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 - Pantomime, christmas and winter theatre in Norfolk
Welcome to our guide to the best pantomimes and winter theatre productions in Norfolk in late 2026 and early 2027. As the colder months set in, Norfolk 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 Norfolk that will make your season bright and memorable
**Don't forget to also check the websites for details of any accessible performances**
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Norwich Theatre www.norwichtheatre.org
24th to 29th November 2026 The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show he Very Hungry Caterpillar Show has been dazzling audiences around the globe for over ten years, faithfully bringing Eric Carle’s timeless classics to the stage. Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, the critically acclaimed show features a menagerie of over 75 magical and larger-than-life puppets, including the star of the show –The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Alongside The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the show features three other Eric Carle stories. These beloved tales are brought to life by a captivating cast of storytellers, sweeping original music, and stunning puppetry.
Dates from 5th December 2026 The All New Adventures of Peter Pan “Buckle up and get ready to laugh until your cheeks hurt. Join Peter and friends as they take on the dastardly Captain Hook in an epic adventure full of magic, mayhem, and mischief. With spectacular dancing, show-stopping musical numbers and more audience participation than you can shake a hook at, this is the Christmas treat that has something for everyone — kids, grown-ups, and the grown-ups who act like kids! So, gather your crew and join us for the all-new, laugh-out-loud, high-flying Norwich Theatre pantomime adventure! The All New Adventures of Peter Pan opens at Norwich Theatre Royal on 5 Dec and runs over Christmas and New Year until 3 Jan 27.” Find out more at norwichtheatre.org
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Kings Lynn Corn Exchange www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
Dates from 9th December 2026 The Princess is searching for happiness, Wicked Carabosse is searching for revenge, Chester the Jester is searching for someone to laugh at his jokes and Dame Nellie Night Nurse..... she's searching for any man in the front two rows! The year's fairytale pantomime will take you on a magical journey for the whole family. See the website for details of Super Saver Shows and accessible performances
21st January 2027 Magic show presented by world-renowned award-winning magician James Phelan
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Thursford
From 10th November 2026 Christmas Spectacular at Thursford Don't miss the ultimate Christmas experience with the Thursford Christmas Spectacular! An award-winning extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and speciality acts. It’s a fast moving celebration of the festive season featuring an eclectic mix of both seasonal and year round favourites. With a cast of over 120 performers across a 130ft stage, this is one of the biggest Christmas shows of its kind in Europe! Winners of the Best Christmas Experience at the 2024 & 2025 Group Leisure and Travel Awards and Best Group Friendly Attraction at the 2025 Group Travel Awards, the show enters its 49th production in 2026 with new routines, new costumes and new speciality acts. This event has a recommended age of 8+ as the performance may contain adult humour and has a run time of 3 hours. |
Dates from 6th December 2026
My First Panto: Goldilocks and The Three Little Bears
My First Panto is back! After the hair-raising success of My First Panto: Rapunzel last year, join us for a wonderful woodland adventure with My First Panto: Goldilocks and the Three Little Bears.
Created especially for young audiences aged 7 and under, join Goldilocks, on this fun-filled musical adventure, as she ventures into the woods, meets three friendly little bears, and discovers the joy of making new friends.
Children are encouraged to join in the fun, interact with the story, dance with the characters, and explore the performance at their own pace in a relaxed and welcoming environment. It’s the perfect introduction to live theatre for little ones and their families.
Goldilocks and the Three Little Bears, combines engaging storytelling, live music, and playful interaction– all performed by our talented cast of actor-musicians.
Make magical memories together this Christmas at The Garage Norwich.
14th November to 28th December 2026
Cromer Pier Christmas Show 2026
The highly acclaimed Cromer Pier Christmas Show will warm your hearts and get you well and truly in the Christmas spirit. The production team is working hard behind the scenes to create an eclectic blend of the finest variety entertainment on the planet in one enthralling festive theatre show. Expect all the usual West End production values, including our jaw-dropping 8-meter video wall, delivering impressive special effects alongside our unique and traditional scene sets, creating a visual sensation. Add to that, dazzling bespoke costumes, spectacular lighting effects and so much more. You can be sure of laughs by the bucket load, thrilling specialty acts, powerhouse vocals, music and spellbinding dance routines.
Shows for Christmas 2026 TBC
Confirmed for 2026 but dates TBC
Christmas Spectacular Circus and Water Show
Festive themed circus show with an international circus cast - keep an eye on the website for details
Dates from 3rd December 2026
Sleeping Beauty
Drift into a world of magic, music and merry mayhem with our brand-new pantomime for 2026 - Sleeping Beauty! Bursting with laughter, catchy songs, sparkling costumes and heaps of audience participation, it’s the perfect festive treat for the whole family.
Dates from 18th December 2026
Two enchanters have pursued each other through the centuries for possession of the magical Box of Delights. Now the people of Tatchester and their Christmas festivities are theatened by the conflict.
Young orphan Kay Harker becomes the Box’s guardian. Can he use its secret powers to save his friends and outwit the forces of darkness? Will the lights of Christmas once more shine out across the snow?
This much-loved story brims with adventures, magic and fun to entertain adults and children alike.
www.sheringhamlittletheatre.ticketsolve.com
Dates from 12th December
Join in this Christmas for our magical pantomime Sleeping Beauty! They have so many reasons to stay awake with a show full of family friendly adventure!
Outraged at not being invited to Princess Aurora's birthday party, the evil Maleficent casts a spell that will send the Princess into a deep sleep. As she snoozes, a tangled forest springs up around Sheringham. Only one thing can break the curse – true love? Or maybe a team of dream machine heroes!
Prince Sigma, Queen Slay, King Rizz and Fairy Skibidi must battle through a dream world to wake the Princess up. Will the Princess set her alarm and defeat evil in time to save Sheringham?
Cinema City
www.picturehouses.com/cinema/cinema-city-picturehouse
Screenings for 2026 to be announced
www.wellsmaltings.org.uk
Shows for 2026 to be announced
Princess Theatre
Dates from 5th December 2026
Join kind-hearted Cinders on her enchanting journey from rags to riches as she battles her wicked stepsisters, meets her dashing Prince Charming, and proves that dreams really can come true.
With glittering dance numbers, spectacular special effects, show-stopping songs, and laughs galore, this sparkling show promises fun and festive cheer for the whole family.
Expect plenty of audience participation, magical mayhem, and a sprinkling of fairy dust!
12th to 30th December 2026
Fly over the rainbow this Christmas and defy gravity with our exciting pantomime The Wizard of Oz.
Join Dorothy and Toto as they go on a magical adventure from Great Yarmouth to the Land of Oz. Along the way she makes new friends with the Scarecrow who longs for a brain, the Tin Man who really wants a heart and the Cowardly Lion who is desperate to be brave and have some courage. Dorothy needs to find her way home, but it’s not going to be easy with the Wicked Witch of the West keeping a close eye on her! Will the Great and Powerful Oz and Glinda the Good be able to help?