It’s panto season! After mid-November, there is only one thing left on the horizon. Yes, Christmas! It may only be the first week of December, but the build-up to Santa winding his way down the chimney is already upon us. And apart from planning Christmas presents, parties and get-togethers with our loved ones before the big day, there’s also another thing to squeeze in – pantomime.
Christmas is a special time for theaters up and down the country, with panto a draw for adults and children alike. In London we are spoiled for choice for productions.
But for some families, the sensory overload of live shows and roaring audience participation can be too much. Darkness in the hall, silence and not being able to move for long periods during shows can also lead to anxiety for some people. Fortunately, several relaxed, accessible theater and pantomime performances are being staged this winter, ensuring that everyone has the chance to enjoy a Christmas pantomime.
Aladdin – Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, 3 December
Sparks fly when he meets the beautiful Princess Jasmine, who is as street savvy as she is royal. But the antics of his involvement with mother Widow Twerkey, her evil stepfather Abanazaar and of course the Genie in a Bottle, prove that the road to true love is far from straightforward.
A special relaxed performance will take place at 10am on Tuesday 3 December, with tickets priced at £10. Some schools will participate. See HERE to Book or call the box office on 020 8741 6850.
Odd and the Frost Giant – Unicorn Theatre, 11 and 15 December
An original play adapted from Neil Gaiman’s epic novel, based on Norse mythology. Odd and the Frost Giants follows a happy-go-lucky boy named Odd as he encounters the fallen Norse gods Odin, Loki and Thor, who are trapped in animal form on Earth after being driven out by the Frost Giants. An unlikely hero, Odd must use his wits to restore the gods and defeat the evil usurpers…
Tickets are still available for two casual performances on Wednesday 11 December and Sunday 15 December. Aimed at audiences with sensory needs, technical changes such as lighting and sound adjustments create a more relaxed environment in which to experience the performance. Audience members are free to move, make noise and leave the auditorium. A relaxation area is also available for anyone who needs a quiet room. See here for tickets.
Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas – Apollo Theatre, De12 cembers
A special relaxed performance will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 12, allowing for a more relaxed approach to noise and movement in the auditorium. See here for tickets. Book here or call the till on 0330 3334815
A Christmas Carol – The Old Vic, 14 December
Charles Dickens’ classic story A Christmas Carol is coming to the Old Vic, starring John Simm as Ebenezer Scrooge in an adaptation written by playwright Jack Thorne. The show is suitable for anyone aged eight and over and runs for around two hours including an intermission.
A special relaxed performance will be held on Saturday, December 14 at 2pm, with tickets from £72.50. It will provide a supportive environment that allows for noise and movement in the auditorium, with ambient lighting above the audience and re-entry if the audience needs a time-out. See HERE for tickets.
Beauty and the Beast – Richmond Theatre, January 2
Actress Dame Maureen Lipman returns to the Richmond Theater to star as Mrs Potty in this pantomime adventure of Beauty and the Beast, alongside comedy magician Pete Firman as Silly Billy. One of the most romantic pantos of all time, Beauty and the Beast promises to be a spectacular production for the whole family.
This relaxed production, which runs for about two and a half hours including an interval, at 1 p.m. Thursday, January 2, allows more noise and movement in the auditorium than usual. Tickets cost £13 and can be booked HERE.
Jack and the Beanstalk – New Wimbledon Theatre, 2 January
Alexandra Burke dazzles as the villainous Mrs Blunderbore, as she leads a star-studded cast including comedian Joe Pasquale, drag chameleon Ceri Dupree and West End star Ria Jones in Jack and the Beanstalk, playing at the New Wimbledon Theatre. Sentenced to sell his beloved cow, Jack embarks on a rollicking adventure as he struggles to outwit the evil giant, win riches beyond his wildest dreams, and land the girl he loves.
With some fee-fie-fo-fums, audiences can expect comedy capers, special effects, magic beans and plenty of boos for the evil Mrs Blunderbore in this spectacular panto. A special relaxed performance will be held on Thursday 2nd January at 1pm, see here for tickets.
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