From traditional pantomimes, to festive shows to adult Christmas comedies strictly for the grown-ups, here we take a look at all of the seasonal offerings from our local theatres and drama groups.
Pantomime has a long theatrical history in Western culture dating back to the era of classical theatre. Modern pantomime includes songs, gags, slapstick comedy and dancing. It generally combines gender-crossing actors and topical humour with a story more or less based on a well-known fairy tale, fable or folk tale.
Pantomime is definitely a participatory form of theatre, in which the audience is encouraged and expected to sing along with certain parts of the music and shout out phrases to the performers.
For others, the run-up to Christmas means a trip to the theatre for a side-splitting festive show while others enjoy some Christmas crackers of adult comedies. Here’s what’s on offer...
1. PORTADOWN
You'll be castaway by this fantastic production of Robinson Crusoe by the Gateway Theatre Group. Running from January 11-25, 2025, in Portadown Town Hall, Robinson Crusoe will mark 25 years as the panto dame for well known performer Eddie Drury. This exciting, adventure packed pantomime traces Robinson Crusoe's voyage to Tobago where he hopes to locate the hidden treasure shown on the map given to him by Old Jim. Photo: GATEWAY THEATRE GROUP
2. PORTRUSH
Portrush Theatre Company are hard at work preparing for their 2025 pantomime - Rapunzel. The story of the girl renowned for her beautiful long blonde hair and locked up in a tower with no doors by an evil witch will take to the stage of Portrush Town Hall from 10-12 January and 15-18 January (Matinees on Saturdays 11 and 18). Special sensory show on Sunday 12. Check Portrush Theatre Company's Facebook page for details. Photo: PORTRUSH THEATRE COMPANY
3. LARNE
Larne's McNeill Theatre is the venue for another version of Cinderella this panto season. Here Mr Hullaballoo is joined by Jingles the Jester and all of therr friends to help Cinderella go to the ball! The show runs from December 7-15. Visit Mr Hullaballoo's Facebook page for booking details. Photo: MR HULLABALLOO
4. THEATRE AT THE MILL
Newtownabbey's Theatre at the Mill welcomes Yellow Jumper Productions’ hilarious and heartfelt panto - a dazzling twist on the classic tale of Cinderella, where enchantment meets modern flair. Packed with uproarious antics and awesome songs, their vibrant cast of characters, from the lovable Cinderella to the mischievous Silly Stepsisters, will sweep you away on a magical adventure. Guaranteed to be an absolute ball for princesses, princes, and people across the land, the show runs from December 1 - 30. Go to www.theatreatthemill.com for booking. Photo: YELLOW JUMPER