The Best Pantomimes in Sussex (Oh Yes They Are!)

It's panto season once again and we've rounded some of the best shows happening across Sussex over the festive period!

JACK & THE BEANSTALK – THE HAWTH, CRAWLEY

Friday December 13 2024 – Sunday January 5 2025

Whatever you do, don't miss this year's fun-filled pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk at The Hawth Crawley from Friday 13 December 2024 - Sunday 5 January 2025.
Starring TV legend Steve McFadden (EastEnders) as the boo-able baddie Fleshcreep! He will be joined by Crawley’s favourite dame Michael J Batchelor who will be returning for his 11th year as Crawley's favourite dame! Completing the cast are the hilarious Joey Wilby, Erin Armstrong (Lena), Joe Gash (Rock of Ages, Grease), and Annell Odartey (Pretty Woman, Mamma Mia).

Jack and the Beanstalk will be written once again by Paul Hendy and produced by Evolution Productions, the same award-winning team that brought you the sensational Sleeping Beauty last year! With stunning sets, hilarious comedy, and breathtaking special effects, Jack and the Beanstalk promises to be the ultimate pantomime adventure that you and your family will remember for years to come!

The legendary Hawth pantomime is a fun-filled extravaganza guaranteed to delight the whole family! Tickets are selling faster than ever, so don't miss out on the Fe-Fi-Fo-Fun!

Book your tickets today at hawth.co.uk

SNOW WHITE – DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE, EASTBOURNE

December 6 2024 - January 12 2025

This year’s Devonshire Park pantomime spectacular Snow White, stars Eastbourne favourites Martyn Knight, Tucker and Carli Norris plus Georgie Hales and Ben Tyler who make their Eastbourne panto debut with this show, opens on 6 December.

Snow White is the 23rd pantomime from the Devonshire Park Theatre team, the tale of the fairest of them all is a traditional family classic but given a delicious Eastbourne Theatres twist – packed with live music, beautifully designed costumes and a hugely talented cast, this show is sure to be a colourful feast!

The cast includes Carli Norris who returns this year as the Wickedest Queen in panto-land, in addition to her TV roles in EastEnders as Belinda Slater, Holby City, Hollyoaks and Doctors, Carli’s West End work includes Pygmalion.

There are laughs guaranteed from Eastbourne favourites Tucker as Herbie the Huntsman with a difference who is back for his 11^th Devonshire Park pantomime and Martyn Knight as Dame Dolly who returns for his 19^th! Ben Tyler takes the role of Prince Simon, Ben is an established West End performer, most recently starring in The Book of Mormon, his other West End credits include Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables. Georgie Hales is the picture-perfect Snow White, her previous credits include Peter Pan the Arena Spectacular and she has local links as her family come from Mayfield.

The young company this year are once again made up of talented local youngsters who were all hand-picked after an intensive audition process which saw an absolute wealth of local talent. Eastbourne’s pantomimes are famed for giving audiences a true live theatre experience, with a full band, beautiful costumes designed and created especially for the show and of course lots of enchanting onstage effects. A perfect introduction to live theatre for little ones – and a magical experience for older theatre goers as everyone knows pantomime has the magic to leave audiences filled with childlike wonder again, no matter their age!

Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne, tickets priced from just £13.

Call the box office on 01323 412000 or visit www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

(image: Peter Gurr)

ALADDIN – ROYAL HIPPODROME, EASTBOURNE

Friday December 13 - Thursday December 19

A Magical Christmas Adventure Awaits at the Hippodrome! Join us this Christmas for our GENIE-US pantomime adventure – Aladdin! From Friday, 13th December 2024, the Hippodrome is bringing you a laugh-a-minute extravaganza packed with stunning sets, musical hits, fabulous costumes, special effects, and, of course, a magic carpet ride that will leave you spellbound.

Back by popular demand, Luke Roberts and Paul Leno will lead the cast in true Hippodrome style with heaps of panto merriment, laughter, and the perfect dose of festive magic. Get ready for all the joy and fun you’ve come to expect from our beloved pantos!

Will Aladdin save the day? Will he marry the beautiful Princess Jasmine? Will the Genie finally be freed? There’s only one way to find out – by joining us for this magical journey!

Don’t miss our 18+ Adult Performance on Thursday, 19th December – a night for the bigger boys and girls to let loose and enjoy a naughtier version of the panto. Bring your friends, have some fun, and do all the things at a panto you normally wouldn’t dare!

Bring your little ones to visit Santa in his Grotto before any performance up until Christmas Day. Add a Grotto visit to your booking for just £7.50, which includes a special present from Santa! Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before the show to enjoy your Santa experience.

Dates and Ticket Prices:

    •        Opening Weekend: All tickets £12

Friday 13th & Saturday 14th December

    •        Prime Time: Full Price £15, Concession £13, Family Ticket £50

Sunday 15th, Tuesday 17th, Wednesday 18th, Friday 20th December

    •        Peak Time: Full Price £18.50, Concession £16.50, Family Ticket £65

Saturday 21st December – Friday 3rd January

    •        Adult Performance 18+: All tickets £20

Thursday 19th December

    •        Relaxed Performance: Friday 27th December at 11am

Tickets are selling fast for what promises to be the most magical pantomime the Hippodrome has ever seen. Don’t miss out on this festive treat for the whole family! Book your tickets today and get ready to be swept away on a magical adventure!

For tickets, visit: https://royalhippodrome.com/event/aladdin/ or contact our Box Office at 01323 802020.

JACK & THE BEANSTALK – THE CAPITOL, HORSHAM

Jack and the Beanstalk hits Horsham from 30 November to 14 January, promising an enchanting experience for all ages. Following the huge success of their 2023 production, John Partridge stars as Fleshcreep and makes his debut as Director, bringing a fresh vision to this classic tale. Known for his dynamic stage presence, Partridge’s direction will elevate the pantomime to new creative heights.

Chrissie Cartwright joins as Choreographer and Assistant Director, with her extensive West End experience from shows like CATS and Phantom of the Opera. Her expertise guarantees a polished and lively performance. The set, designed by the talented Jack Lane, recently nominated for the 2024 National Panto Award for Best Set Design, will bring the story to life with vibrant visuals and flamboyant costumes.

The Capitol team invites audiences into a world of giants, fairies and magical beans in this festive, family-friendly adventure. A special relaxed performance with a BSL interpreter is scheduled for 19 December at 6pm, ensuring accessibility for everyone. Don’t miss this magical journey!

The Capitol Horsham, North Street, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 1RG

Telephone: 01403 750220 (calls may be recorded)  

contact@thecapitolhorsham.com  

thecapitolhorsham.com