THE LION KING
The Palace Theatre ManchesterThe Lion King Musical transports audiences to a dazzling world that explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music. At its heart is the powerful and moving story of Simba - the epic adventure of his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands. 7.30pm, Wed & Sat mat 2.30pm. £20 - £85.
VAN GOGH ALIVE
Regency Hall BradfordThis autumn, Bradford’s Grade II listed heritage events space, Regency Hall, will host the Yorkshire premiere of Van Gogh Alive, ‘the world’s most visited immersive, multi-sensory experience’ that exhibits the life and work of the seminal Dutch artist. Experience over 3,000 images from the artist that are spectacularly presented with stunning detail, including iconic works like Starry Night, Sunflowers and lesser-known paintings that were inspired by his love of Japanese woodprints. Various times and prices.
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY – THE MUSICAL
Leeds Playhouse Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, LeedsRoald Dahl’s devilishly delicious tale of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and wild confectionary wizard Willy Wonka will take you to a world of pure imagination this festive season. This dazzling reinvention of the successful West End and Broadway musical transports the show to mouth-watering new heights. Various times. £14 - £55.
ALADDIN
Harrogate Theatre Oxford Street, HarrogateHarrogate – your magical carpet ride awaits! Times are tough for Aladdin and his poor mum Widow Twankey. That is until Aladdin finds an enchanted lamp with magical powers that can make all his wishes come true. Various times & prices.
ROBIN HOOD
The Dukes Moor Lane, LancasterRobin Hood is hot on the Sheriff’s heels and needs you to join his merry gang and help defeat the evil Sheriff. Are you ready for battle? Then join us for a tale featuring swords, sorcery and song! Romance and robbery! Archery and acrobatics! Derring-do and sheep pooh! Not to mention the infamous sea serpent of Morecambe! Various times & prices.
DICK WHITTINGTON – The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto
City Varieties Music Hall 46 New Briggate, LeedsPresented by Leeds Heritage Theatres you’ll be wowed by this breath-taking production which mixes traditional elements of audience participation and corny gags with a jukebox full of classic rock anthems and chart-toppers, all performed live on stage by our ultra-talented cast of actor-musicians. Various times. £30 - £14.
JACK & THE BEANSTALK
Albert Halls Victoria Square, BoltonPolka Dot Pantomimes in association with the Albert Halls present Jack and the Beanstalk - the hilarious Pantomime adventure. With a fabulous cast and the biggest Giant in pantoland it won’t cost you a bag of magic beans to see the best traditional family pantomime that is guaranteed to be FE-FI-FO-FUN for everyone! Various times. £18 - £22.
ALL NEW ADVENTURES OF PETER PAN
York Theatre Royal St. Leonard's Place, YorkAll New Adventures of Peter Pan, co-produced with Evolution Productions and starring CBeebies’ Maddie Moate as Tinkerbell. Join us for a fun-packed swashbuckling family adventure with an extra sprinkling of fairy dust magic. Expect laughter, music and family fun galore. Various times £13 - £34.
CINDERELLA – Christmas Panto
The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate LancasterPresented by Lancaster Footlights - Cinderella is a traditional family pantomime enhanced by lots of fantastic musical numbers, dancing, dazzling costumes and audience participation. Expect mayhem and magic. A Christmas treat not to be missed! Various times. £9.50/£10.50.
BETTY! A SORT OF MUSICAL
Royal Exchange Theatre St Ann’s Square, ManchesterAs the first female speaker of the House of Commons, Betty Boothroyd is a Dewsbury girl to celebrate, and the six ladies (plus Calvin) of The Dewsbury Players are going to do just that... through the medium of musical theatre! 'Here's to a woman who conquered the murky world of Westminster with nothing but wit and gumption.. and enough hairspray to turn a tsunami into a kiss curl.' 7.30pm. Wed & Sat mat 2.30pm. Various prices.
STICK MAN
Leeds Playhouse Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, LeedsTouching, funny and utterly original, Freckle Productions’ delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man. This award-winning production, from the team behind Zog and the Flying Doctors, Zog, Tiddler and other Terrific Tales, and Tabby McTat features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves. 10.30am, 1pm & 4pm. £14 -£21.
ROOM ON THE BROOM
The Lowry Pier 8, The Quays, SalfordJump on board the broom with the witch and her cat in Tall Stories’ fun-filled adaptation of Room on the Broom, the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Will there ever be room on the broom for everyone? Find out in the magical Olivier Award nominated show for everyone aged 3 and up. 10.30am & 1pm.
PETER PAN ON ICE
Blackpool Pleasure Beach Ocean Boulevard Promenade, BlackpoolA magical adventure on ice presented by BIDCA. 2.30pm & 7pm. From £10.
THE PANTOMIME ADVENTURES OF PETER PAN
Opera House, Manchester ManchesterComedy superstar Jason Manford will lead the cast in The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan in the role of Captain Hook, joined by returning Manchester panto favourite Ben Nickless as Smee. Various times. £13 - £51.
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
King George’s Hall Northgate, BlackburnThis Christmas, you’re invited to a pantomime full of Fe, Fi, Fo & Fun! Join our hero Jack and his mother Dame Trott as they try to defeat the evil Fleshcreep and his master the Giant who lives in the great castle in the sky. Various times. £14 - £19.50.
OLD GRANNY GOOSE
Grand Opera House YorkBerwick Kaler is back with another spectacular pantomime for Christmas 2022 and joining him will be the dastardly David Leonard, side-kick Martin Barrass, principal ‘girl’ Suzy Cooper and favourite funny man AJ Powell. You may not remember the plot, but you will remember the laughs during the winter months. Various times and prices.
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
The Alhambra Theatre Morley Street, BradfordStarring Bradford panto legend Billy Pearce as Farmer Billy, Emmerdale star and King of the Jungle Danny Miller as Jack and Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK runner-up Divina De Campo as The Spirit of the Beans. Doomed to sell his trusty cow, Jack sets out on a quest to climb a beanstalk of gigantic proportions to cloudland in the spectacular family pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. £17 - £43.
THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE
The Lowry Pier 8, The Quays, SalfordFrom the imagination of Neil Gaiman, best-selling author of Coraline, Good Omens and The Sandman, comes the National Theatre’s major new stage adaptation of The Ocean at the End of the Lane. This thrilling adventure of fantasy, myth and friendship, is a five-star spectacular which blends magic with memory in a tour-de-force of storytelling that takes audiences on an epic journey to a childhood once forgotten and the darkness that lurks at the very edge of it. 7.30pm. Thurs & Sat mat 2pm. £35 - £54.
CLAUS – THE MUSICAL
The Lowry Pier 8, The Quays, SalfordFrom the writer of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz comes the world premiere of Claus The Musical. Based on the beloved children’s book The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum, this brand-new musical is as magical as Christmas itself. Various times & prices.
THE NUTCRACKER – NORTHERN BALLET
Leeds Grand Theatre New Briggate, LeedsA ballet by David Dixon OBE and presented by Northern Ballet. Share in Clara’s adventures as she is swept away by her Nutcracker Prince into an enchanting winter wonderland. Don’t miss dazzling dancing snowflakes, the famous Sugar Plum Fairy and the notorious Mouse King in the ultimate festive entertainment. 2pm & 7pm. £43 - £57.
EXHIBITION: Liam Spencer: Irwell: Afterlife
Spring Antics in the Museum Haslingden Road, RossendaleThe river Irwell was once the hardest working and filthiest river in the world. Now it is an invaluable wildlife corridor within reach of thousands of people. This exhibition will explore the Irwell and its valley, from its source in Rossendale to its final destination at Salford Quays and the Manchester Ship Canal. Paintings, drawings, photographs and film will reveal its post-industrial landscapes and the wildlife which thrives there, often discreet and hidden from view. Free. Wed - Sun: 10am - 4pm, late night Thursday until 8pm.
HAPPA
Happa Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe,, BurnleyA hidden delight set in acres of green space, overlooking the Thursden Valley in Burnley. Although primarily the home of HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association), the site provides everything that you would expect from a first-class award-winning tourist attraction destination. An onsite café serves delicious homemade food and cakes. Keep your children entertained by playing on the outdoor park or find HAPPA Fergus on the Facts With Fergus Trail. Open daily.
YORKSHIRE AIR MUSEUM
Yorkshire Air Museum Halifax Way, Elvington, YorkYorkshire Air Museum has a lot to offer, take a look round and discover the museum and the surrounding areas. From squadrons to sandwiches and everything inbetween. Gift shop and cafe. Open daily except Wednesdays. (Closed: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.) Adult £12, child 4 - 17 yrs £5, family £30. Tickets offer free re-entry for 12 months.
STARGAZING BENEATH INGLEBOROUGH
Ingleborough Cave IngleboroughJoin Pete Collins from Diamond Skies for a guided tour of the Dales night sky, and experience the Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail as never before. The evening will commence in The Old Sawmill Café, at the entrance to the trail, with a talk by Pete. 19th Nov, 14th Jan & 11th Feb. The event is suitable for children.
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Lawrence Batley Theatre Queen's Square, Queen St, HuddersfieldWith spectacular effects, a side-splitting script and musical numbers to get you mooo-ving, come join Jack as he climbs up the beanstalk in this enchanting Christmas adventure of epic proportions! Various times & prices.