The best Christmas pantomimes in London

What is it? Hackney Empire panto remains the one to beat, although this will be an intersting year for it: 2025 marks its first Cinderella since Clive Rowe took over its running. London’s greatest dame has always made it his policy to never perform in the beloved rags to riches story, so Rowe will simply direct. There will, however, be a familiar face in the form of affable Hackney panto stalwart Kat B, who will play one of the Ugly Sisters alongside George Heyworth, aka one half of cabaret legends Bourgeois & Maurice. 

Where is it? Hackney Empire

What is it? The 2025 Stratford East panto is, of course, a spin on Mother Goose: exactly how different a spin is TBC, but certainly it’s promising that this year’s creative team includes musical comedian Vikki Stone, who was a mainstay of the Lyric Hammersmith’s reliably irreverent panto for a fair few years. Music is by Robert Hyman, who has been doing the honours for the Stratford panto since the Stone Age.

Where is it? Stratford East. 

What is it? Returning to London for its umpteenth seasonal run, Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner’s show is a gleeful 70-minute run through the greatest hits of pantomime as a genre.

Where is it? Wilton’s Music Hall.

What is it? A curious cocktail of demi-celebrities for this year’s Richmond panto, as twinkly-eyed musical theatre star Charlie Stemp joins forces with Helen George from Call the Midwife and Basil Brush, a puppet fox from the Sixties. Other than that expect the usual corporate thrills from this slick affair knowingly aimed at a well-heeled audience. 

Where is it? Richmond Theatre.

What is it? Although the current iteration of the Lyric panto only dates back to 2012 (though they were staged in the Victorian theatre historically) it’s long established as the hippest and most subversive show in town come Christmas. For the 2025 panto writer Sonia Jalaly and director Nicholai La Barrie are reunited after doing and excellent job with last year’s Aladdin.

Where is it? Lyric Hammersmith.

What is it? Stage and screen veterans Samantha Womack and Su Pollard star as the Enchantress and Mrs Potty respectively in this commercial panto take on the story of Beauty and the Beast, which also features Britain’s Got Talent star Jamie Leahey as Silly Billy, Ben Stock as The Dame, and Sheri Lineham as Belle. 

Where is it? Churchill Theatre.

What is it? Panto legend Susie McKenna returns to Catford Broadway for the third year running in a writer only capacity, for a spin on Dick Whittington that relocates the action to the Empire Windrush, in a tribute to the parents of her wife, the actor Sharon D Clarke. It’s directed by panto veteran Peter Rowe, who is known for his rock infused take on the genre.

Where is it? Catford Broadway. 

What is it? Though it’s had a change of personel in recent years, the Greenwich panto remains a low key but well-regarded affair that serves up old school, celebrity-free pantomime that largely flies under the radar of London as a whole but has a loyal local following. In this take on JM Barrie’s creations, writer Anthony Spargo stars, and James Haddrell directs.

Where is it? Greenwich Theatre.

What is it? Magician Pete Firman and reality TV star dancers Ashley Banjo and Diversity are the big celebrity attractions in this panto romp through the legend of original wealth redistributer Robin of Sherwood. Wimbledon offers a glossy corporate panto that now feels a world away from the era of mad stunt casting that defined it until the Palladium panto came along and stole its thunder. 

Where is it? New Wimbledon Theatre.

What is it? JW3’s panto is only in its third year, but already it feels like a seasonal ficture thanks to its idiosyncratic Jewish humour and distinction of being pretty much the only form of entertainment in all of London to have a Christmas Day performance. 

Where is it? JW3.

What is it? Last year’s inaugural King’s Head Panto was a nice new addition to London’s festive ‘scene’, and clearly went well enough that it’s back for more. It’s once again masterminded by Andrew Pollard who will write and direct, and it will again have a sprinkling of adults-only performances throughout the run with guesting cabaret stars (for the love of god check the schedule before booking).

Where is it? King’s Head Theatre.