London’s Festive Theatre & Pantomime Round-Up 2025: Family Fun, Adult Mischief & Christmas Cheer
From swashbuckling pirates to glittering fairy tales, London’s stages are packed with festive magic this year.
Shows for children, families, and adults alike promise laughter, spectacle, and seasonal surprises — but pay attention, or you might end up bringing your child to a show that’s a little too naughty for the faint-hearted!
The festive season is nearly here, and London’s theatres are ready to dazzle audiences of all ages. Pre-Christmas pantomimes and family-friendly theatre promise belly laughs, magical adventures, and a touch of mischief. Whether you’re bringing the kids, catching up with friends, or indulging in a grown-up Christmas night out, there’s something for everyone — from wholesome fairy tales to cheeky, adult-only hilarity.
Peter Pan: A Pantomime Adventure – Greenwich Theatre
Dates: 28th November 2025 – 11th January 2026
Location: Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, London SE10
Set sail for Neverland with Anthony Spargo as Captain Hook and Samuel Bailey as Peter Pan, alongside Nikita Johal as Wendy and Olivia Williamson as Tinkerbell. Written by the team behind last year’s award-winning Dick Whittington and His Cat, this dazzling pantomime is packed with comedy, sing-along songs, and a crafty crocodile for good measure.
Beauty and the Beast: A Horny Love Story – Charing Cross Theatre
Dates: 21st November 2025 – 11th January 2026
He’s Behind You! return with a grown-up twist on the classic tale. Set in the Scottish village of Lickmanochers, this fairytwist offers queer romance, outrageous humour, and original music. Cast includes Chris Lane (Emmerdale), Matt Kennedy (Mamma Mia; We Will Rock You), Keanu Adolphus Johnson (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical), and the critically acclaimed Dame Matthew Baldwin. Adults-only content makes this a night out for those seeking raucous festive fun.
The Fit Prince – King’s Head Theatre, Islington
Dates: 2nd December 2025 – 3rd January 2026
Awkward Prods presents a queer, interactive romcom parody set in the mythical land of Swedonia. Written and performed by Linus Karp and Joseph Martin, with music by Golden Globe–nominated Leland, the show features digital cameos from Tove Lo, Sebastian Croft, Malte Gårdinger and more. A hilarious, heartwarming, and chaotic festive romp for adults.
Cinderella – Rose Theatre, Kingston
Dates: 26th November 2025 – 4th January 2026
Olivier Award-winning writers Chris Bush and Roni Neale retell the classic story with new songs by Matt Winkworth. Directed by Owen Horsley, it mixes professional actors and youth performers from the Rose Youth Theatre. Magic, humor, and family-friendly cheer for children aged 5+.
Robin Hood and Maid Marian – Corn Exchange, Newbury
Dates: December 2025
Adam Brown, star of The Hobbit and Pirates of the Caribbean, brings daring dance, dazzling costumes, and festive cheer to Newburyshire. Follow Robin Hood and Maid Marian as they outwit the wicked Sheriff in a swashbuckling adventure full of music, laughs, and sparkle.
Little Miss Christmas – Southwark Playhouse
Dates: 10 Dec 2025 – 3 Jan 2026
Cabaret, drag, and festive magic collide in Patti Boo Rae’s acclaimed show. With live vocals, lip-syncs, singalongs, and quick changes, each performance is a high-energy celebration of identity, comedy, and the chaos of Christmas — a perfect treat for adults and older teens.
How Does Santa Go Down The Chimney – Unicorn Theatre
Dates: 26th November 2025
Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen’s hilarious picture book comes to life with physical comedy, live music, and anarchic fun for audiences aged 2 to 102. Ideal for little ones discovering the magic of Christmas.
Jack and the Beanstalk – Watford Palace Theatre
Dates: 29 November- 4Ja nuary
Follow Jack on a magical adventure with plant-based puns, iconic songs, and a larger-than-life Giant voiced by Stephen Fry. Written by Steve Marmion, this pantomime is packed with festive silliness for the whole family.
Scrunch – Unicorn Theatre
Dates: 30th November 2025 – 4th January 2026
A multi-sensory delight for babies and toddlers, celebrating the joy of crumpling, rumpling, and wrapping paper. Includes playtime and dancing at the end of the show.
The Highgate Vampire – Omnibus Theatre
Dates: 16 – 30 December 2025
A darkly comedic mystery where a demon-hunting priest and a nocturnal tobacconist tackle a rumoured vampire. Think The Woman in Black meets The Mighty Boosh — spooky fun for older children and teens.
That’ll Be Christmas – UK Tour
London Dates: Hayes: 16th Nov; Bromley: 21st Nov; St Albans: 25th Nov
Trevor Payne and his ensemble deliver festive rock ‘n’ roll, with hits from Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree to Last Christmas, sprinkled with laugh-out-loud sketches for the whole family.
Jack and His Giant Stalk – Brick Lane Music Hall (January 2026)
Dates: 22nd January – 7th March 2026
A grown-up post-Christmas pantomime with a three-course meal. Lucy Hayes’ hilarious production includes music, vaudeville-style comedy, and absurd festive fun. Perfect for adults craving a late holiday laugh.
A Fairytale for Christmas – London Dominion & UK Tour
Dates: Friday 31st October – Monday 22nd December 2025
A sell-out festive concert celebrating Christmas with Irish dance, Celtic hits, and beloved seasonal tunes. Narrated by Shane Morgan, this magical show combines holiday cheer with a joyous musical journey, blending the spirit of Christmas with lively, family-friendly entertainment. Touring across London and the UK, it’s perfect for those seeking a mix of music, dance, and festive wonder.
Elena Leo is the Culture & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.
