Newcastle where they city’s Theatre Royal will host Cinderella, featuring sets and costumes from London’s West End as well as a series of familiar faces.

X Factor winner and South Shields local Joe McElderry will also be making an appearance as The Fairy Godfather while Britain’s Got Talent dance group Flawless will also be making appearances. Tickets for the show are currently available through the venue’s website and the show will run from Tuesday, November 29 until Sunday, January 15.

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Over in South Shields, a unique take on Robin Hood will be on at the town’s Customs House theatre between Thursday, November 24 and Saturday, January 7. Tickets are available through the venue’s website.

Hopping over the Tyne once more, Aladdin will also be hitting the stage at Whitley Bay’s Playhouse from Friday, December 9 until Saturday, January 7 with tickets available online. Elsewhere in North Tynside, The Exchange in North Shields will be running a prodction of Dick Whittington across select dates in December. Tickets are available online from £15.

To round off the panto lineup this year, the Northern Stage theatre group will be hosting an in-house production of Hey Diddle Diddle from their Newcastle city centre site.