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...
9. JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
....and there's another Jack and the Beanstalk panto playing this season. It's at the Millennium Forum in L'Derry. A gigantic beanstalk, Caroline the cow, magic beans, a goose that lays golden eggs and the nastiest of giants, telling the story of peasant boy Jack and his attempts to please his impoverished mother and win the hand of Princess Jill, JACK AND THE BEANSTALK remains one of the best-loved pantomimes of all time. The show runs from November 30 - December 31. Booking now at www.millenniumforum.co.uk Photo: Millennium Forum
10. Christmas shows
Belvoir Players present Beauty and the Beast in the Belvoir Studio Theatre in Belfast. Belladonna, the wicked enchantress, is determined to win the hand of Prince Danton, no matter who stands in her way, much to the amusement of flower fairy Flora. Beautiful Belle from the village spends her time avoiding the village beau Gustave who impresses everyone – except her! Beauty and the Beast runs from December 20 until January 6, 2024. Booking now at www.belvoirplayers.org Photo: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
11. HAVE YOURSELF A SCARY LITTLE CHRISTMAS
...and now some shows for the ADULTS at Christmas! Picture this: Christmas Eve, an eerie ancestral estate, and a TV psychic, Nancy Nugent, ready to livestream the mysteries lurking within. But what if the ghosts she hunts are too ghastly even for her? Intriguing secrets, elusive guests and a sprinkle of holiday spookiness will keep you glued to your seat throughout. It's all part of the festive shivers in Have Yourself a Scary Little Christmas with Grimes and McKee at the Lyric Theatre from December 1 - January 6, 2024. Booking now at www.lyrictheatre.co.uk. Age and content advisory 15 years plus. Photo: LYRIC THEATRE
12. JACK AND HIS BELFAST BEANSTALK
The Waterfront Hall presents an ADULT pantomime Jack and his Belfast Beanstalk in the Waterfront Studio until December 29. This hilarious production is packed to the brim full of innuendos, local comedy, parodies of well-known songs and audience participation. It truly is an experience like no other with a performance that's sure to be cheeky, saucy and just a little bit naughty. Who are we kidding? VERY naughty! So leave the kids at home as this isn’t your typical panto. Booking now www.waterfront.co.uk Photo: Waterfront Hall