Pantomimes in Essex bring seasonal joy to audiences, blending laughter, music, and interactive fun in theatres across the county.
From Southend’s Cliffs Pavilion to venues in Chelmsford, Colchester, and Harlow, Essex hosts vibrant pantomime productions every winter, making it a festive hotspot for family entertainment.
Popular fairy tales like Jack and the Beanstalk, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast are transformed into hilarious, song-filled spectacles with plenty of audience participation.
Known for their charismatic characters, dazzling costumes, and humor that entertains both children and adults, Essex pantomimes draw local talent and sometimes even TV personalities to their stages.
The lively interaction—complete with cheers, boos, and “It’s behind you!” moments—creates a heartwarming experience that keeps families coming back year after year.
For many, attending a pantomime in Essex is an annual holiday tradition that brings warmth, joy, and community spirit to the festive season.
Which Pantomimes in Essex Will You Be Booking?
Sleeping Beauty
Location : Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, Essex CM20 1LS
In the kingdom of ‘Harlowtopia’ far, far away, a beautiful princess awaits her true love’s kiss to awaken her from a deep slumber.
But beware! The wicked fairy Carabosse has cast a spell, and only the bravest heroes can break it.
Dates : Friday 28th November 2025 – Sunday 4th January 2026
For further information CLICK HERE
Jack And The Beanstalk
Location : Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch RM11 1QT
Join Jack and his mum in their family-run Dairy Farm, where business is down, there’s taxes to be paid, and there’s nothing left to do but sell Pat the Cow at Romford Market.
Oh, and to top it off, there’s a giant in the sky above Hornchurch, terrorising the town! But when some magic beans take root, an adventure starts to grow…
Will Jack find the courage to climb to Cloudland, outwit the ferocious giant and save the town before it’s too late?
Expect laughter, toe-tapping tunes, and a happy-ever-after in this GIGANTIC festive family pantomime. It’s the unmissable magical adventure you’ve all BEAN waiting for.
Oh yes it is!
Dates : Wednesday 19th November 2025 – Saturday 3rd January 2026
For further information CLICK HERE
Mother Goose
Location : Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, CO1 1PT
Gertie Goose (Stuart-Hicks) and her daughter run Three-Rings Circus, but their nest egg is running low, and if they can’t pay the rent, it’s curtains!
Just when all seems lost, a fairy with a few tricks up her sleeves casts a spell on Billy the Goose (Superville) – and suddenly, he’s laying golden eggs faster than you can say “honk!” With riches at their wingtips, the circus is saved!
Dates : Saturday 22nd November 2025 – 18th January 2026
For further information CLICK HERE
The New Adventures of Peter Pan
Location : Thameside Theatre, Orsett Road, Grays, Essex RM17 5DX
The Pirates are coming…. Oh yes they ARRRGH!
Following last year’s critically acclaimed, record breaking pantomime, the Thameside Theatre and Polka Dot Pantomimes have teamed up once again to present this year’s magical Christmas extravaganza THE NEW ADVENTURES OF PETER PAN.
Dates : Sunday 30th November 2025 – Friday 2nd January 2026
For further information CLICK HERE
Elf The Musical
Location : Palace Theatre, Station Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 7RA
Based on the beloved film, this heartwarming and family-friendly stage spectacular follows Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, as he sets off on a journey to New York City to find his real father and help the world rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.
Bursting with catchy songs, dazzling dance numbers, and laugh-out-loud moments, Elf The Musical is a festive treat for all ages.
From vibrant costumes to Santa’s sleigh soaring across the stage, this magical production delivers Christmas joy in every scene.
Dates : Wednesday 3rd December – Saturday 6th December 2025
For further information CLICK HERE
Santa’s On His Sleigh!
Location : Palace Theatre, Station Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 7RA
It is Christmas Eve and Santa is finishing off his final preparations! He is checking his list before he hops aboard his trusty sleigh.
But just before he takes flight into the night sky to deliver his presents, he discovers that his sleigh has broken down! Can you help Santa fix his sleigh? Time is running out and there are problems to solve and presents to deliver!
Santa’s on His Sleigh! is an exciting and interactive Christmas show starring Santa, the elves Snowdrop and Mistletoe, Rudolph and featuring on screen Santa’s virtual little helper Head Elf Justy, played by Justin Fletcher.
Dates : Monday 8th December – Wednesday 24th December 2025
For further information CLICK HERE
Sleeping Beauty
Location : Towngate Theatre, St Martins Square, Basildon, SS14 1DW
Following the success of Jack and the Beanstalk 2024-25, the spectacular panto for 2025-26 will be the fairytale story of Sleeping Beauty!
This dreamy show will bring all the magic of panto to the Towngate stage and have you rolling in the aisles with laughter, with our sparkling adventure for all the family!
Dates : Thursday 27th November 2025 – Sunday 4th January 2026
For further information CLICK HERE
Santa’s North Pole Adventure
Location : Chelmsford Theatre, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1JG
With the most magical night of the year fast approaching, we join Santa and his elves at the North Pole for a festive tale filled with fun, laughter, and a touch of mischief.
Alongside Santa, you’ll meet Mrs Claus, Daisy and Bernard the elves, Snowy the polar bear, and of course, Rudolph.
It’s been a busy season for the elves, who have just graduated from Elf School and are now expert present packers and present stackers.
Everything is going to plan for Santa’s big trip around the world on Christmas Eve, until Bernard decides that he wants to drive the sleigh… oh dear!
Dates : Saturday 13th December – Wednesday 24th December 2025
For further information CLICK HERE
Aladdin
Location : Chelmsford Theatre, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1JG
When Aladdin and his friends innocently get embroiled in a wicked sorcerer’s plan for world domination, things seem hopeless.
But with the help of a magic ring, a wish granting genie, an adventure seeking princess and our amazing audiences assisting to guide the way with their boos and cheers, Aladdin is sure to save the day!
Dates : Friday 28th November – Sunday 4th January 2026
For further information CLICK HERE
The Ho Ho Ho! Mrs Christmas Show
Location : Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, CO1 1PT
It’s the annual North Pole Yuletide Party and you’re all invited!
Mrs Christmas is making all the preparations, but she has so many friends to help and problems to solve, things aren’t going as planned. Mrs Christmas and the Elves will need your help too!
It won’t be long before Father Christmas starts the celebrations and welcomes this year’s guest of honour. Will everything be ready and who is this year’s extra special guest?
From the team behind The Ho Ho Ho Christmas Show comes a new enchanting show about thankfulness.
Full of fun, magic and wonder it’s the perfect festive treat for all the family to enjoy together!
Dates : Tuesday 2nd December – Wednesday 24th December 2025
For further information CLICK HERE
Jingle Bells
Location : Brentwood Theatre, 15 Shenfield Road, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 8AG
Chime is an accident prone Elf at the north pole whose job it is to look after the magical jingle bells that make Santa’s reindeer fly.
In the run up to Christmas, Chime breaks the jingle bells while polishing them up ready for the big day. How will Christmas happen if Santa’s reindeer can’t fly?!
In a race against time Chime enlists the help of their friend Spark, the elf who looks after the naughty and nice list, and the slightly grumpy reindeer Comet, to try and save Christmas!
Dates : Saturday 13th December – 23rd December 2025
For further information CLICK HERE
The Magical Adventures of Peter Pan
Location : Princes Theatre, Town Hall, Station Road, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex CO15 1SE
Join Peter Pan, the mischievous boy who refuses to grow up, and his loyal fairy sidekick, Tink as they return to Neverland, where pirates, fairies, mermaids, and lost children await.
Peter and his friends encounter the villainous Captain Hook, who seeks revenge on Peter for the loss of his hand to a hungry crocodile.
With Tink’s guidance and the help of magical fairy dust, Peter Pan must outsmart Captain Hook and his bumbling crew, overcoming challenges, and discovering the true meaning of love, loyalty, and never-ending magic.
Dates : Saturday 6th December – Monday 29th December 2025
For further information CLICK HERE
Shrek The Musical
Location : Charter Hall, Colchester Leisure World, Cowdray Ave, Colchester CO1 1YH
This award-winning musical brings to life the world of Shrek live on stage in an unforgettable production to melt hearts of all ages. Dreamwork’s spectacular musical is based on their much-loved Oscar winning animated film.
See the original story live on stage, join Shrek and Donkey on their daring quest to rescue the feisty Princess Fiona.
Meet a Dragon, a Gingerbread man with attitude, Pinocchio and a whole bunch of fairy tale misfits who’ll leave you in stitches.
Dates : Saturday 13th December 2025 – Sunday 4th January 2026
For further information CLICK HERE
Cinderella
Location : Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 7RA
You shall go to the ball this Christmas with award-winning television presenter, radio DJ, podcaster and number one best-selling author Rylan, who returns for another year to play the Fairy Godfather, and broadcaster, film, theatre and strictly star Ross King as Buttons.
Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients Cliffs Pavilion audiences expect, Cinderella features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses.
Dates : Saturday 13th December 2025 – Sunday 4th January 2026
For further information CLICK HERE
Cinderella
Location : Witham Public Hall, Collingwood Road, Witham, Essex CM8 2DY
After the huge success of last years Robin Hood, The Essex Group are delighted to be bringing the fairy godmother of all pantos to the Witham Public Hall this Christmas.
Full of Laughter & magic, colourful costumes, and toe-tapping tunes. Bringing together a stella cast of local actors who will delight audiences with an hilarious script by local Panto legend and creative director Luke Coldham.
Dates : Friday 19th December – Sunday 28th December 2025
For further information CLICK HERE
Dick Whittington
Location : Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH
Step into a world of fun, laughter, and adventure as Dick Whittington sets out to seek his fortune and make the streets “paved with gold” a reality!
Along the way, he’ll face the evil Baroness Rattington and her army of rodent rascals, threatening to take over the world.
Will Dick and his plucky companions save the day?
Dates : Sunday 21st December – Monday 29th December 2025
For further information CLICK HERE
If you can’t see your favourite pantomime listed, why not check out Pantomimes in nearby counties Pantomimes in Norfolk and Pantomimes in Suffolk, or if you are looking for a more grown up night out, check out Adult Pantomimes in East Anglia.