Pantomimes & Christmas Shows In And Near Brighton 2024

For many, the Christmas season isn’t complete without a trip to the local panto. Oh no, it isn’t! If you haven’t booked your tickets for one of these pantomimes or Christmas shows in Brighton just yet, don’t worry; some productions run right up until the end of January. Oh yes, they do!

Here are some pantomimes worth checking out – If panto’s not your thing then scroll down for the best Christmas shows including family shows in Brighton and beyond.

Sleeping Beauty

Thursday, December 19 to Monday, December 30

Brighton Family Panto is back at the Hilton for another year and this time it’s Sleeping Beauty; “The panto of your dreams”. There’s a whole range of showtimes for this one, ranging from 11 am to 8 pm on different days.

This fairytale is all about Princess Aurora who is cursed by a wicked fairy to prick her finger on a spindle and fall into a deep sleep. The spell can only be broken by true love’s kiss so it’s a race against time for the Handsome Prince to reach her.

This family show promises hilarious comedy routines, dazzling dance numbers, and a stellar West End cast. Look out for the Panto dame Nurse Nelly, a chance to shout out “He’s behind you” and a sprinkling of magic. For those who prefer something for adults only, there are two special showings with a “scandalous spin” on Sunday, December 28 and Monday, December 29.

Tickets: from £14.25

Website: https://www.brightonfamilypanto.com/ (Tickets on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/sleeping-beauty-the-panto-of-your-dreams-2896149)

Address: DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole, Kings Road, BN1 2FU

Snow White and the Seven Drag Queens

Sunday, January 5 (Doors open at 7 pm)

The North East Adult Panto has sold out up north the past two years and this year it’s going on tour across the UK, with a Brighton date on January 5. This drag-filled alternative of the Snow White story features an all-star cast including Gogglebox favourite and Queen of the Jungle Scarlett Moffatt and Celebrity Big Brother winner David Potts.

Joining them are several drag icons; Ru Paul’s Drag Race’s Michael Marouli and Tomara Thomas, Ophelia Balls from Pride Radio, plus international stars Janice Dickinyourson, Andi Martine, Miss Dixie Swallows and Brenda LaBeau. They will play the seven drag queens: Itchy, Bitchy, Tipsy, Tiny, Horny, Windy and Pot. It’s worth mentioning here that this show is for people aged 16 and over.

This one-night-only show promises fabulous costumes, stunning effects and “a soundtrack camper than Elton John in a boob tube at Christmas”.

Tickets: from £33.50 + booking fee

Website: https://brightoncentre.co.uk/whats-on/2025/snow-white-and-the-seven-drag-queens/

Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/3E0060D7057D09B7

Address: The Brighton Centre, Kings Road, BN1 2GR

Brighton Alternative Panto Presents: JACK- Stripped Back

Tuesday, January 28 to Sunday, February 2

Following the sellout success of Cinderella: Remixed in January 2024, the ‘Remixed’ production company is back for another year with Brighton Alternative Panto. This show promises to be fast-paced fun with naughtiness and innovative music. This is definitely not your average panto and is only suitable for ages 16 and above (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult).

The cast includes drag queens Davina Sparkle as Sweet Caroline the Cow and Mary Golds as Dame Trott, drag performer Alfie Ordinary as Little Willy and international cabaret performer Billie Gold as Fairy Billie Beans. Allan Jay plays Jack Trott, Sandra is Jill and Jason Lee will play Flashjack, supported by a brilliant all-singing, all-dancing ensemble.

On Thursday, January 30, Brighton Alternative Panto will be holding a ‘Beanstalk Bash’ to raise money for local charity The Sussex Beacon.

Tickets: from £27.75

Website: https://www.ironworks-studios.co.uk/whats-on

Tickets via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/brighton-alternative-panto-presents-jack-stripped-back-tickets-856312011277

Address: Ironworks, 30 Cheapside, BN1 4GD

Aladdin

Until Friday, January 3

For more family-friendly offerings, there are several pantos across towns across Sussex. In Eastbourne, this year’s production is Aladdin, starring CITV’s Luke Roberts as Wishee and Paul Leno-Putt as Genie Of The Lamp.

This show offers a laugh-a-minute extravaganza, special effects and all the usual pantomime merriment as it follows the adventures of Aladdin, Princess Jasmine and of course the famous magic carpet and Genie.

There will be an adult-only special performance for those aged 18 and over on Thursday, December 19 and there will be a Santa’s Grotto before all performances before Christmas Day. Add a grotto ticket to your booking for £7.50, which includes a present.

Tickets: from £12

Website: https://royalhippodrome.com/event/aladdin/

Address: Royal Hippodrome Theatre, 106-114 Seaside Road, Eastbourne BN21 3PF

Snow White

Until Sunday, January 12

The Devonshire Park Theatre’s Snow White offers a classic family-friendly pantomime starring its popular resident cast: Martyn Knight as Dame Dolly, Tucker as Herbie the Huntsman and Carli Norris as the Wicked Queen.

Expect all the usual pantomime ingredients and fun, plus top-notch dancing and singing. There will be a relaxed performance on Tuesday, January 7.

Tickets: from £13

Website: https://www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk/events/snowwhite

Address: Devonshire Park Theatre, 8-10 Compton Street, Eastbourne, BN21 4BW

The Magical Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan

Until Tuesday, December 31

‘Hook’ your tickets now to Peter Pan in Hastings, starring Corrie and Smoggie Queens star Alexandra Mardell as Tinks, and Gladiators star Dynamite as Wendy. This family-friendly pantomime invites its audience to take flight and venture into Neverland with the boy who never grew up.

This production by Polka Dot Pantomimes promises spectacular scenery, fabulous costumes, amazing special effects, lots of audience participation, plenty of comedy and a good helping of fairy dust.

There is a chance to meet and greet the cast at all three performances on Saturday, December 21 and there is a dressing-up competition with a prize for the best dressed at both performances on Sunday, December 22.

Tickets: from £26 to £28

Website: https://whiterocktheatre.org.uk/whats-on/event/the-magical-pantomime-adventures-of-peter-pan/

Address: White Rock Theatre, Hastings TN34 1JX

Jack And The Beanstalk

Sunday, January 26 to Tuesday, January 28

This production of Jack and the Beanstalk offers thrills and laughter for the whole family. Tickets are a very reasonable price and this one’s at the end of January. Enter a world of magic beans, a talking cow and a bad-tempered giant.

Tickets: Adult tickets: £11.50 + booking fee; Under 16s: £9.50 + booking fee

Website: https://hailshampavilion.co.uk/events/jack-and-the-beanstalk/

Adress: Hailsham Pavilion, George Street, Hailsham, BN27 1AE

Jack & The Beanstalk

Until Sunday, January 5

Jack and the Beanstalk is also showing in Horsham this season. TV star John Partridge is the star of the show as Fleshcreep. This production promises an unforgettable theatrical experience for all ages.

Tickets: from £26

Website: https://www.thecapitolhorsham.com/events/jack-the-beanstalk/

Address: The Capitol Theatre. North Street, Horsham, RH12 1RG

Robin Hood: The Pantomime

Until Sunday, January 5

Over in Worthing, the panto this year is Robin Hood, starring CBeebies favourite Nigel Clarke as Robin Hood, musical theatre star Janine Pardo as Marion and Paul Giddings as Dame Delia.

This classic fairy tale is set in Sherwood Forest. This show is billed as an epic adventure filled with thrills, laughter, captivating songs, and the timeless magic of panto.

Tickets: from £10

Website: https://wtm.uk/events/robin-hood-the-pantomime/

Address: Pavilion Theatre, Marine Parade, Worthing BN11 3PX

Beauty and the Beast

Until Saturday, January 4

If Beauty and the Beast is more your bag, then head up to East Grinstead for this year’s panto. This production teases hilarious comedy, stunning sets, fantastic music, beautiful costumes, magic and mayhem.

Tickets: from £21.50

Website: https://www.chequermead.co.uk/shows/beauty-and-the-beast/

Address: Chequer Mead Theatre, De La Warr Road, East Grinstead RH19 3BS

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

Until Sunday, December 22

Follow the story of Snow White, the Wicked Queen, the magic mirror and seven gnomes at this production by Ariel Company Theatre. This show has all the ingredients of a good panto: a Dame, a Jester, a good fairy and a bad wizard.

Tickets: from £16

Website: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ariel

Address: The New Bury Theatre, College Lane, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks BN6 9JS

Beauty and the Beast

Until Sunday, January 5

This family panto in Shoreham promises magic, adventure and lots of fun. Follow young Beauty in her search for young love, boo and hiss the villainous Baron Biscuit and have a laugh with Idle Jack and Dame Do’nut.

Tickets: from £18.50

Website: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/beauty-and-the-beast-shoreham-panto-2024-40/

Address: Ropetackle Arts Centre, Little High Street, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5EG