Pantomimes in the Midlands 2026/27

About Pantomimes in the Midlands

Pantomime season in the Midlands runs from late November through to early January, with productions staged across a wide range of theatres, arts centres, and venues. For many families, the annual panto is the Christmas event - a shared experience that is at once silly, spectacular, and genuinely beloved, and that works across a remarkably wide age range from young children to grandparents.

The Midlands has a particularly strong tradition of in-house panto - productions created and performed by the resident company of a regional theatre, rather than touring shows brought in from outside. The Wolverhampton Grand is the standout example: its in-house production of Sleeping Beauty won Best Pantomime (Over 950 Seats) at the 2026 Pantomime Awards, the national awards ceremony for the industry. For 2026/27 the Grand presents Treasure Island, running from 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. The Belgrade Theatre in Coventry is another in-house panto with national recognition - its 2025/26 Sleeping Beauty won Best Costumes at the same awards ceremony. Derby Theatre, Nottingham Playhouse, and the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme all produce their own Christmas shows with distinctive theatrical identities. These in-house productions are often more character-led and less reliant on celebrity casting than their commercial equivalents, and frequently offer a richer experience for families who want something beyond the standard panto formula.

At the larger end of the scale, the Birmingham Hippodrome, Nottingham's Theatre Royal, and venues like Derby Arena stage commercial pantomimes that combine the traditional format with high production values, popular celebrity casting, and spectacular staging. These shows suit families who want a big, energetic event with all the familiar panto elements delivered at maximum scale.

Across the region, most pantomimes run Tuesday to Sunday with matinee and evening performances through the school holiday period. Weekend matinees in December are the most popular and sell out earliest. If flexibility allows, a Tuesday or Wednesday matinee in the first two weeks of December often offers more affordable tickets and a more relaxed atmosphere. Browse the listings below and book early - the most popular shows and dates sell out well before Christmas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an in-house pantomime and a touring pantomime?
An in-house pantomime is created and performed by the resident team of a specific theatre - written, designed, and directed for that venue and its audience. A touring pantomime is produced by a commercial company and visits multiple venues across the country. In-house productions tend to have a more distinctive creative identity; touring shows often feature nationally recognised celebrity casting and higher production budgets. Both offer a genuinely entertaining family experience - the choice depends on what matters most to your family.
What age is pantomime suitable for?
Pantomime works across a very wide age range, which is part of what makes it such a good family outing. Most productions are broadly suitable from around age 3 upwards, though very young children may find loud sound effects or sudden scene changes startling. The best pantos have different levels of comedy working simultaneously - physical slapstick for younger children and more knowing adult humour for parents. Always check individual listings for any age guidance from the venue.
How long does a pantomime last?
Most pantomimes run for approximately two to two and a half hours including an interval. Some productions aimed specifically at younger children run shorter without an interval. Check individual listings for running times before booking, particularly if you are attending with very young children.
When do Midlands pantomimes open and close?
Most productions open in late November and run through to early January, with some running into late January. The peak period is the two weeks either side of Christmas, when shows typically run daily including additional matinees. Booking early gives the widest choice of dates and seats.
Are there relaxed pantomime performances for children with SEND?
Many regional theatres in the Midlands offer relaxed performances of their Christmas show - typically with reduced sound levels, adjusted lighting, a relaxed house atmosphere, and a quiet space available outside the auditorium. The Wolverhampton Grand now stages three relaxed performances each season, with reduced capacity and additional wheelchair spaces. Check individual venue listings or contact the venue directly to confirm relaxed performance dates for your chosen production.
What pantomime events are listed for the Midlands on Midsmas?
Midsmas lists pantomime productions across the East and West Midlands, from nationally award-winning in-house productions at regional theatres to large-scale commercial shows at major venues. All events are family-friendly. We list and describe events editorially without ranking or reviewing them, so you can browse and decide what suits your family.

View all Christmas events in the Midlands

We use anonymous analytics and spam protection tools. Find out more.