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It's Showtime! Panto, Christmas and Winter Theatre for Families in Dorset
Welcome to our guide to the best pantomimes and winter theatre productions in Dorset for late 2025 and early 2026! As the colder months set in, Dorset 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 Dorset that will make your season bright and memorable!
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Dates from 22nd November One frosty evening, a week before Christmas, Little Robin washes and irons seven warm vests for the chilly nights to come. As the days go by, he comes across lots of cold and shivering animals, and kindly gives them his vests to wear. But by Christmas Eve, Little Robin is cold and alone with no vests left. That is, until a mysterious friend arrives to reward his kindness with a perfect little red vest. Join in for this brand-new adaptation aimed at children aged 2-6 and their families. Using original songs, puppetry and integrated Makaton, our playful performers will share this heart-warming tale of friendship, generosity, and the joy of giving.
22nd November 2025 Family Cinema: Bridge to Terabithia https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/family-cinema-bridge-to-terabithia-cert-pg/ Film creating with a creative, film-themed workshop after each screening
Dates from 28th November Wicked: For Good https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/wicked-for-good-pg/ Last year’s global cinematic cultural sensation, which became the most successful Broadway film adaptation of all time, now reaches its epic, electrifying, emotional conclusion in Wicked: For Good.
6th December 2025 The Muppet Christmas Carol In Concert - Live to Film https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/the-muppet-christmas-carol-in-concert-live-to-film/ Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol will be presented in this winter live in concert on a UK-wide tour, featuring a screening of the complete film with its musical score performed live by orchestra. The Muppets perform Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Gonzo, as Dickens, narrates the story with the help of Rizzo the Rat. The film also features Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit, Fozzie Bear as Fozziwig, and Robin the Frog as Tiny Tim. When the grumpy Scrooge receives Christmas Eve visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, they show him the error of his self-serving ways. Though the miserable old man seems beyond any hope of redemption and happiness, the kind and humble Bob Cratchit, his family, and the Spirits open Scrooge’s eyes–and his heart–to the true meaning of Christmas.
Dates from 11th December 2025 to 4th January 2026 Dick Whittington https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/dick-whittington/ Get ready for a feline-good adventure paved with gold this Christmas, as our traditional family pantomime returns with Dick Whittington. CBeebies and pantomime legend Chris Jarvis is back, ready to sprinkle his magic as the deliciously dazzling, Dame Dolly Doughnuts. Bringing the West End sparkle home to Poole, Bernadette Bangura (Moulin Rouge, Hairspray), stars in the role of Fairy Bowbelles with her powerful vocals lighting up the stage. Our very own Corben Heward-Mills, who made his professional debut at Lighthouse last year, shows off his jaw-dropping tricks and paws-itively purr-fect moves as Tommy the Cat, while Poole’s favourite villain Sarah-Louise Young returns as King Rat. Rising star Kieran Morris takes on the title role of Dick Whittington, with Isabella Kibble as Alice Fitzwarren, the spirited object of his affections. Completing the lineup is award-winning actor Robert Rees as Alice’s formidable father, Alderman Fitzwarren. Brimming with spectacular musical numbers, dazzling costumes, sensational sets and plenty of laugh-out-loud family comedy, get ready to be swept away on this joyfully funny take on a magical rags to riches story.
13th December Family Cinema: Arthur Christmas https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/family-cinema-arthur-christmas-cert-u/ Screening of the much loved family film followed by film themed creative activity
13th December 2025 Step Into Christmas https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/step-into-christmas-2/ Get ready to Step into Christmas once again for the most magical, feel-good show of the year! After a sensational run, we’re back—bigger, brighter, and more festive than ever before. This spectacular Christmas concert is the ultimate way to kickstart your festive celebrations, guaranteed to fill your heart with holiday cheer and have you singing along from start to finish. Packed with all your favourite Christmas classics, the show brings the spirit of the season to life with dazzling performances, stunning festive visuals, and a sensational live band. From heartwarming ballads to upbeat festive anthems, it’s the perfect playlist for your Christmas celebrations. Whether you’re starting a new festive tradition or keeping the magic alive, Step into Christmas is the ultimate feel-good Christmas concert spectacular.
20th December 2025 Family Cinema: The Polar Express https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/family-cinema-the-polar-express-cert-u/
All aboard the Polar Express! Get cosy in your pyjamas and enjoy the much loved family classic in the comfortable cinema, accompanied by a complimentary hot chocolate and biscuit
22nd and 23rd December 2025 Elf Lighthouse Poole https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/elf-cert-pg-3/ Raised as an oversized elf, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, Walter Hobbs, who doesn’t know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit.
24th January 2026 Family Cinema: The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists Screening with a creative, film-themed workshop after each screening
7th February Family Cinema: Where the Wild Things Are https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/family-cinema-where-the-wild-things-are-cert-pg/ Screening followed by creative, film-themed workshop
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Bournemouth Pavilion
Dates from 6th December 2025 to 4th January 2026 Cinderella https://www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk/events/cinderella-panto-2025 Get ready for the ultimate festive treat as Cinderella bursts onto the Bournemouth Pavilion stage in a glittering pantomime spectacular from UK Productions Ltd – packed with dazzling magic, laugh-out-loud comedy, and West End-scale glamour. This is no ordinary pantomime. Expect breathtaking new sets, jaw-dropping costumes dripping with sparkle, sensational choreography, and show-stopping performances that will leave the whole family spellbound. Leading this year’s all-star cast is television favourite Melanie Walters, beloved as Gwen from Gavin & Stacey (BBC), bringing her trademark warmth, wit, and Welsh charm as the Fairy Godmother. Bournemouth’s own Noel Brodie returns for his eleventh spectacular year, armed with razor-sharp humour, high-energy mischief, and more one-liners than ever before. They’re joined by the effervescent Olivia Birchenough from Milkshake! – adored by children across the nation - spreading sunshine and sparkle across the Pavilion stage. Adding to the chaos and couture are the outrageously fabulous Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph, two of the country’s most experienced and riotously funny dames. With nearly 50 years of panto magic between them, expect dazzling costumes, outrageous antics, and side-splitting comedy in every scene. West End leading man Jack Wilcox stars as the dashing Prince Charming. With credits including Crazy For You (Gillian Lynne Theatre), Singin’ in the Rain, White Christmas, and Anything Goes, Jack brings musical brilliance to Bournemouth’s most magical pantomime yet.
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Shaftesbury Arts Centre https://shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk/event-directory/
21st to 23rd November 2025 Join their Music & Drama Group’s Youth Theatre in Annie JR. this November. Based on the popular comic strip and adapted from the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, with a beloved book and score by Tony Award-winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, Annie JR. features everyone’s favourite orphan, Annie. With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie eventually foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations, finding a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks and his personal secretary, Grace Farrell.
13th December 2025 he show where every child gets a present from Santa! Following last year’s sell-out performances, Honalee Media are delighted to present a brand new show this festive season. Christmas is the busiest time of year at the North Pole, when Father Christmas makes presents to deliver across the whole world and when everyone gets ready for Santa’s Christmas Party! But this year somebody has been up to mischief… Dotty the Elf’s decorations have gone missing, Dasher the Reindeer’s party games are broken, and what has happened to Pompom the Penguin’s Christmas music? It looks as though somebody wants to stop Santa’s Christmas Party – and that someone is Jack Frost! Help get Santa’s Christmas Party back on track in an 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, after the most Christmassy Christmas show ever – HO-HO-HO! Songs include festive favourites like Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, The Twelve Days Of Christmas, We Wish You A Merry Christmas and more! Santa’s Christmas Party is a 45 minute, interactive family show, particularly suitable for 2-8 year olds, after which the adventure continues as each child gets the chance to receive a special present from Father Christmas in our popular meet, greet and treat! 10th December 2025 The Nutcracker - Children's Ballet Screening The magician Herr Drosselmeyer needs to save his nephew. Hans-Peter has been transformed into a Nutcracker; the only way to save him is for the Nutcracker to defeat the Mouse King and find a girl to love and care for him. A flicker of hope comes in the form of the young Clara, whom Drosselmeyer meets at a Christmas party. With some magic, a cosy Christmas gathering turns into a marvellous adventure. Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker has enchanted audiences since its 1984 premiere by the Company. Featuring Tchaikovsky’s most familiar melodies and brought to life by Julia Trevelyan Oman’s exquisite designs, The Nutcracker is sure to be a festive firecracker for all ages.
Dates from 22nd January Welcome to Wonderland! Join their Music & Drama Group as they present their 2026 pantomime – Alice in Wonderland. This timeless, classic tale includes well-loved characters from Lewis Carroll’s original work. Whether you’re as Mad as the Hatter, evil as the Red Queen or as curious as Alice herself, come along and join these characters in Wonderland this January. With the charm of a traditional family, fun filled pantomime, you’ll expect to hear classic lines like ‘he’s behind you’, see both good and evil characters, find a classic comedy duo and a warm hearted dame helping our protagonist to rise above the mayhem and madness. If you are expecting the traditional tale then you are in for a surprise… this story has many twists and turns that bring the classic story to life not quite how you would expect it!
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www.marinetheatre.com
19th to 22nd December 2025
Live on stage Gilroy Theatre returns this Christmas with another heart-warming story for the festive time of year. It’s a tale from Bedford Falls in small-town America, where George Bailey, a desperately frustrated businessman, is at the end of his tether. He feels that the world would have been a better place if he’d never been born, so an angel is dispatched from heaven to show him exactly what life would have been like for his family, friends and neighbours, had that been the case.
23rd December
As the countdown to Christmas gets well underway, enter into the festive spirit and join us for this FREE showing of the Christmas classic, Home Alone. Directed by Chris Columbus, Home Alone charts the adventures of eight-year-old troublemaker, Kevin, who, mistakenly left home alone, must defend his home against a pair of burglars on Christmas Eve.
This event is free but ticketed
www.themowlem.com
10th to 18th January 2025
Jack and the Beanstalk
The NODA nominated Swanage Drama Company are back with their annual family pantomime, packed full of fun and laughter. Dame Trott and her sons are poor and matters aren't helped when Jack meets Fairy Lights and exchanges the family cow for some magic beans. Overnight, a beanstalk appears - but will it change the family's fortunes? Will Jack get to marry Jill? Will the Squire get all he's owed? Or will the Giant and Mrs Blunderdore foil everything? Come along and find out all the answers.
www.regentcentre.co.uk
Dates from 13th December 2025
Professional pantomime arrives at the Regent this Christmas as we welcome award-winning Polka Dot Pantomimes to present a tale as old as time - BEAUTY AND THE BEAST!
Starring KEITH MYERS as Dolly Doughnut, CHARLES M DUKE as French Franc, JASMIME EARL as Belle, WILL DAY as Prince Lucian, CHLOE LOUISA HUGHES as Grimalkin, SIMON RAWLINGS as Maurice, and KIRSTIE MCANULTY as Fairy Fabulous.
Suitable for the whole family the show features spectacular scenery, glittering costumes, amazing special effects, toe tapping tunes and plenty of audience participation, as well as real panto pooches! This is family pantomime at it’s best so book your tickets now and be our guest for Dorset’s finest festive treat.
Dates from 14th December 2025
Screenings of the final part of the musical film adaptation
23rd January 2026
Sweet and Sour - The Ultimate Tribute To Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo
Tribute show
Bournemouth International Centre
19th and 20th December 2025
After multiple sell-out arena tours and record-breaking sales, World's Biggest Productions brings back Elf The Musical —the hilarious, hit stage adaptation of the beloved holiday movie—to Bournemouth in 2025 due to popular demand!
This larger-than-life production brings the festive magic to the Windsor Hall with unforgettable scenes, including Santa’s flying sleigh, an interactive snowball fight with the audience, and a giant candy cane journey from the North Pole, all set against breath-taking video-film backdrops on a massive LED screen.
Produced and directed by the legendary Jon Conway, known for his work in panto and musical comedy, the show features a script by the acclaimed Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and an original score of joyful songs by Matt Sklar and Chad Beguelin.
As Buddy the Elf would say, “You’d have to be a cotton-headed ninny muggins” to miss this feel-good festive extravaganza!!
21st December 2025
Nothing says Christmas quite like That’ll Be Christmas! This year is extra special as the cast of That’ll Be The Day celebrates their 40-Year Anniversary. Packed with your all-time favourite Christmas classics, laugh-out-loud comedy sketches, and heartwarming festive cheer, this is the perfect family night out.
Dorchester Arts/Dorchester Corn Exchange
30th November 2025
Join ‘The Magical Mr West’ on an incredible adventure into the world of science! Aided by his corvid companion Crowbert and a collection of curious contraptions, Mr West demonstrates the fundamental principles of scientific enquiry, exploring everything from supersonic speediness to malicious misinformation.
Best known as one half of magic duo ‘Morgan & West’, ‘The Magical Mr West’ has travelled around the world performing to audiences of all ages with spectacular shows that include magic, science and a good deal of tomfoolery. Now he presents his most amazing show yet, with the help (or possibly hindrance…) of a wisecracking cartoon crow.
13th December 2025
Peter Clifford brings a brand new Christmas magic show for all the family to Dorchester Arts. Join us and be entertained by his ‘unique and brilliant blend of bamboozlement and banter’ (Venue) in a show full of madcap mirth and magical merriment.
20th December 2025
The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmasness
Squashbox Theatre presents 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
The Minster Theatre, Allendale Centre
Dates from 12th to 24th December
Bring your family along for an unforgettable Christmas experience filled with joy, laughter, and the importance of believing in the magic of Christmas. Don’t miss BEST EVER CHRISTMAS PANTO, a show that promises to warm your heart and put a smile on every face! Join Jingle and Jangle, two cheeky elves, as they embark on a quest to save Christmas from the mischievous Jack Frost. This heart warming pantomime is filled with songs, laughter, fun and a sprinkle of fairy magic!
3rd December 2025
That'll Be The Day Christmas Show
Nothing says Christmas quite like That’ll Be Christmas! This year is extra special as the cast of That’ll Be The Day celebrates their 40-Year Anniversary. Packed with your all-time favourite Christmas classics, laugh-out-loud comedy sketches, and heart-warming festive cheer, this is the perfect family night out.
7th December 2025
Step Into Christmas for the most magical show of the year.
This Christmas feel-good show brings all the magic of the season to life, with all your favourite songs you will know and love!
Including – All I Want for Christmas Is You, Last Christmas, Jingle Bell Rock, Stay Another Day, Let it Snow, White Christmas, Do They Know it’s Christmas, A Winter’s Tale, Merry Xmas Everybody, and many many more!
It’s the time when every Santa has a ball. Our amazing cast give you their hearts and do not take them away! in this warm-hearted family spectacular.
So, Step Into Christmas for the most wonderful show of the year, as we give you something special, full of festive cheer!
Dates from 16th December 2025
The spellbinding finale to the global phenomenon.
Starring the spectacular returning cast, led by Academy Award® nominated superstars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the final chapter of the untold story of the witches of Oz begins with Elphaba and Glinda estranged and living with the consequences of their choices. While Elphaba, now demonised as The Wicked Witch, lives in exile and fights for truth from the shadows, Glinda revels in the perks of fame and popularity. Torn apart by power, destiny, and heartbreak, their once-unbreakable friendship becomes the key to saving Oz when darkness rises.
Dates from 19th December 2025
Jack and the Beanstalk
Join in this Christmas in the land of fairy tales, where our poor hero Jack and his dotty mum Dame Trott are tricked into selling their beloved cow for a useless bag of beans. Laugh at Silly Simon, boo and hiss the wicked Fleshcreep and cheer-on the hero Jack as he climbs the Beanstalk to rescue his sweetheart Jill from the Giant‘s castle in the clouds.
23rd December 2025
Will Ferrell stars as the ultimate fish out of water, Buddy, who as a baby crawls into Santa's toy bag and is whisked off to the North Pole, where he is raised as an elf.
A misfit who grows to be three times the size of his elf family, Buddy ultimately heads to his birthplace of New York City to seek out his roots. Unfortunately, they turn out to be a ""Scrooge""-like father (James Caan) and a cynical eight-year-old stepbrother who doesn't believe in Santa. Worst of all, everyone seems to have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. But using his simple elf ways, Buddy sets out to single- handedly win over his family and save Christmas in New York, hoping to at last find his true place in the world.
29th November 2025
The award-winning Dot Collective, known for Alice’s Adventures in Aerialand and this 2025’s aerial circus show Catch of the Day combine forces with Open Bar Theatre (A Christmas Carol, Shakespeare in Fullers Pubs), to bring this family show full of music, laughter, and cracker-pulling fun. So step into your festive shoes and join the fun — it’s the perfect treat for all ages this season!
Written in 1806 by the Brother’s Grimm the tale follows a failing shoemaker at Christmas time, and the mysterious occurrences that take place. In true The Dot Collective style, this show is created with accessibility at its core, it’s family friendly, engaging and full of laughs. A heartwarming retelling of this classic story, featuring music, puppetry, plenty of audience interaction and, of course, barrels of Christmas cheer.
7th December 2025
Santa and the Pirates (that don't want Christmas)
Father Christmas has a problem – somebody has robbed his reindeers, they’ve nicked his naughty list AND they’ve ‘elped themselves to his elves!
When some very naughty pirates head to the North Pole and pinch the plunder of the century, is Christmas about to be cancelled?
With pieces of eight at stake, a stolen red nose – and Santa all at sea – will Christmas be able to go ahead at all? You will have to join him to find out in an action-packed family show.
There is also the opportunity to post ‘Christmas Wish Lists’ and get a photo with Father Christmas and a Christmas Elf after the show.
45 minute show followed by a meet and greet with Father Christmas!
15th to 17th December 2025
A new Christmas classic is on its way. From visionary British director Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham, Blinded By The Light), CHRISTMAS KARMA sees one of history’s greatest novels – Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol – transformed into a fresh, festive and feel-good Christmas musical.
Mr. Sood (Kunal Nayyar) is our modern-day Scrooge, who we follow on an unforgettable journey with the three Ghosts of Christmas (Eva Longoria, Billy Porter, Boy George), who help him confront his demons and discover that kindness is the real meaning of Christmas.
19th December 2025
Now demonized as the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba lives in exile in the Ozian forest, while Glinda resides at the palace in Emerald City, reveling in the perks of fame and popularity. As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, she’ll need to reunite with Glinda to transform herself, and all of Oz, for good.
9th January 2026
Following on from last year’s Jack and the Beanstalk, Swanage Drama Company are back with this year’s pantomime, Aladdin. Widow Twankey runs the local washeteria with her two sons Aladdin and Wishey Washee. They are poor and need some luck – and money. The mysterious Abanazar arrives with a plan to find a lamp – with magical powers and a genie! Will all this help Aladdin who unwittingly has fallen in love with the Sultan’s daughter or will Abanazar use the lamp for his own evil ends? Come along for this fun filled family pantomime presented in Swanage Drama Company’s unique style to find out the answers.
15th December 2025
Beauty and the Beast the musical is a story of love, determination and acceptance. It follows our protagonist Belle as she goes on a journey to rescue her father Maurice, who has been taken captive by the mysterious Beast. Upon finding him trapped in his castle, she exchanges his imprisonment for her. She begins to learn more about the curse that has left guest and house staff as objects, waiting for true love to break the spell placed on their master to return them to human form. With time running out and the arrogant Gaston trying to win Belle’s hand, will the curse be broken?
Dates from 20th November 2025
Disaster strikes in Christmas town when the Christmas spirit runs out and all the children names have mysteriously vanished from Santa’s naughty and nice list.
Join our cheeky elves Tinsel, Snowflake, and Candy as they try to help Santa save Christmas with the power of song and dance.
This hour-long interactive show at the Bridport Electric Palace is perfect for the whole family and will get everyone singing and dancing along.
SANTA LIVE! Is the best way to get into the Christmas spirit with toe-tapping songs, dazzling costumes, and festive magic.
Every ticket includes a free photo opportunity with Santa after the show, so make sure to get those ‘Elfies!’