4th to 24th December 2025
Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
It's Showtime! Pantomimes, Christmas and Winter Theatre For Families in Devon 2025
Welcome to our guide to the best pantomimes and winter theatre productions in Cornwall for late 2025 and early 2026! 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!
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15th December to 3rd January The Christmas Circus Step into a world of festive magic & thrills as they present their most yuletide Christmas Circus to date. This festive season gather the whole family & experience a heartwarming, laugh out loud & edge of your seat adventure beneath our bigtop. With acrobatics, hilarious clowns, festive surprises & mind-boggling stunts, all sprinkled with a generous helping of Christmas sparkle |
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27th November to 28th December 2025 Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas https://theatreroyal.com/whats-on/father-christmas/ Production of the classic Raymond Briggs story with relaxed, captioned, audio described and BSL interpreted performances as well as Touch Tours on selected dates Join Santa as he awakes from a dream of sun, sea and sand only to find it is the busiest day of the year: Christmas Eve. Watch as he prepares for his Christmas deliveries, feeds his reindeer and finally takes flight into the snowy night. Recommended for ages 3 to 7 years.
25th to 29th November 2025 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as the West End smash-hit production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe returns to Theatre Royal Plymouth on 25 Nov–29 Nov 2025. Step through the wardrobe into the magic kingdom of Narnia where a world of wonder awaits. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they meet new friends, face dangerous foes and learn the lessons of courage, sacrifice, and the power of love. Watch the nation’s favourite novel The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe come to life on stage in this spectacular production which is guaranteed to delight all ages. Recommended for ages 6+
It’s a frosty Christmas Eve and everyone is tucked up in bed, A sensory delight for 0-3 year olds, this non-verbal show will engage young audiences through beautiful dance, live music and light. The performance will end with space for further exploration, play and festive photos. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult.
12th December 2025 to 10th January 2026 Panto legend Shane Richie returns to Plymouth to star in the pantomime paved with gold! Join Dick Whittington as he seeks fame, fortune, and happiness journeying to become Lord Mayor. Packed with all the traditional pantomime ingredients audiences know to expect from Theatre Royal Plymouth, don’t miss the action-packed pantomime that promises to be full of laugh-out-loud comedy, plenty of boos and hisses and lavish sets and costumes from The London Palladium. Television, recording, musical theatre and pantomime star Shane Richie will be headlining this year’s pantomime in the title role. Shane will be joined by Plymouth panto favourite Samuel Holmes as the Spirit of Bow Bells, musical theatre stars Anne Smith as Queen Rat, Emily Beth Harrington, also returning to her hometown for the festive season, as Alice Fitzwarren and Kira McPherson as Kitty Cat, and panto dame Iain Stuart Robertson as Sarah, The Cook. Book your tickets now for the ultimate magical pantomime adventure!
13th January to 7th February Matilda The Musical https://theatreroyal.com/whats-on/matilda-the-musical-2026/ Following the sellout success of its first tour in 2018/19, Matilda The Musical, the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by Roald Dahl, is heading back out on tour across the UK and Ireland from October 2025. In celebration of 15 years on stage since opening at the Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, and following performances in 100 cities across 17 countries worldwide, Matilda now returns to Plymouth! With book by Dennis Kelly, music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and directed by Matthew Warchus, Matilda is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Winner of over 100 international awards, including 24 for Best Musical, the ‘unique and unforgettable’ (Rolling Stone) global phenomenon, Matilda has now delighted over 12 million audiences worldwide.
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14h to 28th December Setting off on the good ship Endurance with a brave crew, Ernie’s dream comes true – an adventure across the ice to the frozen world of Antarctica. Battling through huge seas and harsh snow storms until… crack! The ship gets stuck in the ice, leaving 28 men, 69 dogs and 1 (rather chilly) ship’s cat stranded, thousands of miles from anywhere. How will they ever get home? Quirk are back for the 22nd year with a wonderfully silly tale of derring-do, pure determination, bravery… and penguins. Join us to experience Ernest Shackleton’s epic expedition as you’ve never seen it before, and follow in the great explorer’s footsteps with a hilarious, heartwarming and exceptionally inventive tale for the whole family. The perfect festive treat! Public ShowsOff Peak: £14 (£11) | Family £45
6th to 8th January 2026 James Phelan - The Man Who Was Magic Dare to believe in magic as the UK’s #1 magic show returns with a completely new and uplifting production for 2026. You’re invited to a night of wonder, as secrets unravel and the impossible becomes possible. ‘Barely skips a beat. One to watch in the world of magic’ (The List) Following an unprecedented 5 years of sold-out shows around the world – this five star magic show guarantees to leave you aching with laughter & dizzy in disbelief. Presented by world-renowned award winning magician James Phelan, the first magician in history to sell out a solo-run at The Magic Circle – and most infamous for jamming the BBC switchboard after he correctly predicted the lottery. |
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https://www.plymouththeatrecompany.com/
3rd to 6th December 2025 In this timeless musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes a profound experience of redemption over the course of a Christmas Eve night, after being visited by the ghost of his former partner Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. In 1970, renowned writer/composer/lyricist Leslie Bricusse, adapted the classic Charles Dickens tale ‘A Christmas Carol’ into the hit screen musical Scrooge! Now available as a charming stage musical, Scrooge! has enjoyed a hugely successful tour of England and a season at London’s Dominion Theatre starring the late Anthony Newley. Included are six new songs not performed in the film.
6th and 7th February One of the most explosive movie musicals in recent memory bursts onto the live stage with exhilarating results. When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, Ren is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. What he isn’t prepared for are the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, determined to exercise the control over the town’s youth that he cannot command in his own home. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges is of a father longing for the son he lost and of a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. To the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated Top 40 score (the soundtrack album reached number one on the Billboard charts and has sold over 17 million copies!) and augmented with dynamic new songs for the stage musical, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people, guiding them with a warm heart and an open mind. |
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Exeter Northcott
27th November to 4th January Following the runaway success of Dick Whittington and Cinderella, the panto dream team that is Exeter Northcott and Le Navet Bete take on the most enormous story of them all: Jack and the Beanstalk. Laughs, thrills, spills, special effects and giant amounts of fun combine in a spectacular production for all ages. It’s the story you know and love in a version you’ll never forget. Down on their Devon farm live Dame Trott, Bella the Cow, Jack and his sister Jill, all working hard and dreaming of pots of gold in the sky. But when they are sold some Magic Beans™️ by a strange and mysterious bean seller, their lives become decidedly less earthbound! Will the evil Fleshcreep cause havoc? Will Jack and Jill find true happiness? Will Dame Trott manage to climb the beanstalk in nine-inch heels?
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Barnfield Theatre
3rd to 13th December Get ready to laugh, cheer, and boo as Exeter Little Theatre Company’s Cinderella takes to the stage in this spectacular pantomime packed with dazzling costumes, toe-tapping songs, hilarious comedy, and plenty of audience participation. Follow Cinderella on her journey from rags to riches with the help of her Fairy Godmother, a pair of sparkling glass slippers, and of course a little pantomime magic. Will she escape her wicked stepmother and make it to the ball before the clock strikes midnight? Perfect for the whole family, Cinderella promises to be an unforgettable experience full of fun, laughter, and festive sparkle. Don’t miss the panto everyone will be talking about!
Dates from 16th to 28th December A festive treat for little ones and their grown-ups! Following last year’s hugely popular Elves and the Shoemaker, join us this Christmas season as Exeter Northcott and PaddleBoat Theatre Company unite once again for a magical theatrical adventure based on the beloved book The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. The Jolly Postman is back — and he’s delivering festive cheer all across Fairytale Land! From Red Riding Hood to Humpty Dumpty, the Gingerbread Man to Baby Bear, he has special letters (and surprises!) for all your favourite storybook characters. But will he make his final delivery in time for Christmas? Packed with music, gentle humour and plenty of interactive moments, this heartwarming show is perfect for ages 3 – 8 and their families. Expect giggles, gasps and a sprinkling of snow in this beautifully staged festive tale that brings the joy of storytelling and imagination to life. A perfect introduction to theatre for younger children, with live music, puppetry and a delightful festive atmosphere.
30th and 31st December 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? Find out in Robin Hood – a side-splitting show for all ages! |
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Princess Theatre www.atgtickets.com/torquay
12th December to 3rd January TV soap favourite and Strictly Come Dancing finalist, Emma Barton stars as the wickedly enchanting Carabosse, the witch who is craving revenge. Emma will be joined by Torquay’s favourite dame Michael Neilson, who returns for his third year, this time as Nurse Nellie who is on the hunt for love (especially in the two front rows!). Back by popular demand is the hilarious Matthew Curnier as Chester the Jester, who is in search of an audience to laugh at his daft jokes. Lotti Brogan will be joining the cast as the beautiful Princess Aurora, whilst Charlie McCullagh is the swashbuckling Prince Valiant who is on a mission to save her from an evil curse. Lucy McClusky is the spellbinding Fairy Fortywinks, on a mission to help the Prince save Aurora…if only she could stop falling asleep! From the team behind last year’s smash hit production of “Jack and the Beanstalk”, don’t miss this enchanting pantomime, that’s suitable for all the family, which promises toe-tapping songs, breathtaking special effects, lots of slapstick silliness and a ton of surprises.
30th January to 1st February Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli are heading to Torquay in the Olivier award-nominated live stage show, Bluey’s Big Play. Featuring brilliantly created puppets, this theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series is packed with music, laughter, and fun for the whole family. |
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Queen's Theatre www.queens-theatre-barnstaple.com/whats-on
12th to 31st December The pantomime you’ve been wishing for heads to Queen’s Theatre for Christmas 2025!The son of a humble washerwoman, Aladdin Twankey dreams of a better life and fabulous riches. When an mysterious Wizard offers him the chance of the adventure of a lifetime, Aladdin jumps at the chance to prove his worth. Will he survive the journey and return a rich man? And will Widow Twankey ever shift those stubborn stains? You’ll have to book to find out! This classic rags-to-riches pantomime tale is filled to the brim with our genie-us comedy, mayhem, magic and more! |
Seaton Gateway
www.gatewaytheatre.co.uk
19th and 20th December
Fun-filled action-packed pantomime from Wonder Pantomimes
Palace Theatre, Paignton
www.palacetheatrepaignton.co.uk
26th to 29th November
Production of the classic story
3rd December
Classical ballet performance by Ballet Theatre UK
6th December
Torbay School of Dance Presents Let’s Dance
Dance performance
Dates from 20th December to 4th January
Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates
Hilarious pantomime adventure from PPP
Manor Pavilion Theatre
www.sidmouth.gov.uk/event
Dates from 27th December 2025 to 3rd January 2026
Pantomime production with relaxed, sign-interpreted performance on 28th December
Exeter Library
www.facebook.com/exeterlibrary
17th to 20th December 2025
Theatre in the Library: When Christmas Went Crackers
Festive feast of stunning puppetry, riotous humour and magnificent music for everyone from 3+
Brixham Theatre
www.brixhamtheatre.co.uk
17th December 2025
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
Screening of the festive film
The Flavel
www.theflavel.org.uk
23rd to 25th January
Family friendly musical comedy based on the film series presented by Dartmouth Theatre Company
Exmouth Pavilion
www.exmouthpavilion.co.uk
7th December
Adventure full of fun, festive songs and party games, then meet Santa at his home in the North Pole where every child will receive a special present from him
9th December
Festive adaptation of the Dickens classic for all the family
12th December
Taylor Swift tribute act
14th December
Step Into Christmas with Centre Stage and Centre Stage Juniors
Chrismtas themed show from award-winning company Centre Stage
Dates from 22nd December 2025 to 1st January 2026
Pantomime performance
8th February 2026
Shape of You – the Music of Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tribute show