Pantos and Christmas Performances in Newcastle, Gateshead and North East

Panto season is just around the corner, and there are plenty of opportunities to grab the whole family and head off to the theatre in Newcastle and the North East this Christmas. Let us help you find the perfect panto or festive, family performance in Newcastle, Gateshead and the North East...

Watch the beloved pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk as it returns to Theatre Royal Newcastle this festive season from 24th November - 17th January. Starring local lad Joe McElderry, Danny Adams, Clive Webb plus many more. It's packed with laugh-out-loud comedy, staggering special effects, and larger-than-life fun, Jack and the Beanstalk is pantomime at its absolute best - the panto you’ve bean waiting for. Book here.

At Sunderland Empire from 11th December - 3rd January, get ready for The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook with gravity-defying flying scenes, stunning choreography, and mind- blowing special effects that will leave you gasping. You can also expect pirate sword fights, crocodile chases, and jaw-dropping stunts bring Neverland to life like you’ve never seen before. Starring Newcastle's very own Miss Rory, Bradley Riches, Tom Whalley and more. Book here.

Your wish has been granted...a spectacular cast is heading to Tyne Theatre & Opera House for Aladdin, a fun-packed family pantomime for Christmas 2026! X Factor runner-up and West End star Marcus Collins will bring some magic to the stage as the Genie of the Lamp, while EastEnders legend Michael Greco will have audiences booing and hissing as the evil Abanazar. Back by popular demand are Tyne Theatre panto favourites Charlie Richmond as Wishee Washee and Lewis Denny as the hilarious Widow Twankey. Running from 4th December - 3rd January, you won't want to miss out - Book here.

Experience the magic of Christmas as the Royal Northern Sinfonia brings The Snowman to life on the big screen with a breath-taking live orchestral performance at The Glasshouse this Christmas. The festive fun begins with story time featuring We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, before you sit back and enjoy the timeless tale of The Snowman, accompanied by a stunning live soundtrack. A perfect festive treat for all ages, catch it from 23rd-24th December! Book your tickets now.

Head to Northern Stage for a festively frozen fairytale for the whole family that you won’t want to miss this Christmas. From 3rd December - 2nd January 2027, Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fable is thrillingly reimagined in this spellbinding new production of The Snow Queen. When the cruel Snow Queen whisks Kai away, Gerda embarks on an epic adventure, leaving her tiny town to face the icy unknown. Can she rescue Kai and save Christmas? Find out and book your tickets here.

Grab your ears and wave your magic wands as Mickey Mouse and his friends are gliding back into Newcastle this November with a sparkling new ice adventure at Utilita Arena. From 11th - 15th November get ready for Disney On Ice presents Discover the Magic which features world-class skating, high flying acrobatics and everyone’s favourite Disney stories brought to life on ice. Enjoy songs and scenes from Moana, Frozen, Encanto, Toy Story, Coco, Aladdin and more! Book tickets here.

This Christmas, enjoy a brand-new festive play at Live Theatre inspired by ideas from local children! Filled with warmth, wit, and a touch of winter magic, Where Do All The Kittiwakes Go At Christmas is a delightful story that promises to have the whole family squawking with laughter. Make sure to catch it from 19th - 31st December. Book here.

Head to The Customs House from 20th November - 2nd January 2027 for the fantastic performance of Sleeping Beauty. Chaos is coming to Cooksonville as the beloved story of Sleeping Beauty is retold with a Customs House twist. Bursting with song, slapstick, and the signature Customs House sparkle, this riotous adventure brings together all your favourite panto ingredients for a spectacular, family-friendly show. Book here.

Beauty and the Beast comes to People's Theatre from 12th - 20th December! When Belle becomes the prisoner of a horrible Beast, her hapless father and her best friend must rescue her from his enchanted castle! But all is not as it seems. Can Belle see past the Beast’s gruff growl to find the heart within? Find out in this Christmas Panto full of laughter, music, and monstrous fun for all the family. Book here.