Pantomime season is almost upon us – and who doesn’t love a good panto?!!
It’s a great, nostalgic start to the holiday season and entertaining for kids and adults alike. A stage full of Christmas cheer, colour, costumes, comedy and creative audience participation – retelling classic tales like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Dick Whittington.
We also have to applaud the panto’s creative writing teams who get to produce a production that’s perfectly entertaining for the little ones but still manages to get those risque, “adult” jokes in that go straight over the kids heads, leaving us in stitches! Well done.
As a seasoned panto goer (I have been taking my kids every year since they were 3 years old!), I successfully managed to drag my three reluctant teenagers to ‘Dick Whittington’ last year with the promise that if they didn’t enjoy it, they wouldn’t have to attend another one ever again. Guess what? All three thoroughly enjoyed it! It really is fun for all the family.
So what do the top Surrey Theatres have to offer you this year? Read our exclusive ‘Big Surrey Christmas Panto Guide’ and book your favourites now.
SLEEPING BEAUTY
Esher Theatre have revealed their stella celebrity panto line-up with actor and comedian Bobby Davro as Muddles, former ‘EastEnders’ and ‘Coronation Street’ star Debbie Arnold as the Wicked Fairy and actress and voice artist Ciara Janson as The Good Fairy in their hilarious production of ‘Sleeping Beauty’.
This year’s panto is written by Surreyite Bobby Davro who has just returned from a sold out Summer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It is directed and produced by the talented Esher Theatre owner and impresario, Charlie Swift.
It also stars the comedic genius Mark Bradford as the “dame” Nanny Nora, Luke Gray as King Rollo, Abby Stockwell as Sleeping Beauty and Matthew Reaney as Prince Charming. Gioia Gray is this year’s choreographer and Luis-Paul Gray is in charge of musical direction.
Join Esher Theatre from Thursday December 4th to Wednesday December 31st 2025 for this epic journey of action, comedy, thrills and romance as they bring the classic tale of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ to life in a spectacular live show, suitable for audiences of all ages.
Surrey Rocks watched last year’s production of ‘Dick Whittington’ with the winning team of Davro & Swift behind the panto and we gave it a rip-roaring 5 star review. This year is tipped to be another corker.
See www.eshertheatre.com or call the box office on 01372 469209 to make a booking now – matinee and evening performances are available.
BEAUTY & THE BEAST
Join Belle as she journeys into the enchanted castle, meets the fearsome Beast and discovers a host of colourful characters bewitched by an evil sorceress.
Can Belle see beyond the monster? And will the Beast learn the true meaning of love? Join the cast and crew at the newly-renovated Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford for the ultimate adventure this festive season.
Returning to Yvonne Arnaud panto land this year is ‘EastEnders’ actress Lucy Benjamin playing Agatha The Evil Sorceress, Eagle Radio’s Peter Gordon as Madame Fifi La Fou Fou and Guildford Shakespeare Company’s Matt Pinches as Philipe Phalope.
Taking the lead is the talented Clair Gleave as Belle, Ricky Oakley from last year’s Robin Hood is The Beast and Misha Malcolm from David Walliams’ ‘Demon Dentist’ will play the loveable Fairy Rose Red.
The show will be packed with spectacular songs, show-stopping dancing and plenty of magic. You’ve got to see it to Belle-ieve it!
‘Beauty and the Beast’ is running from Saturday November 29th 2025 till Sunday January 4th 2026 with both matinee and evening performances available.
See www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call the box office on 01483 440000 to make a booking now.
SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS
Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, don’t miss the fairest pantomime of them all!
‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ will be spectacularly brought to life at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking with an abundance of comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, fabulous costumes and stunning scenery.
Throw in the magnificent 7 and plenty of audience participation and you have the perfect recipe to outwit the Wicked Queen and let love prevail in this glittering festive treat from leading panto producer, Crossroads Live.
‘Birds of a Feather’ star Lesley Joseph is playing the evil Queen Dragonella, broadcaster and barrister Rob Rinder is starring as The Man in the Mirror while the hilarious comedian and impressionist, Aaron James, plays Muddles ‘The Jester.’ Stars of the West End Theatre; Scott Maurice and Briana Craig make up the stella cast, playing Prince William of Westfield and Snow White respectively.
With amazing special effects, stunning sets and beautiful costumes direct from the London Palladium, ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ will be a magical panto adventure.
Running from Friday December 5th 2025 till Sunday January 4th 2026 with matinee and evening performances available.
See www.atgtickets.com/shows/snow-white-and-the-seven-dwarfs-pantomime/new-victoria-theatre/ to get your tickets now.
BEST OF THE REST
CINDERELLA – Richmond Theatre : 6th December – 4th January
ALADDIN – Epsom Playhouse : 12th December – 4th January
PETER PAN – Dorking Halls : 19th – 30th December
JACK & THE BEANSTALK – Leatherhead Theatre : 10th – 29th December
CINDERELLA – Godalming Borough Hall : 13th – 28th December
