Your Complete Guide to Christmas Magic -2025
There’s something truly magical about pantomime season in Staffordshire. As the festive lights twinkle across our county and the scent of mulled wine fills the air, theatres throughout the region transform into enchanted worlds where fairy tales come alive, laughter echoes through packed auditoriums, and audiences of all ages join together in that timeless tradition of shouting “He’s behind you!”
This Christmas, Staffordshire’s theatres are pulling out all the stops with a spectacular lineup of productions. Whether you’re after CBBC legends bringing beloved characters to life, immersive theatre-in-the-round experiences, or grand spectacles featuring your favourite stars, our county has it all. From sleeping princesses to underwater adventures, wicked villains to heroic giants, this year’s pantomime season promises unforgettable family entertainment.
Sleeping Beauty - Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
The Gatehouse Theatre in Stafford continues its phenomenal run of record-breaking pantomimes with *Sleeping Beauty*, reuniting the dream team that made last year’s *Jack and the Beanstalk* an unforgettable success. Double BAFTA award-winner and CBBC legend Mark Rhodes returns alongside renowned pantomime dame David Phipps-Davis and the fabulously fierce Samantha Spragg as the villainous Carabosse.
When a wicked fairy’s evil curse causes Princess Beauty to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into an enchanted sleep, only true love can break the spell. Will Hilarious Harry and the brave prince rescue her before it’s too late? Produced by the renowned Imagine Theatre and directed by Daniel Buckroyd, this magical production promises dazzling costumes, stunning sets, and the laugh-out-loud comedy that has become the Gatehouse’s signature.
Last year’s pantomime attracted nearly 19,000 visitors and generated the highest receipts in the venue’s history since opening in 1982. With over 1,000 tickets already sold for *Sleeping Beauty*, early booking is strongly advised.
**BOOKING DETAILS:**
– **Dates:** 5 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
– **Location:** Eastgate Street, Stafford, ST16 2LT
– **Box Office:** 01785 619080
– **Website:** gatehousetheatre.co.uk
– **Tickets:** From £19 (family tickets available with automatic discount at checkout)
**SPECIAL PERFORMANCES:**
– Relaxed performance: 11am, Saturday 20 December 2025
– British Sign Language performance: 1pm, Saturday 27 December 2025 – VIP Food and Drink panto packages available
– FREE two-for-one bowling voucher with every ticket purchased!
Cinderella - Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Get ready for Lichfield’s favourite festive treat as the Garrick Theatre presents *Cinderella*, starring local favourite Sam Rabone. This classic rags-to-riches tale has enchanted audiences for generations, and this year’s production promises to be the funniest and most spectacular pantomime yet at this beautiful venue.
Will Cinderella make it to the royal ball? Can the Fairy Godmother work her magic in time? And will those dreadfully vain ugly sisters finally get their comeuppance? Written by Paul Hendy, directed by Daniel Buckroyd, and produced by Evolution Productions, expect hilarious comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes, and plenty of audience participation in this beloved fairy tale.
**BOOKING DETAILS:**
– **Dates:** 21 November 2025 – 11 January 2026
– **Location:** Castle Dyke, Lichfield, WS13 6HR
– **Website:** lichfieldgarrick.com
– **Tickets:** From £15 (group and school discounts available)
**SPECIAL PERFORMANCES:**
– British Sign Language performances: 17 December 2025 and 4 January 2026
– Relaxed performance: 30 November 2025
– Babes in arms tickets available for infants under 18 months
Cinderella - Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent’s premier entertainment venue brings all the magic and spectacle audiences have come to expect from a major pantomime production. Starring local favourite Jonathan Wilkes and Kai Owen, this *Cinderella* features dazzling costumes, spectacular stage effects, and all the traditional pantomime ingredients that make Christmas complete.
Packed with laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes, and plenty of opportunities for audience participation (including lots of boos and hisses for the villains), this production promises festive fun for all ages. Running right through the Christmas period and including two performances on New Year’s Eve, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends.
**BOOKING DETAILS:**
– **Dates:** 12 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
– **Location:** Piccadilly, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 1AP
– **Tickets:** Check website for pricing and availability
The Little Mermaid - New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme
The New Vic Theatre brings Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fairy tale to life in a brand-new adaptation that promises to be an unforgettable experience. Known for its unique theatre-in-the-round staging that creates an intimate and immersive atmosphere, the New Vic transforms its space into an underwater world where Ariel’s magical journey unfolds all around you.
This Christmas production offers something truly different—a tale of hope, love, and self-discovery that stays closer to Andersen’s original story while delivering all the entertainment and enchantment modern audiences expect. The New Vic’s reputation for innovative staging and high-quality productions makes this a must-see for theatre lovers seeking something a little different from traditional pantomime fare.
**BOOKING DETAILS:**
– **Dates:** 14 November 2025 – 24 January 2026
– **Location:** Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 0JG
– **Box Office:** 01782 717962
– **Email:** tickets@newvictheatre.org.uk
– **Website:** newvictheatre.org.uk
– **Tickets:** Various prices (as a registered charity, the New Vic keeps prices accessible with various discounts available)
Jack and the Beanstalk - Tamworth Assembly Rooms
The Tamworth Panto returns with the ultimate GIANT pantomime adventure! Will Jack climb the beanstalk and save the day? Will Dame Trott’s farm be saved? Will the audience regret not bringing a raincoat? All these questions—and more—will be answered in this action-packed production.
Returning panto favourite Sam Beech, who previously won audiences’ hearts as Buttons, leads the cast alongside new and returning faces. The Tamworth Panto has built an impressive reputation with four consecutive years of five-star audience reviews and glowing testimonials calling it “absolutely hilarious” and praising its perfect blend of comedy, magic, and festive fun.
What makes the Tamworth Panto truly special is its commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. Each visiting school receives bespoke references woven into the script, and the production prides itself on content appropriate for all ages. With more surprises than ever before and ticket prices that allow the whole family to enjoy this traditional British entertainment, it represents excellent value for money.
**BOOKING DETAILS:**
– **Dates:** 30 December 2025 – 18 January 2026
– **Location:** Corporation Street, Tamworth, B79 7DN
– **Box Office:** 01827 709618
– **Website:** tamworthpanto.co.uk and tamworthassemblyrooms.co.uk
**SPECIAL PERFORMANCES:**
– Relaxed performance: Wednesday 14 January 2026 (allowing movement around the auditorium, toned-down effects, reduced volume, with additional staff support)
Cinderella - Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock
The Prince of Wales Theatre teams up with Polka Dot Pantomimes—one of the country’s leading panto producers—to present the nation’s favourite pantomime, *Cinderella*. This is the first time Polka Dot Pantomimes has produced at this venue, bringing their reputation for exceptional quality and entertainment to Cannock.
This hilarious pantomime is suitable for the whole family, with audiences captivated by a production full of magic, laughter, audience participation, and spectacular surprises. Follow Cinderella’s journey from servant girl to princess as her best friend Buttons and her Fairy Godmother help make her dreams come true. Will she and Prince Charming find their happy ever after? Book now to find out—but don’t wait till midnight to secure the best seats at Cannock’s professional pantomime!
**BOOKING DETAILS:**
– **Dates:** 21 December 2024 – 28 December 2024
– **Location:** Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock
– **Box Office:** 01543 578762
– **Tickets:** Available online via Skiddle or by contacting the box office
Whether you choose the intimate charm of theatre-in-the-round, the star power of CBBC legends, the grand spectacle of major productions, or the community spirit of local favourites, Staffordshire’s pantomimes promise unforgettable memories for the whole family.
So gather your loved ones, book your tickets, and prepare to shout “He’s behind you!”—because Christmas in Staffordshire simply wouldn’t be the same without the magic of pantomime.
**Oh yes it would!**
