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...
5. CINDERELLA
Portadown Town Hall Theatre, Edward Street, Portadown is the venue for this year's pantomime Cinderella. Now in its 40th year, the Gateway Theatre Group will stage this classic fairy tale from January 13 - 27. Check out 'Portadown Pantomime' on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest on seating availability. Photo: Portadown panto
6. SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS
If it's May McFettridge, it can only be one show - the Grand Opera House Belfast pantomime. Belfast’s much-loved pantomime dame, May McFettridge, as May of the Mirror celebrates her record-breaking 33rd Grand Opera House panto season this year with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs which runs from December 2 until January 14, 2024. Booking at www.goh.co.uk Photo: Grand Opera House
7. HANSEL AND GRETEL
Join Hansel, his sister Gretel and a mischievous little mouse called Monty, as they tumble through their story book and into an enchanted forest of technicolour on the main stage of Belfast's Lyric Theatre this festive season. Together with a host of woodland creatures they will take you on a magical journey to defeat the witch in her sweetie house. Hansel and Gretel runs until January 6, 2024. Booking now at www.lyrictheatre.co.uk Photo: Lyric Theatre
8. JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Portrush Theatre Company are presenting the traditional panto Jack and the Beanstalk in Portrush Town Hall from January 12-13 and 17-20, 2024. There will also be a sensory show on Sunday, January 14. Tickets for this GIANT show are now available from The Little Box Office www.thelittleboxoffice.com Photo: Portrush Theatre Company