What we know about pantomimes in the North East next winter as initial dates and performances announced

We all love a panto, and some theatres have already announced their plans for this time next year.

Families are continuing to be entertained across the North East - and will continue to do so for some days yet - but many eyes are already on productions in a year from now.

Sunderland Empire’s Sleeping Beauty panto cast Laura Main as Fairy Snowfall, Miss Rory as Rorina the cleaner, David Ribi as Prince Vincent, Tom Whalley as Vesta the Jester and Jordan Lee-Davies at Lumley Castle.placeholder image
Sunderland Empire’s Sleeping Beauty panto cast Laura Main as Fairy Snowfall, Miss Rory as Rorina the cleaner, David Ribi as Prince Vincent, Tom Whalley as Vesta the Jester and Jordan Lee-Davies at Lumley Castle. | Sunderland Echo

Some of the region’s largest theatres have announced their plans for the 2026-27 panto season, with dates and production titles already announced.

Sunderland Empire’s Sleeping Beauty panto cast Laura Main as Fairy Snowfall, Miss Rory as Rorina the cleaner, David Ribi as Prince Vincent, Tom Whalley as Vesta the Jester and Jordan Lee-Davies at Lumley Castle.placeholder image
Sunderland Empire’s Sleeping Beauty panto cast Laura Main as Fairy Snowfall, Miss Rory as Rorina the cleaner, David Ribi as Prince Vincent, Tom Whalley as Vesta the Jester and Jordan Lee-Davies at Lumley Castle. | Sunderland Echo

In Newcastle, the Grey Street site the Theatre Royal has confirmed it will run a series of performances of Jack And The Beanstalk next winter.

Running from Tuesday, November 24 2026 until Sunday, January 17 2027, the production will star many familiar faces to the theatre’s pantos, including the hilarous Danny Adams alongside famous face Joe McElderry.

Tickets for the Theatre Royal shows are on sale now.

Elsewhere, after hosting Sleeping Beuty this winter, Sunderland’s Empire Theatre will welcome Peter Pan: The Return Of Captain Hook to Wearside.

The familiar faces of Miss Rory and Tom Whalley will return while the team behind the production have teased “star casting” is yet to be announced for the show.

It will run from Friday, December 11 2026 until Sunday, January 3 2027 with tickets available now.

Tickets are also already on sale for the Tyne Theatre and Opera House’s production of Aladdin in Newcastle.

The Newcastle city centre site will host its panto from Friday, December 4 2026 until Sunday, January 3 2027 with the team behind the performance promising “great songs, amazing special effects and plenty of laughter”.

Further up the Tyne, the story of Sleeping Beuty will be told by the team at the Customs House in South Shields next winter.

Running from Friday, November 20 2026 until Saturday, January 2 2027, tickets are on sale now through the venue’s website.

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