Christmas is a great time to go to the theatre to see a panto or a family Christmas show. Here’s my guide to the best 2024 pantomimes in Oxfordshire, as well as the best ‘non panto’ family Christmas theatre shows. If you live close to county boarders, why not check what 2024 pantos are nearby in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire and Gloucestershire too.
SPOTLIGHT PANTOMIME
If you’re looking for the best Panto in Oxfordshire, head to The Theatre Chipping Norton. An intimate theatre, with lots of personality, the Chipping Norton panto always has the perfect mix of colourful characters and lots of laughs.
Chipping Norton Theatre’s Christmas panto reaches for the clouds with the most gigantic panto of them all. Join giant adventures to the Viking kingdom of Smorgasbord, where young Jack must take on talking cows, magic beans and a band of musical horned helmets in search of true love and world peace!
2024 Pantomimes in Oxfordshire
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 villain that everyone hates, a comical dame and young love. A very British tradition a Christmas, here’s the definitive list of pantomimes in Oxford, Didcot, Banbury, Henley and more in 2024.
Jack and the Beanstalk at Chipping Norton Theatre
A giant of a pantomime arrives at Chipping Norton Theatre for the 2024 panto season. Expect laughs, music, magic beans and lots of audience participation.
Snow White at Kenton Theatre in 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!
Sleeping Beauty at the Oxford Playhouse
Expect spellbinding costumes, toe-tapping tunes, and all your favourite loveable (and downright boo-able) panto heroes and villains.
Peter Pan – The Return of Captain Hook at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
A spectacular pantomime is set to sail the seven seas and anchor up at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre for a swashbuckling Christmas full of galleons of fun and a story that will have you hooked!
Launton Village Players – Bicester
Launton Village Players pantomime usually runs in February, details for 2025 to be confirmed
2024 Family Festive Theatre Shows (not pantos) in Oxfordshire
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 around Oxfordshire in 2024.
Hansel & Gretel at North Wall Arts Centre (Oxford)
Join Hansel, Grettel, and a host of bewitching characters and feathered friends as they serve up a musical menu of catchy songs, mystical spells, and just a touch of winter magic.
The Gingerbread Boy at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre (Aylesbury)
Full of heart, laughter and song – and a healthy helping of cake – The Gingerbread Boy is a brand-new Christmas story about friendship and celebrating our differences.
The perfect festive treat for ages 3+ Running time 50 minutes plus meet Santa after the show.
Pegasus Theatre (Oxford) tbc
The Story Museum (Oxford) tbc
Mill Arts Centre (Banbury) tbc
OYAP Trust (Bicester) tbc
Cornerstone (Didcot) tbc
Amey Theatre (Abingdon) tbc
Wykham Theatre in Banbury tbc
Feeling festive? Find out what Christmas events are on for kids in Oxfordshire 2024
