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Which story will you choose?
Pantomime has been entertaining British audiences for more than 300 years, but it was during the Victorian era that it became the much-loved Christmas tradition we know today. What makes panto special is its ability to bring generations together, with jokes for the grown-ups, magical adventures for children and plenty of fun for the whole family.
It can also be a wonderful introduction to live theatre, encouraging imagination, confidence and an understanding of storytelling. And with timeless themes woven into these familiar tales, there may be plenty for families to talk about long after the performance ends.
Cinderella – Kindness, resilience and self-worth
Forced to spend her days doing endless chores while her wicked stepmother and stepsisters treat her like a servant, Cinderella dreams of a happier future. With help from her Fairy Godmother, she attends a magnificent ball where everything changes.
Versions of Cinderella's story have existed for centuries across different cultures. In ancient Greece, the tale of Rhodopis, recorded in the first century AD, tells of a lost sandal that leads to marriage with a ruler. In China, the ninth-century story of Ye Xian features a mistreated young woman who receives magical assistance and loses a golden slipper. The version most familiar today was popularised by French writer Charles Perrault in 1697, featuring the Fairy Godmother, pumpkin carriage and famous glass slipper.
Cinderella explores how we respond to unfairness and why someone's worth should never be measured by their appearance or circumstances. It's a story that can encourage children to value kindness, recognise injustice and hold on to hope when life feels difficult.
Aladdin – Happiness isn't something you can buy
When Aladdin discovers a magical lamp and a genie who can grant wishes, he suddenly has access to unimaginable wealth and power. But a wicked magician wants the lamp for himself, and Aladdin must find a way to stop him before he steals its magic.
Surprisingly, the original story is set in China! It became popular in Europe in the early 1700s after a Syrian storyteller named Hanna Diyab shared the tale with French writer Antoine Galland in 1709.
Aladdin explores the temptation of wealth and power, and whether getting everything you wish for really brings happiness. It's a story about making choices, recognising what matters most and discovering that love and friendship can be worth more than riches.
Sleeping Beauty – Overcoming obstacles and new beginnings
When a wicked fairy places a curse on a beautiful princess, a prick from a spinning wheel sends her into an enchanted sleep. The spell spreads throughout the castle, leaving everyone waiting for the day the princess will awaken.
The story has been told in different forms for centuries. French writer Charles Perrault published his famous version in 1697, while the Brothers Grimm later introduced Little Briar Rose in 1812, featuring the castle surrounded by an impenetrable hedge of thorns.
Beyond the magic, Sleeping Beauty touches on fate, the passing of time and the hope of happier days ahead. Modern pantomimes often give the princess a more adventurous role, bringing themes of courage, friendship and taking charge of her own future into the story.
Jack and the Beanstalk – Courage and resourcefulness
When Jack trades the family cow for a handful of magic beans, his mother is far from impressed. But overnight, an enormous beanstalk grows into the clouds, leading Jack to a giant's castle filled with extraordinary treasures. Can he outwit the fearsome giant and return home safely?
Jack and the Beanstalk is a traditional English fairy tale with roots stretching back hundreds of years. Interestingly, the giant's famous cry, “Fee-fi-fo-fum!”, is much older than the familiar story. A version of the rhyme even appears in Shakespeare's King Lear, written around 1605, long before the well-known version of Jack and the Beanstalk was published in 1807.
Jack's adventures celebrate courage and resourcefulness, but they also raise some interesting questions. Was Jack brave or reckless? Was taking the giant's treasure justified? It's a story that might get children thinking about risk, responsibility and how our actions affect others.
Snow White – The danger of jealousy
When her magic mirror declares Snow White the fairest in the land, the queen becomes consumed by jealousy and plots to get rid of her. Snow White finds refuge with seven dwarfs deep in the forest, but a poisoned apple puts her life in danger.
The Brothers Grimm first published Snow White in 1812, drawing on traditional European folk tales passed down through generations. The story has since inspired countless adaptations, including the famous 1937 Disney animated film.
Snow White explores the destructive nature of jealousy and the pressure to be more beautiful or successful than others. In a world of social media, where everyone seems to have the perfect looks, friends or lifestyle, it's a reminder that life isn't a competition and we don't need to measure ourselves against others.
Dick Whittington – Ambition and perseverance
With little money but big ambitions, young Dick Whittington sets off for London, hoping to make his fortune. His faithful cat proves to be an unlikely source of good luck when its remarkable talent for catching rats and mice eventually earns Dick a fortune.
Dick Whittington was a real medieval merchant who became Lord Mayor of London, but his famous feline companion belongs to legend. Interestingly, similar stories about cats bringing their owners unexpected fortunes were told in Persia and Italy centuries before the English tale became popular.
At its heart, Dick Whittington is a story about ambition, perseverance and making the most of opportunities. It suggests that where you begin in life needn't determine where you end up, while celebrating the importance of friendship, loyalty and a little help along the way.
Whether it's Cinderella's kindness, Jack's daring adventures or Aladdin's discovery that happiness can't be bought, each pantomime has its own story to tell. Behind the magic, laughter and larger-than-life characters are timeless themes that children and grown-ups can enjoy and explore together.
Look out for our winter issues, coming in November, featuring our box office picks and a fantastic selection of pantomimes taking place near you this Christmas.