14 Festive Shows to See in South West England
The South West is geographically the largest region in England, which means a lot of festive theatre to enjoy this season! Whether it’s spellbinding ballet, a magical children’s tale, or a classic panto, we’ve got you covered with 14 festive shows that are sure to give you some joy this Christmas.
Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs
12th December – 12th January, Theatre Royal Bath
Join award-winning panto star and Bath favourites Jon Monie and Nick Wilton for a show bursting with great songs, stunning dance routines and plenty of laughter. Snow White is doomed to live unhappily ever after with her horrid stepmother, the Wicked Queen. Will Snow White, with the help of her madcap friends and a handsome Prince, vanquish the Queen's evil plans? A magical treat for the whole family.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
7th December – 5th January
For four weeks only, join comedian, TV and musical theatre star Brian Conley and star of stage and screen Brenda Edwards as the Hippodrome is transformed into a sensational circus, where everything is possible, and anything could (and will) happen! Goldilocks’ circus is under threat from an evil rival circus owner and, with the help of their madcap circus friends, they’re battling to rescue their Big Top from ruin. Will they succeed? All seems lost, until three brilliant bears join the gang…
Little Red (& Other Winter Tales)
6th December – 12th January, Bristol Old Vic
If you’ve got smaller children to entertain, join Little Red in the deep dark woods for music, adventure and overcoming the monsters. A retelling of the classic tales Little Red Riding Hood, The Red Shoes and The Little Match Girl, this is a story of absent parents, dance-offs and finding the heart of Christmas. Relaxed and BSL-interpreted performances are also available.
Christmas Cracker Carol Concert
18th December, Bournemouth Pavilion
Get into the festive spirit with the return of Bournemouth’s Christmas Cracker Carol Concert. Bring the whole family along for a delightful afternoon of entertainment from Michael Wooldridge, local musician Ian Carter, and members of the Big Little Theatre School Choir. Whether you sit and enjoy the music or participate in a sing-along, anyone can come and enjoy this event for free!
Jack and the Beanstalk
7th December – 5th January, Bournemouth Pavilion
This fee-fi-fabulous classic panto is coming to Bournemouth this Christmas complete with sparkling sets, lavish costumes, lots of laughs, and incredible 3D effects. In this reimagined tale, Jack finds himself on an adventure to find his cow and a princess who have been taken by a heinous henchman. Coronation Street star Calum Lill is joined by panto favourite David Ribi and comic Noel Brodie on this quest that will have the whole family dancing in their seats!
The Snowman in Concert
23rd December, Cheltenham Town Hall
Is orchestral music and beautiful animation more your thing? Now a regular highlight of Christmas in Cheltenham, the Mozart Symphony Orchestra returns to Cheltenham Town Hall this December, bringing their famous Christmas show from London for one day only! Watch The Snowman on the big screen while a live symphony orchestra provides the soundtrack. Only two days before Christmas, this is the perfect way to get excited for the big day.
Cinderella
28th November – 5th January, Exeter Northcott Theatre
With laugh-out-loud fun, great music, stunning costumes and sets, and amazing special effects, this modern take on a classic story is not to be missed! In a plot to overthrow the kingdom, Cinderella’s Wicked Stepmother has cast eternal winter over Exeter. Advised by the mysterious Sage, the Prince throws a ball to save his Kingdom. Will Cinderella be able to break free and go to the ball with the help of her trusty sidekicks Buttons and Poppers? There are two versions of this show – the family-friendly version, and a naughtier no-kids-allowed version!
Elf the Musical
4th – 14th December, Exeter Northcott Theatre
Are you a fan of the film Elf but haven’t seen the popular musical adaptation? Now’s your chance! Join Exeter Little Theatre Company for a hilarious and wonderfully festive night at the theatre. When young orphan Buddy mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole, he is raised as an elf – until his human size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. Returning to New York City, he goes on a mission to help people understand the true meaning of Christmas.
The Elves and the Shoemaker
16th – 24th December. Exeter Northcott Theatre
In the nooks and crannies of the old Shoemaker’s shop live the Elves, living off shoelaces, leather scraps, and sandwich crumbs left behind at the end of the day. They like to stay hidden — but this Christmas, all is not well in the Shoe Shop. When it looks like the shop might get closed for good, it’s time for the Elves and the Shoemaker to work together and save their home! Families will love this highly interactive adventure full of clowning and puppetry — plus kids can meet the Elves, write and post messages to Santa, and receive a special activity sheet.
The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker
8th December, Gloucester Guildhall
Discover the enchantment of ballet with this sparkling festive treat for the whole family. Watch Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker fight the Mouse King and visit the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince in the glittering Kingdom of Sweets. The Royal Ballet presents this much-loved production that keeps true to the spirit of the classic ballet, combining Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score, a thrilling fairy tale, and spectacular performance!
Hundred Watt Club
13th December, Gloucester Guildhall
Looking for something a little less family-friendly than a panto? Join the Hundred Watt Club for a festive evening of burlesque and vaudeville! Packed full of glittering showgirls, bawdy comedy, classic vaudeville and awe inspiring circus acts, this seductive, sublime and little bit ridiculous show promises an evening of vintage-inspired, Christmas themed entertainment. Contains adult themes, strong language and partial nudity – not for the faint hearted or easily offended, but so much fun!
Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas
28th November – 28th December, Theatre Royal, Plymouth
Join Santa as he awakes from a dream of sun, sea and sand only to find it’s already Christmas Eve! Watch as he prepares for deliveries, feeds his reindeer, and finally takes flight for his most important night of the year. With relaxed performances available, the whole family will love this classic Raymond Briggs story.
Sleeping Beauty
30th November – 12th January, Salisbury Playhouse
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the magical kingdom of Salisburyshire as Princess Stella falls under the wicked curse of the evil Fairy Badflix, doomed to sleep for 100 years. Can her friends and family break the spell, will good triumph over evil, and will the charming prince save the day? With plenty of dancing, hilarity and toe-tapping songs from a live band, this year’s panto promises pure festive joy for everyone!
Little Women
9th December – 14th December, Studio Theatre, Salisbury
Visit Salisbury’s intimate Studio Theatre for their festive production of Louisa May Alcott’s much-loved classic, Little Women. This heartwarming adaptation about the lives and loves of the March siblings and their mother during the American Civil War comes with a few carols thrown in for extra seasonal cheer. As Jo March says, Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents, and this pre-Christmas treat is a gift not to be missed this December!
