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Pantomimes and Winter Family Theatre in Cornwall - 2026
Welcome to our guide to the best pantomimes and winter theatre productions in Cornwall! As the colder months set in, Cornwall comes alive with a rich variety of festive performances that bring joy and laughter to audiences of all ages. From traditional pantomime classics with all the comedy and cheer you expect, to original winter theatre shows that capture the spirit of the season, there's something for everyone. Whether you're enjoying a night out with the family or sharing a festive experience with friends, let us help you discover the top winter theatre events in Cornwall that will make your season bright and memorable!
Check out our full event listings, including non-theatre and free events here
Find out Where Santa is in Cornwall for 2026 here
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**Details for 2026 still to be confirmed - details below are for the 2025 event **
Dates from 20th December A Christmas Carol Minack Theatre https://www.minack.com/whats-on/christmas-carol-3 Joy to all mankind? Bah! Spend an afternoon in the company of a mean, tight-fisted, squeezing, wrenching, grasping, clutching, covetous old miser. Bah! Watch horrified as Ebenezer Scrooge is haunted by four creepy ghosts (wooo-oooh) each one more terrifying than the last. Bah! Sob at the bedside of a tiny, malnourished child riven with rickets. Bah! In their inimitable style, the team that brought you Great Expectations, The Odyssey, Canterbury Tales and Dracula: the Vampyr will now take you on a grim (sort of) journey through the dark, dismal streets of Victorian London. This is Dickens’ original words with added silliness. Silliness? Bah! Celebrate the festive season with a mesmerising one-man performance of Charles Dickens’ timeless, transformative story: A Christmas Carol. Bah!
29th December The Sea Show Minack Theatre https://www.minack.com/whats-on/sea-show The Sea Show is a quirky and hilarious mix of puppet show, natural history and comedy cabaret. Meet crazy characters like Morwenna the ‘beautiful’ mermaid, Ruan the reformed seagull and salty seadog Captain Pemburthy, as well as a cast of mischievous sea-squirts, anemones, limpets, crabs and pilchards. Come and celebrate the sea with tall tales, silly slapstick, fantastic facts, live music and songs - unmissable fun for children and adults of all ages! The Sea Show is the creation of Craig Johnson, an actor, musician and puppeteer, and long-standing member of Cornwall’s renowned Kneehigh Theatre. For children aged 5+ and their families.
31st December The Cinderella Story Minack Theatre https://www.minack.com/whats-on/cinderella-story With a hiss and a boo and a pumpkin too, we'll make a panto starring you! Everything you will ever need to know about pantomime wrapped up in this wild and whacky one-man retelling of Cinderella. Be ready for plenty of fun, frolics and a sprinkle of fairy dust. A one man retelling of the story of this magical play by the master of marvellous tales, John Brolly. Children why not bring your grown-ups? They could do with some festive cheer. |
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27th November 2026 Welsh National Opera’s Family Concert is back with a vibrant and welcoming introduction to live orchestral music. Hosted by Elin Llwyd, the concert blends well-known favourites brought to life by WNO Orchestra, alongside a group of outstanding soloists performing recognisable pieces for all the family. Offenbach’s energetic Can-Can brings a sense of joy and familiarity, encouraging young audiences to connect straight away while Beethoven’s music from Prometheus stands out with its bold, cinematic quality almost like a superhero soundtrack, making it both accessible and thrilling, even for those new to classical music. Adding to the playful atmosphere is Ballo de Orsi (‘Dance of the Bears’), a piece that feels wonderfully visual and full of character. Its lively, almost storytelling quality, invites children to imagine scenes and movement, making the listening experience both fun and immersive. With its mythological theme, engaging repertoire and relaxed setting, this concert offers something enjoyable and memorable for everyone.
4th December 2026 to 3rd January 2027 You shall go to the ball this Christmas with pop icon and stage star Will Young as the Fairy Godfather and breakfast TV favourite and Hollywood correspondent Ross King as Buttons. They will be joined by musical theatre’s Eve Shanu-Wilson as Cinderella, Michael O’Reilly, who is returning to his roots for the festive season as Prince Charming, and Daniel Norford as Dandini. Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients Plymouth audiences expect, Cinderella features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses. Join Cinders as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her very wicked sisters and meets her Prince Charming. The clock is ticking, so book your tickets now!
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Other pantomimes and winter theatre in Cornwall
Falmouth Pavilion
**Details for 2026 still to be confirmed - details below are for the 2025 event **
21st November 2025
Jam First Theatre presents 'Elf....ish'
If you’re in need of a healthy dollop of silliness and magic this season, then be prepared to laugh your baubles off and enjoy 50 minutes of Christmas craziness with Jam First Theatre’s Christmas Comedy Cracker ‘Elf..ish!’.
“If you’re sitting comfortably
Upon your theatre seat
I’d like to tell you an Elfish tale
One I think you’ll find a treat
Have you ever met a knocker?
Cornwall’s answer to an Elf
They’re very very silly, if I do say so myself!”
14th December 2025
Squashbox Theatre presentsThe Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmasness
Squashbox Theatre’s new show is a celebration of everything Christmassy, from fir trees, fairy lights, sleigh bells and snowflakes to crackers, carols, presents and puddings!
Meet a snowman who lives in the fridge, try and spot some naughty elves, play hunt the brussel sprout, endure the world’s worst Christmas jumper and gaze at the “beautiful” Christmas fairy…
Learn about Yuletide traditions old and new, hear the story of the first Christmas Tree and even explore some festive science.
The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmasness! is an over-stuffed stocking of seasonal surprises crammed with puppets, songs, quizzes and comedy, and over-flowing with crazy characters, silly slapstick, tall tales and fantastic facts – all presented in that unique Squashbox style!
23rd December 2025
The Snowman - Live with Helston Town Band
Celebrate the magic of Christmas with Helston Town Band as they bring The Snowman to life on the big screen with a live musical performance! Enjoy the timeless story accompanied by Howard Blake’s enchanting score, played live by the band, creating a truly magical experience for all ages.
2pm Performance:
A family-friendly show with Santa handing out sweets, around an hour long with no interval. The first half features interactive festive music, followed by the live soundtrack to The Snowman film.
6pm Performance:
An evening performance with a longer first half, a short interval, and the full live film score experience.
Perfect for families, friends, and music lovers, this festive event promises joy, music, and Christmas magic.
14t
4th December 2026 to 3rd January 2027
Dick Whittington and His Mousehole Cat
Cornwall’s festive family tradition continues in 2026 with Dick Whittington & His Mousehole Cat, featuring a golden blend of songs, smiles, warmth and wonder in the South West’s biggest homegrown pantomime.
Get set for an enduring tale of friendship, fortune and fame from Cornwall Playhouse Productions – the powerhouse behind Peter Pan, Jack And The Beanstalk, and Aladdin.
Join local lad Dick Whittington, who dares to dream of a brighter future. Together with his trusty cat companion, our hopeful hero sets out on a quest for the land paved with gold. Will our dynamic duo strike it rich? Will a dastardly rat derail their plans? Will the gang ever make it home to Cornwall? Gather your tribe and settle in for this all-singing, all-dancing, unmissable treat for all the family.
11th and 12th January 2027
Delight in the timeless magic of classical ballet with breath-taking performances of Swan Lake. The graceful beauty of Tchaikovsky’s iconic score highlights the elegance and artistry of every movement, a live orchestra capturing the full emotion for a truly memorable experience.
The romance and tragedy of Swan Lake continues to captivate audiences of all ages. An enchanting world filled with magic and wonder is brought vividly to life by world-class dancers and stunning costumes.
Founded in 2023, Mergaliyev Classical Ballet brings together dancers from around the world, the variety of backgrounds, training and styles adding a unique vibrancy to their work.
Whether you are discovering ballet for the first time or returning to a cherished favourite, this spectacular production is the perfect New Year treat.
13th January 2027
elight in the timeless magic of classical ballet with breathtaking performances of The Nutcracker. The grace and musicality of Tchaikovsky’s iconic score highlights the elegance and artistry of every movement, a live orchestra capturing the full emotion for a truly memorable experience.
The festive charm of The Nutcracker continues to captivate audiences of all ages. An enchanting world filled with magic and wonder is brought vividly to life by world-class dancers and stunning costumes.
Founded in 2023, Mergaliyev Classical Ballet brings together dancers from around the world, the variety of backgrounds, training and styles adding a unique vibrancy to their work.
Whether you are discovering ballet for the first time or returning to a cherished favourite, this spectacular production is the perfect New Year treat.
www.redruth.merlincinemas.co.uk
13th and 14th December 2026
s always the most wonderful time of the year, full of peace and love, family and friends - so why does Santa think that this Christmas is going to be the best one ever… can you guess?
Dotty the Elf thinks Santa is planning a surprise Christmas party, Pompom the Penguin thinks Santa has been making Christmas crackers, and Dasher the Reindeer thinks Santa has got their biggest Christmas tree ever – do you think they’re right?
Or do the other reindeer know? They all seem very excited in their stable…”
Songs include children’s favourites Jingle Bells, The Hokey Cokey, Away In A Manger, Baby Shark, The Twelve Days Of Christmas, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, and more!
Santa's Best Ever Christmas performances last 45 minutes, are particularly suitable for 2-8 year olds, and are followed by a meet, greet & treat with Father Christmas himself.
13th to 17th January 2027
Jack and the Beanstalk is a much-loved family pantomime and a festive theatre favourite, bursting with magic, comedy, and larger-than-life adventure. Perfect for all ages, this classic pantomime delivers everything audiences expect from a traditional panto experience.
When a young hero from a hard-up family heads to market, a surprising trade sets off an extraordinary chain of events. Overnight, a gigantic beanstalk shoots up into the clouds, leading to a magnificent castle in the sky and a world full of danger, discovery, and magical surprises.
High above the village, a fearsome giant guards incredible treasures, and it’s up to our unlikely hero to face the challenge. What follows is a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud adventure filled with daring deeds, slapstick comedy, and plenty of audience-pleasing pantomime moments.
Packed with catchy songs, colourful costumes, magical effects, and all the “oh no it isn’t!” fun audiences love, Jack and the Beanstalk is the perfect family pantomime for the festive season. A giant adventure, sky-high laughs, and magical memories await at the theatre!
**Details for 2026 still to be confirmed - details below are for the 2025 event **
5th and 6th December 2025
The Ugly Duckling
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/sterts/the-ugly-duckling-directed-by-mike-shepherd/e-ryamma
When Mother Duck’s eggs start to hatch, one of her ducklings is a little bit different from the others. He’s larger, clumsier and just, well, not quite like the rest…
This beautiful new show from Kneehigh’s Mike Shepherd fuses storytelling, music and puppets from Lyndie Wright (The Little Angel) to bring the beloved Hans Christian Andersen tale to life in a sweet, silly and sometimes sad show for children aged three and up.
14th December 2025
It’s Christmas Eve in Cornwall and two little girls and their Gran are excitedly preparing for the big day. But where’s Dad?
As night falls, their fisherman father is caught in a storm far out at sea. Will he make it home for Christmas? Perhaps — with some extra special help.
Based on the beloved children’s book A Christmas in Cornwall by local author Craig Barr-Green, featuring original live music and songs by Matthew Thomason, Nadelik is a delightful, interactive festive show for children and their families, with live action, puppetry, and a heap of festive cheer.
www.thepoly.org
Dates from 11th December 2026
We all know A Christmas Carol, but ever wonder what happened after the ghosts vanished? Sure, Scrooge reformed, but a certain kid grew up wanting more—MORE! Time makes fools of us all, and Tim (don’t call him Tiny!) has turned into a crafty cat burglar, out to snag his share of Ebenezer’s fortune. Not even the Ghost of Christmas Future saw this one coming!
Want to hear Tim’s side of the story? Grab your overcoats and top hats and join us for HAH BUMHUG—a wildly interactive, funny, festive Christmas classic reimagined with yuletide laughs for the whole family!
22nd December 2026
The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmasness
Squashbox Theatre’s new show is a celebration of everything Christmassy, from fir trees, fairy lights, sleigh bells and snowflakes to crackers, carols, presents and puddings!
Meet a snowman who lives in the fridge, try and spot some naughty elves, play hunt the brussel sprout, endure the world’s worst Christmas jumper and gaze at the “beautiful” Christmas fairy…
Learn about Yuletide traditions old and new, hear the story of the first Christmas Tree and even explore some festive science.
The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmasness! is an over-stuffed stocking of seasonal surprises crammed with puppets, songs, quizzes and comedy, and over-flowing with crazy characters, silly slapstick, tall tales and fantastic facts – all presented in that unique Squashbox style!
Solomon Browne Memorial Hall, Mousehole
www.cousinjacks.org/the-mousehole-cat
**Details for 2026 still to be confirmed - details below are for the 2025 event **
13th to 31st December 2025
The Mousehole Cat
Cousin Jacks return with their magical puppet and live-action production for the eighth consecutive year.
Based on the well-known Cornish legend this uniquely heartwarming story of the friendship between a fearless fisherman and his devoted cat will warm the cockles of everyone's hearts... almost as much as an ‘efty portion of stargazy pie!
www.helstontheatrecompany.co.uk
26th to 31st January 2027
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Join in for a magical retelling of this timeless tale of good versus evil — mirror, mirror on the wall, this is going to be the best panto of them all!
www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk
**Details for 2026 still to be confirmed - details below are for the 2025 event **
Dates from 10th December 2025
Father Christmas at the Museum
Follow Lowen the Elf on an enchanting journey, brought to life with song, light, and spellbinding projections.
Let your imagination take flight at this most wonderful time of year, with a heart warming tale of how Cornwall’s birds – including a magnificent gathering of Choughs – came together to help the reindeers and save Christmas.
The culmination of the journey brings you to Father Christmas’ secret Kernow Office for a special visit.
This immersive storytelling experience promises a festive memory for the whole family — complete with a small gift and a photo opportunity with the man himself.
Recommended for ages 2+
**Details for 2026 still to be confirmed - details below are for the 2025 event **
5th to 7th December 2025
Join the Merry Men for a fun-filled, action-packed pantomime as Robin Hood takes on the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham!
With heroic hi-jinks, slapstick silliness, and plenty of audience participation, this family-friendly adventure is full of laughter, music, and magical surprises.
Will Robin outwit the Sheriff?
Will Maid Marian save the day?
And will there be enough panto magic to keep the forest safe?
Find out in Robin Hood – a side-splitting show for all ages!
https://www.trevowhelston.co.uk/event-details/a-christmas-carol
**Details for 2026 still to be confirmed - details below are for the 2025 event **
19th December 2025
A Christmas Carol
Kernow Chamber Players presents a one-man dramatisation of Charles Dickens’ immortal work, A Christmas Carol, with live chamber music accompaniment.
www.tolmencentre.co.uk
**Details for 2026 still to be confirmed - details below are for the 2025 event **
An afternoon matinee for all the family using small scale intricate puppets, a beautifully made set, with live accompanying music on stage. All ages welcome from 5 to 105!
National Maritime Museum Cornwall
www.nmmc.co.uk
**Details for 2026 still to be confirmed - details below are for the 2025 event **
20th to 23rd December 2025
It’s Christmas Eve in Cornwall and two little girls and their Gran are excitedly preparing for the big day. But where’s Dad?
As night falls, their fisherman father is caught in a storm far out at sea. Will he make it home for Christmas? Perhaps—with some extra special help.
Based on the beloved children’s book A Christmas in Cornwall by local author Craig Barr-Green, featuring original live music and songs by Matthew Thomason, Nadelik is a delightful, interactive Christmas show for children and their families, with live action, puppetry, and a heap of festive cheer.
Cornish Cinema Club - Royal Cornwall Events Centre
www.thelittleboxoffice.com/skylightcinema
**Details for 2026 still to be confirmed - details below are for the 2025 event **
20th December 2025 - Home Alone
20th December - Elf
21st December - How the Grinch Stole Christmas
**Details for 2026 still to be confirmed - details below are for the 2025 event **
7th December 2025
The Fairies That Kept Tradition Alive at Consols Pond
Christmas spirit, community and a special pond helped along by some magical fairies make this the play to see this festive period.
The Cornish Lark (aka Nicole Tesseyman) and her “Little Larks” create magic at St Ives Arts Club every Christmas when they put on a show. This year’s theme is based around a true story about Consols pond at the top of town. Every Good Friday, the community meet to sail boats they’ve made, but this tradition has been under threat. The tradition of sailing tiny boats on the water is thought to have originated from ancient superstitious fishing communities who would float the boats as offerings to the weather gods, hoping for good catches and protection from the storms.
The Friends of Consols Pond, lead by Joel Ninnes have managed to keep this 100 year old tradition alive and some proceeds from a song about the pond written especially by The Cornish Lark will go towards keeping it going. The children of “Little Larks” are the fairies in this fairytale adaptation of the true St Ives story. A real heartwarming production which will bring joy and comfort to many at this time of year.
St Ives Library
**Details for 2026 still to be confirmed - details below are for the 2025 event **
Dates from 19th December
A Christmas Carol
Celebrate the festive season with a mesmerising one-man performance of Charles Dickens’ timeless, transformative story: A Christmas Carol. Bah!
Spend an evening with Ebenezer Scrooge: a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, clutching covetous old miser. Bah!
In their inimitable style, the team that brought you Great Expectations, Dracula and The Odyssey will now take you on a grim (sort of) journey through the dark, dismal streets of Victorian London.
This is Dickens’ original words with added silliness. Silliness? Bah!
WTW Cinemas
White River Cinema - www.wtwcinemas.co.uk/st-austell
The Regal Cinema, Wadebridge - www.wtwcinemas.co.uk/wadebridge
The Plaza, Truro - www.wtwcinemas.co.uk/truro
Lighthouse, Newquay - www.wtwcinemas.co.uk/newquay
**Details for 2026 still to be confirmed - details below are for the 2025 event **
Selected dates
The Polar Express: Pyjama Party
Join in for a journey aboard the "Pyjama Party Express," where we'll embark on a heartwarming adventure to the North Pole with a screening of the beloved holiday classic, "The Polar Express." Get ready to don your comfiest pyjamas and snuggle up with a hot chocolate as we follow the journey of a young boy who learns the true spirit of Christmas. Each guest will receive a steaming cup of hot chocolate and pack of cookies each.