Magical, festive and fun: pantomimes to see in and around Newcastle

Pantomimes are an incredibly wholesome festive tradition, one that all of the family can be part of. The shows are usually littered with slapstick comedy, sing-a-longs and glittering costumes, as well as shouts of “he’s behind you”, and have been loved for many years.

We have picked out the best pantos to go and see this Christmas in and around Newcastle, and all you need to know about them!

Cinderella at Theatre Royal

Theatre Royal will be putting on a production of Cinderella for this year’s panto. The show will star 2009 X Factor winner, Joe McElderry for the second year in a row as the Fairy Godfather, alongside other panto returners such as leading panto star, Danny Adams, Clive Webb and Chris Haywards as well as some new faces. Britain’s Got Talent finalists dance troupe Flawless will be the dancers for the show. The panto will be performing from November 29 until January 15. Tickets start from £12.50, and can be purchased here.

Beauty & The Beast at Tyne Theatre

Another pantomime for Newcastle, as Enchanted Entertainment brings Beauty and the Beast to the Tyne Theatre. Starring in the show is local talent Lewis Denny, Charlie Richmond, Beth Clarke and Micky Cochrane. The big stars of the show are Sugababes’ Amelle Berrabah as Good Fairy and Union J’s JJ Hamblett as Prince. The panto will be on from December 9 right up until January. Tickets start from just under £20, and can be purchased here.

Dick Whittington at The Exchange

The Exchange in North Shields will be performing a production of Dick Whittington this year. The show has been written and directed by former Emmerdale and Byker Grove star Dale Meeks. The show will run from December 10 until Christmas Eve. Prices start from £18 and can be purchased here.

The Adventures of Robin Hood in Cooksonville at The Customs House

Director of The Customs House Ray Spencer returns for yet another year as Dame Bella, alongside his sidekick Davey Hopper as Arbuthnot. This year, the South Shields theatre will be performing a production of Robin Hood - set in the fictional town of Cooksonville (named after iconic South Shields author Catherine Cookson). Tickets start from £12 and can be purchased here. The show will run from November 24 until Jan 7.

Cinderella at Little Theatre

Lastly, another Cinderella performance as the Little Theatre in Gateshead put on their own production of the much-loved story. The cast is packed with local talent, including Lee Brannigan-Howes as Evil Stepmother and Kayt Drysdale as Cinderella. Tickets start from £16, and can be purchased here. The performance will be take place from December 13 until Christmas Eve.