Christmas is a great time to go to the theatre to see a panto or a family Christmas show. Here’s a fab guide to all the 2023 pantomimes in Berkshire from Newbury and Reading to Maidenhead and Basingstoke, as well as the best ‘non panto’ family Christmas theatre shows. If you live close to county borders, find all the pantomimes in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Surrey too.
2024 Pantomimes & Family Christmas Theatre Shows in Berkshire
Scroll on down and you’ll find what pantos and children’s theatre shows are taking to the stage this year in Berkshire. Click on any of the links for more information.
SPOTLIGHT – PINOCCHIO AT NORDEN FARM
Norden Farm in Maidenhead always have the most wonderful show at Christmas which I’ve always enjoy taking my son to. Visit the incredible world of Stuff and Nonsense as they bring Pinocchio to Norden Farm in Maidenead for Christmas 2024. Suitable for ages 3+ this is a perfect Christmas theatre show alternative to a panto.
2024 Christmas Family Theatre Show in Berkshire
Pantomimes can be a little overwhelming for young kids or not your cup of tea. A family outing to the theatre over the Christmas holidays is a lovely treat, often experiences make the best presents. Here’s a lineup of some great children’s theatre 2023 around Berkshire this December.
Pinnochio at Norden Farm (Maidenhead)
Stuff and Nonsense are leaders in family theatre. Their adaptation of Pinocchio combines classic elements of the story – a poor woodcarver, the tell-tale growing nose, the dream of becoming a real boy – with their hallmark hilarity, skilled puppetry, original music, fantastic staging, outstanding performers and extraordinary physical tricks.
The Snow Queen at Reading Rep (Reading)
Immerse yourself in a festive world inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless folktale. With original music, vibrant characters and a flurry of Reading Rep magic.
Pinocchio at Watermill Theatre (Newbury)
With courage, heart, and a sprinkling of magic, Pinocchio celebrates what it means to grow up; the mistakes we make, the lessons we learn and the power of unconditional love.
The Owl Who Came For Christmas at The Haymarket (Basingstoke)
With toe-tapping songs, captivating puppetry, and plenty of opportunities for audience participation, this show promises to delight audiences of all ages.
2024 Berkshire Pantos
He’s behind you, oh no he isn’t, oh yes he is. A great pantomime is full of larger than life characters, lots of laughs, a villian that everyone hates, a comical dame and young love. A very British tradition a Christmas, here’s the definitive list of pantomimes in Berkshire for 2024.
Sleeping Beauty at The Anvil (Basingstoke)
The fabulous family pantomime at The Anvil promises a laugh-a-minute extravaganza with stunning sets, top musical hits, fantastic costumes, and exciting special effects to keep audiences both young and old entertained!
Snow White is on at Kenton Theatre (Henley-on-Thames)
This fun-filled festive extravaganza is bursting at the seams with all the ingredients audiences have come to expect from our much-loved pantomimes: dazzling costumes, spectacular dance routines, a hilarious script, bags of audience interaction, and maybe even the odd water gun or two!
Dick Whittington is this year’s panto at Windsor Theatre Royal (Windsor)
Expect traditional pantomime comedy capers, dazzling dancers, colourful costumes and a sprinkling of magic.
Robin Hood & the Magic Arrow at South Hill Park Arts Centre (Ringmead, near Bracknell) –
Pantomime returns to the Wilde Theatre in 2024 with Robin Hood and the Magic Arrow – full of all the mayhem and merriment you’ve come to expect.
Cinderella Maidenhead Panto at Braywick Leisure Centre (Maidenhead)
Expect lots of laughter, plenty of magic, bundles of audience participation and to see some familiar characters too.
Cinderella at The Hexagon (Reading)
With tons of slapstick comedy, plenty of audience interaction and stunning musical numbers that you are guaranteed to be singing for days afterwards.
Dick Whittington at Corn Exchange (Newbury)
ou can expect all of the usual Newbury pantomime fun, with toe-tapping tunes from across the decades, plenty of magic and sparkle, and, of course, lots of laughter – purrfect for the whole family.
Cookham Dean Village Hall (Cookham Dean) – tbc
Riverside Players at The Memorial Hall, Old Windsor will be performing The Prince’s Ball – tbc
