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...
13. COOKSTOWN
Stewartstown Amateur Dramatics Society returns to the Burnavon Theatre in Cookstown on weekends in January and early February 2025 for another magical panto season! Beauty and the Beast is a story of a young prince who is cast under the spell by a nasty witch. His spell can only be broken if he finds true love before the last petal falls from the rose. Get your tickets early for this family pantomime to avoid disappointment. Contact the Box Office on 028 8676 9949 for Group Bookings. Photo: BURNAVON THEATRE
14. BELFAST
..and finally, one STRICTLY for the adults! Belfast’s one and only late night ADULT Panto returns to the Waterfront Hall & Ulster Hall Belfast from 28 November to 29 December 2024 with Sleeping With Beauty. It is not for the faint hearted or prudish, you have been WARNED! This risqué retelling is packed to the brim with all the magic and music of the pantos we know and love but they’ve thrown in tons of innuendos, local comedy, parodies of well-known songs and audience participation to give you a night filled with laughter. Booking now on waterfront.co.uk Photo: WATERFRONT HALL