Pantomimes and winter family theatre in Cornwall - 2024/2025

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!

Keep checking our website for more events as they are announced  (last updated 25/11/2024)

Check out our full event listings, including non-theatre and free events here

Find out Where Santa is in Cornwall for 2024 here

See the Christmas light switch-on dates, light trail events and other light-based activities for 2024 here

 

Falmouth Pavilion Hall for Cornwall
Regal Cinema/Theatre, Redruth Sterts, Liskeard
The Poly, Falmouth The Acorn Theatre, Penzance
Solomon Browne Memorial Hall, Mousehole Theatre Royal, Plymouth
Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro St Wenna's Church, St Wenn
Grampound Village Hall The Lane Theatre, Newquay
Helston Old Chapel The Parkhouse, Bude
Tolmen Centre Wadebridge Town Hall
National Maritime Museum, Falmouth Epworth Hall, Helston
Cornish Cinema Club - Pendennis St Agnes M&MI
St Ives Library  

 

 

Falmouth Pavilion

https://www.falmouth.co.uk/falmouth-events/duffy-and-the-stiltskin/

 

14th December 2024 to 4th January 2025

Duffy and the Stiltskin

The nights are long; the winter wind rattles the windows; outside the moon glints on the frozen puddles. Time to stoke up the fire, huddle round the comforting flames, sing some songs and enjoy a gripping story of foolishness and greed, magic and morality. 

Miracle Theatre is excited to bring you Duffy and the Stiltskin – a new take on an ancient Cornish folk tale. Told with the company’s trademark blend of comedy, music, physical theatre and sharp writing, the show follows the young Duffy on a fantastical adventure, through which she learns the surprising fact that life can sometimes be too easy, and some offers are too good to be true! 

Gather round for a spellbinding story, with huge heart, full of fun and delight for all ages.

Approx running time: 2 hours including interval. Recommended age 7+

 

 

Hall For Cornwall, Truro

www.hallforcornwall.co.uk

 

6th to 31st December 2024

Jack and the Beanstalk

Get ready for a giant pantomime fairytale extravaganza laced with Cornish spirit and all the festive fun you’d expect from Jack and the Beanstalk!  Starring Kernow King himself Edward Rowe, who bags his bucket list role of Dame Trott alongside a cast of homegrown heroes and West End wonders, Jack And the Beanstalk is perfect for children of all ages (grown-ups and grandparents, that means you as well!). Led by director and all-round pantomime expert Joyce Branagh, they've reassembled the Cornwall Playhouse Productions team who brought you last year’s record-breaking smash Peter Pan.  

Expect song-and-dance adventure as our hero Jack, his dear (and rather tall) Mum and their beloved cow chuck caution (and magic beans) to the wind in a last-ditch attempt to save their village from the wicked giant. Head for the clouds with us and explore a mysterious beanstalk that’s taken root faster than a Kernow cabbage. Where will the plant lead, can Jack save the village and who last sharpened the axe?  With songs you’ll know, a sack full of plant-based jokes and more fairy-infused fun than you can shake a beanstalk at, it’s time to set off on an unforgettable festive family feel-good adventure! Tickets from £15. Book early for the best prices and availability!

 

Regal Cinema/Theatre, Redruth

www.redruth.merlincinemas.co.uk

 

5th to 8th December 2024

Elf the Musical presented by R.A.O.S.T

Buddy, a young orphan mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list, and his step brother doesn't even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread 'Christmas Cheer' is singing loud for all to hear.

 

15th and 16th December 2024

Santa’s Christmas Wish 

stmas is a season of joy, love and sharing, a time when Santa delivers presents all over the world... but what would Santa himself like for Christmas? Dasher the Reindeer has an idea...Pompom the Penguin thinks he knows... or maybe Snowy the Snowman has the answer? Dotty the Elf needs all their help - and yours - to find out!

Join a fun, festive, musical adventure to give Santa the very best Christmas, then meet him at his home in the North Pole! There every child will receive a special present from Father Christmas in our popular meet, greet and treat, after the most Christmassy Christmas show ever!

Santa's Christmas Wish is a festive, song-filled, interactive family show particularly suitable for 2-8 year olds. It lasts 45 minutes and is followed by a special meet, greet and treat with Father Christmas himself!

 

15th to 19th January 2025

Robin Hood

R.A.M.P.S are back with another spectacular Pantomime to brighten up your post Christmas blues. With laugh out loud comedy, incredible special effects, stunning song and dance numbers, this will surely be a show you don't want to miss! Will Robin be able to defeat the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, will Friar Tuck find his next meal, will Little John find his true love, will Maid Marian save the day!?!

 

Theatre Royal Plymouth

www.theatreroyal.com

 

Sterts

www.tickets.sterts.co.uk

 

21st December 2024

The Christmassy Christmas Show

https://www.squashboxtheatre.co.uk/christmassy-christmas-show

The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmasness! is an over-stuffed stocking of seasonal surprises crammed with puppets, songs and comedy, and over-flowing with crazy characters, silly slapstick, tall tales and fantastic facts - all presented in that unique Squashbox style!

For children aged 4+ and their families.

 

 

 

The Poly - events for 2024/2025 still to be announced

www.thepoly.org

 

 

 

Acorn Theatre

www.theacornpenzance.com

 

23rd December

A Christmas Carol

www.theacornpenzance.com

Spend an evening with Ebenezer Scrooge: a 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, 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! Celebrate the festive season with a mesmerising one-man performance of Charles Dickens’ timeless, transformative story: A Christmas Carol. Bah! Suitable for adults and accompanied children 9+

 

 

Solomon Browne Memorial Hall, Mousehole

www.cousinjacks.org/the-mousehole-cat

14th to 31st December 2024

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!

 

Epworth Hall, Helston

www.helstontheatrecompany.co.uk

 

28th January to 2nd February 2025

Cinderella

"In the enchanting kingdom of Helston, a joyous celebration is underway as Princess Aurora is christened, welcoming all except the malevolent Carabosse. Unable to resist the allure of the festivities, Carabosse arrives in a furious storm, casting a wicked curse upon the innocent princess and the entire kingdom.

As the years pass, Princess Aurora matures into a graceful young woman, but the kingdom faces financial ruin. To save Helston, Aurora must embark on a quest to find true love and break the curse. But Carabosse's evil plan threatens to prevail.

With the help of her loyal fairy godmothers and a dash of magic, Aurora navigates a whimsical journey filled with humour, adventure, and unexpected surprises. Can true love conquer the malevolence that Carabosse has woven? Will Aurora's fairy godmothers succeed in their mission to protect her and the kingdom?Join Helston Theatre Company in this captivating pantomime adventure, a timeless tale woven with tradition and sprinkled with magical moments.

 

Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro

www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk

 

Dates from 7th December 2024

Father Christmas at the Museum

Royal Cornwall Museum.

Rumour has it that Father Christmas is hiding in the Royal Cornwall Museum this year and the elves need your help to find him. Explore the fascinating exhibits of the museum, befriend an elf, listen to their stories, and help them find Father Christmas.

Finding Father Christmas returns to Truro for its third year – this time amongst the fascinating curiosities of the Royal Cornwall Museum in this family storytelling and grotto experience.

Finding Father Christmas at the Museum is a unique walking theatre and grotto experience brought to you by Truro BID in association with Coppice Theatre and with kind permission from the Royal Cornwall Museum.

 

St Wenna's Church, St Wenn

www.carntocove.co.uk

 

10th December 2024

Nadelik

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.

Suitable for ages 3 – 103.  Tea for children is provided before the show. 

 

 

Grampound Village Hall

www.carntocove.co.uk

 

23rd November

The Goat Show

In a corner of the countryside not too far from here trouble is brewing.
One too many sandwiches have been stolen;
One too many flowers eaten; And one too many goat poos have been pooed.
SOMETHING must be done about the Goats, but no one agrees what that is!

Mixing puppetry, storytelling and live music, get ready for a rollicking adventure about goats, division and overcoming conflict - but with chase sequences and competitive poo collection!

 

The Lane Theatre, Newquay

www.lanetheatre.co.uk

 

4th to 7th December 2024

Beauty and the Beast

Be our guest this Christmas and enjoy a tale as old as time with Wonder Pantomimes as they bring the story of Beauty and the Beast to Lane this festive season as part of a six week national tour.
Join bookworm Belle who lives a quiet provincial life, but it quickly turns to danger when she finds herself imprisoned by a hideous Beast. Will the Beast learn how to love and be loved in return? Will Belle melt the Beast’s frosty heart? Will the spell be broken before the last rose petal falls?
So don’t wait until the last petal has fallen, book your tickets now to find out as this is a festive treat not to be missed.

 

Helston Old Chapel

www.minack.com

30th November 2024

Nadelik

Based on the beloved children’s book A Christmas in Cornwall by Craig Barr-Green, featuring original live music and songs by Matthew Thomason.

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.
​Nadelik is a delightful, interactive festive show for children and their families, with live action, puppetry, and a heap of festive cheer.

 

Helston Old Chapel

www.trevowhelston.co.uk

 

6th December 2024

The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmasness

The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmasness! is a celebration of everything Christmassy, from fir trees, fairy lights, sleigh bells and snowflakes to crackers, carols, presents and puddings!​

Join Craig as he goes on a quest to find The Twelve Sprouts of Christmas, and along the way spot some naughty elves, meet a wise-cracking snowman, say hello to an over-excited Christmas puppy, endure the world’s worst Christmas jumper and gaze in wonder at the “beautiful” Christmas fairy…

 

Tolmen Centre

www.tolmencentre.co.uk

 

12th and 13th November 2024

The Cratchits' Christmas Cracker

The Cratchit family is having a party and you’re all invited. Join Mrs Cratchit, cousin Edith and Uncle Hugo as they celebrate Christmas with a marvellous mix of festive songs, stories and parlour games.

The Cratchits’ Christmas Cracker! is a festive feast of seasonal silliness, a merry mixture of Yuletide foolery, created and performed by Mary Woodvine, Craig Johnson and Jenny Beare, who between them have decades of theatrical experience with Kneehigh, Wildworks, the Minack, o-region, the RSC, the National Theatre and countless village halls.

For adults and children 10+

 

The Parkhouse, Bude

www.northcoastarts.co.uk

 

5th December

‘Nadelik’ – Schools Performance

Performance based on ‘A Christmas in Cornwall’ for school groups – see website for details

 

5th December

‘Nadelik’

Performance based on ‘A Christmas in Cornwall’ – see the website for details

 

Wadebridge Town Hall

www.northcoastarts.co.uk

 

9th December

A Christmas Carol

One person performance of the Charles Dickens festive classic

 

17th December

Nadelik

 

National Maritime Museum Cornwall

www.nmmc.co.uk

 

14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd December

Nadelik

Interactive festive show based on A Christmas in Cornwall, featuring original live music and songs, live action and puppetry

 

Cornish Cinema Club - Pendennis Community Centre (Ships and Castles)

www.thelittleboxoffice.com/skylightcinema

Join in at Pendennis Community Centre for a magical experience featuring a selection of festive films for all ages. Whether you're looking to relive your favourite Christmas classics or discover new holiday favourites, there's something for everyone.

Take your family, friends, and loved ones to this unique outdoor movie experience, where you can enjoy the festive atmosphere from the comfort of your car. Snuggle up with blankets, sip on hot chocolate, and enjoy the twinkling lights as you get into the Christmas spirit.

Movies will be shown on the state-of-the-art LED screen spanning an impressive 8 meters in width and 4 meters in height, creating a visually stunning display that's hard to miss. With its expansive size, the all weather screen provides crystal-clear resolution and vibrant colours in breathtaking clarity.

 

19th December 2024

The Santa Clause - 1994 (16:30)

Home Alone (19:30)

 

20th December 2024

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) - 16:30

Home Alone 2 - 19:30

 

21st December 2024

Arthur Christmas - 13:30

Elf - 16:30

 

22nd December 2024

Polar Express - 13:30

Elf - 16:30

 

St Agnes M&MI

https://o-region.co.uk/theatre/nadelik-2024/

 

8th December 2024

Nadelik

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, and directed by Simon HarveyNadelik is a delightful, interactive festive show for children and their families, with live action, puppetry, and a whole heap of festive cheer.

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.

Suitable for ages 3 – 103

 

St Ives Library

www.stives.ticketsolve.co.uk

 

19th December 2024

Nadelik

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, and directed by Simon HarveyNadelik is a delightful, interactive festive show for children and their families, with live action, puppetry, and a whole heap of festive cheer.

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.

Suitable for ages 3 – 103

 

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

 

Dates from 14th December 2024

The Polar Express: Pyjama Party (20th Anniversary)

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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