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Panto season has arrived – oh yes it has! – and with it a warm welcome of cheerful characters, sparkling stage sets, and joyful singalong music to brighten the winter days and nights. Join the merriment of the great British pantomime pastime – here are five of our faves in Hampshire.
Sleeping Beauty at Theatre Royal Winchester
Friday 4 December 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027
Theatre Royal Winchester’s panto is always a highlight of the Christmas calendar and this year’s production promises a sparkly sensational rendition of the classic Sleeping Beauty, taking the audience to the sleepy kingdom of Snorchester, where everything is turned upside down when Princess Rose celebrates her 16th birthday and the wicked Carabosse casts a terrible curse.
The production features the return of Theatre Royal's much-loved resident dame Julian Eardley, taking on the role of Queen Nelly, alongside Bronte Alice-Tadman as the wicked Carabosse.
Wake up and smell the roses – this is one Christmas show you won’t want to miss!
Find out more about Sleeping Beauty at Theatre Royal Winchester
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Robin Hood at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
Saturday 12 December 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027
Ashley Banjo & his street dancing merry men from the Diversity crew are back at Mayflower Theatre Southampton for a somersaulting festive Robin Hood panto adventure!
They’re joined by comedian and ventriloquist Max Fulham as Will Scarlett, alongside Nic Greenshields as the Sheriff of Nottingham, Amelia Walker as the Spirit of Sherwood and Kirsty Ingram as Maid Marion.
Featuring spectacular scenery and dazzling costumes from The London Palladium, expect laugh-out-loud comedy, audience participation, impressive special effects and plenty of traditional panto boos and hisses at this firm festive family favourite.
Find out more about Robin Hood at Mayflower Theatre
Mother Goose at New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth
Sunday 13 December – Thursday 31 December 2026
Get ready for a whole lot of goosebumps and giggles as New Theatre Royal brings Mother Goose to the stage for Christmas 2026.
This year sees Portsmouth Theatres present its very first in-house pantomime, starring Portsmouth's very own Queen of Camp, Cherry Liquor, in the title role.
Expect a spectacular festive adventure packed with dazzling costumes, stunning sets, toe-tapping musical numbers and outrageous characters. With plenty of laugh-out-loud comedy, magical moments and audience participation, this classic family favourite promises a Christmas treat for all ages.
Jack and the Beanstalk at Kings Theatre, Southsea
Saturday 5 December – Thursday 31 December 2026
Fee-fi-fo-FUN! The much-loved Pompey Panto returns to Kings Theatre in Southsea with a giant-sized production of Jack and the Beanstalk.
Jack Edwards is back for his 12th Kings Theatre pantomime as the fabulous Dame Trott, while Shaun Williamson returns as the wicked Fleshcreep. X Factor finalist Sean Smith stars as Jack, who swaps Daisy the Cow for some magic beans and discovers a world of adventure high above the clouds.
Expect magical harps, golden eggs, a giant beanstalk, plenty of mischief, and get those singing voices warmed up for the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas singalong!
Beauty and the Beast at The Anvil, Basingstoke
Thursday 10 December 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027
This festive extravaganza, Beauty and the Beast at The Anvil in Basingstoke, promises West End-calibre production as EastEnders star Ellie Dadd takes on the role of Belle, alongside Basingstoke favourite Chris Pizzey as the hilarious Louis La Plonk and Hollyoaks star Sarah Jane Buckley as Fairy Bon Bon.
A packed panto that promises breathtaking sets, glittering costumes, sensational choreography and show-stopping musical numbers, all wrapped up in the timeless tale of love, laughter and a little bit of magic.
Find more Christmas events in Hampshire
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Related
Nothing much happens in Snorchester, that is until Princess Rose's 16th birthday. A wicked curse from the evil Carabose has the whole kingdom snoozing. Can Princess Rose rely on her dozy friends to help break the spell, or will she have to take matters into her own hands? Will true-love get its wake up call and finally save the day? Set your alarms, don't get caught napping and book your tickets now for our traditional family panto full of original songs, audience participation and mayhem!
