From having a ball with Cinderella at Sunderland Empire to a genius production of Aladdin at Gala Theatre Durham, there’s plenty of pantos and festive family shows taking place around the North East this Christmas. We’ve rounded up some of the best shows for you and your family to enjoy this Christmas.
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1. Cinderella, Sunderland Empire, December 13 - January 5
Scarlett Moffatt will be sprinkling some Christmas magic over Wearside in the role of Fairy Godmother in Cinderella, this year's Empire panto which runs from December 13 – January 5. She's joined on stage by fellow cast members: cabaret comedian Miss Rory as Rorina Hardup, Duncan Burt as her ugly sister Ruby, Nick Jnr’s Gemma Naylor (Go! Go! Go!) as Cinderella, ITV’s Superstars finalist Jon Moses as the Prince and Tom Whalley as Buttons. | JPIMedia Photo: JPI Media
2. Jack & the Beanstalk, Playhouse Whitley Bay, November 30 - January 4
Welcome to the world of fairy tales, where poor hero Jack and his dotty mum Dame Trott are tricked into selling their beloved cow Daisy for a useless bag of beans. Laugh at Simple Simon boo and hiss the evil Fleshcreep and of course cheer on our hero Jack as he tries to rescue his sweetheart Jill from the nasty giant's castle in the clouds. The show stars Britain's Got Talent winner Ashleigh Butler and her dog Sully. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Submitted
3. Jack Frost, Arts Centre Washington, December 3-8
This December, experience a music-filled Christmas show about friendship and the joy of joining in, as Jack Frost comes to Arts Centre Washington (Tuesday 3 - Sunday 8 December). Presented by Fidget Theatre in association with LittleMighty, the story follows the tale of a little girl called Holly who befriends the lonely winter sprite, Jack Frost. Follow Holly’s adventure into the ice-covered fantastical world of the playful, though lonely, Jack. Together Holly and Jack will make lots of music, have loads of fun and make sure no-one is left outside this Christmas. Limited tickets for this wholesome festive treat are available to book online at www.artscentrewashington.co.uk via the box office on 0191 561 3455 | Other 3rd Party Photo: ACW
4. Aladdin, Gala Theatre Durham, November 21-January 5
Enjoy a magic carpet ride into the wonderful world of panto when Aladdin arrives in County Durham. The Gala Theatre’s family pantomime is set to deliver a magical mix of mayhem, live music, laughter and surprises from November 21 to January 5. The show will see wishes granted, romance blossom and riches lost and won as the talented cast bring the much-loved story of Aladdin and his lamp to life. Featuring a magical flying carpet, audiences will be transported to exotic locations such as China, Egypt and even Sacriston, following the streetwise hero as he attempts to make his town rich by marrying a princess. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Gala