Christmas is a great time to go to the theatre to see a panto or a family Christmas show. Here’s my guide to the best 2024 pantomimes in Oxfordshire, as well as the best ‘non panto’ family Christmas theatre shows. If you live close to county boarders, why not check what 2024 pantos are nearby in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire and Gloucestershire too.
SPOTLIGHT PANTOMIME
If you’re looking for the best Panto in Oxfordshire, head to The Theatre Chipping Norton. An intimate theatre, with lots of personality, the Chipping Norton panto always has the perfect mix of colourful characters and lots of laughs.
Chipping Norton Theatre’s Christmas panto reaches for the clouds with the most gigantic panto of them all. Join giant adventures to the Viking kingdom of Smorgasbord, where young Jack must take on talking cows, magic beans and a band of musical horned helmets in search of true love and world peace!
2024 Pantomimes in Oxfordshire
He’s behind you, oh no he isn’t, oh yes he is. A great pantomime is full of larger than life characters, lots of laughs, a villain that everyone hates, a comical dame and young love. A very British tradition a Christmas, here’s the definitive list of pantomimes in Oxford, Didcot, Banbury, Henley and more in 2024.
Jack and the Beanstalk at Chipping Norton Theatre
A giant of a pantomime arrives at Chipping Norton Theatre for the 2024 panto season. Expect laughs, music, magic beans and lots of audience participation.
Snow White at Kenton Theatre in Henley-on-Thames
Henley’s must see panto at The Kenton is a fun-filled festive extravaganza is bursting at the seams with all the ingredients audiences have come to expect: dazzling costumes, spectacular dance routines, a hilarious script, bags of audience interaction, and maybe even the odd water gun or two!
Sleeping Beauty at the Oxford Playhouse
Don’t hit snooze on this year’s Oxford Playhouse pantomime, Sleeping Beauty. The glittering show follows a teenage princess who pricks her finger on a spindle and… time travels across 1000 years.
Our Aurora must summon all her fairy-given gifts – true friendship, intelligence, bravery and a good night’s sleep – to put things right and regain her rightful place in the kingdom of Oxland. Packed with all your favourite lovable (and downright boo-able) panto heroes and villains, expect brilliant storytelling, catchy songs and lots of dancing!
Get your tickets now for a dreamy toe-tapping extravaganza of a panto, featuring a generous, deely boppered sprinkling of 80s nostalgia.
Cinderella at Cornerstone Arts – Didcot
This sparkling panto at the Cornerstone in Didcot, presented by the multi award-nominated KD Theatre Productions, promises to be a dazzling spectacle with plenty of laughs, top-notch professional performers, stunning sets, and lavish costumes.
Peter Pan – The Return of Captain Hook at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
A spectacular pantomime is set to sail the seven seas and anchor up at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre for a swashbuckling Christmas full of galleons of fun and a story that will have you hooked!
Launton Village Players – Bicester
Launton Village Players pantomime usually runs in February, details for 2025 to be confirmed
2024 Family Festive Theatre Shows (not pantos) in Oxfordshire
Pantomimes can be a little overwhelming for young kids or not your cup of tea. A family outing to the theatre over the Christmas holidays is a lovely treat. Often experiences make the best presents. Here’s a lineup of some great children’s theatre around Oxfordshire in 2024.
Santa’s Christmas Cracker at The Kenton (Henley)
Santa’s Christmas Cracker is a 45 minute, interactive family show, particularly suitable for 2-8 year olds. Afterwards the adventure continues as each child gets to meet Father Christmas and receive a specially wrapped present from him – it’s the most Christmassy Christmas show ever, HO-HO-HO!
Hansel & Gretel at North Wall Arts Centre (Oxford)
Join Hansel, Grettel, and a host of bewitching characters and feathered friends as they serve up a musical menu of catchy songs, mystical spells, and just a touch of winter magic.
Gerald Dickens – A Christmas Carol at Didcot Railway Centre (Didcot)
Join Didcot Railway Centre on 17th December for an exclusive performance of ‘A Christmas Carol’ performed by Gerald Dickens. Back for the second year after a sell out performance in 2023, Gerald is pleased to return to Didcot Railway Centre for 2024. Gerald is an actor, author director and producer and is the great great grandson of the author Charles Dickens.
The Gingerbread Boy at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre (Aylesbury)
Full of heart, laughter and song – and a healthy helping of cake – The Gingerbread Boy is a brand-new Christmas story about friendship and celebrating our differences.
The perfect festive treat for ages 3+ Running time 50 minutes plus meet Santa after the show.
A Christmas Carol at the Kenton Theatre (Henley-on-Thames) – 8th Dec
Television favourites Colin Baker and Peter Purves lead the cast in a new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic.
An Elf Advent-ure at Cornerstone (Didcot) 8th Dec
Join ‘Elf” on a festive adventure counting down the days to Christmas. A multi-sensory theatre experience for 0-3 years olds and their families, championing the wonderful values of advent: Hope, Peace, Love and Joy – and all the fun in-between!
The King’s Polar Bear at Pegasus Theatre (Oxford) 19th Nov
Masters of children’s storytelling, Full House Theatre, bring the frozen paradise of the arctic to life with vibrant characters, hand crafted puppets and a beautiful original score
The Elves & The Shoemaker at Pegasus Theatre (Oxford)
A brand-new sing-along, interactive show full of silliness, puppetry and fun. Perfect family fun for children aged 2-8
Little Red Robin Vest at Bicester Leisure Centre (Bicester) 21st Dec
A 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 heartwarming tale of friendship, generosity, and the joy of giving.
Stealers of Stories at Millets Farm 29th – 30th Dec
This interactive family friendly performance is aimed at the child in all of us. Exploring the importance of compassion, community and inclusion through storytelling, it is a heart warming tale full of Christmas cheer.
Cinderella Ice Cream Seller Christmas Show at The Story Museum (Oxford) 21st – 29th Dec
Perfect for children and families alike, this exciting musical retelling of a fairytale classic promises a delightful blend of storytelling, music, and theatrical magic that will capture your heart and tickle your taste buds. Recommended age 5+
The Snowman Live at Amey Theatre (Abingdon) 8th Dec
Join the award winning, championship section Wantage Band in a family Christmas concert featuring the best festive tunes to leave you feeling more Christmassy than ever before!
Nativity the Musical at Wykham Theatre (Banbury) 5th – 7th Dec
Feeling festive? Find out what Christmas events are on for kids in Oxfordshire 2024
