‘Tis the season
16th November 2025
Aladdin, Princess Theatre, Hunstanton © Ian Burt Photography
From pantos and canine carols to Christmas concerts and shows, there really is something for everyone, says Sarah Hardy – oh yes, there is!
PANTOS AND SHOWS
CINDERELLA, THEATRE ROYAL, NORWICH
6 December to 4 January
It’s billed as the region’s biggest and best panto and never disappoints! This year sees Coronation Street’s Georgia May Foote as Cinderella, with panto favourite Joe Tracini as her Buttons and Nimmo Twin Owen Evans and drag legend Kenny Moore as the wicked sisters, pictured. Who could want more, especially as it’s set in a seaside hotel? Expect glitter, gags and more than a few surprises along the way.
ALADDIN, PRINCESS THEATRE, HUNSTANTON
6 December to 4 January
All aboard that magic carpet for a ride above The Wash as this action-packed panto entertains the whole family. Expect great special effects, exciting musical numbers and more than a smattering of audience participation. Look out for dancers from the Rollason Stage School in Dersingham, which is run by the show’s choreographer Lucy-Rose Rollason and her mum. And Hunstanton favourite Sam Littlewood is back – this time in the lead role of Aladdin.
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, KING’S LYNN CORN EXCHANGE
9 December to 4 January
Join Jack, Dame Trott, and the very loveable Clarabelle the Cow for an unmissable adventure – with plenty of fee-fi-fo fun! There are magic beans, a castle in the sky and a giant who’s a little bit grumpy. King’s Lynn favourite Scott Cripps is back to bring the laughs as Silly Billy while Harry Hart, who made his debut last year, returns as Dame Trott. The panto promises all the usual fun and games, and there are lots of daytime shows so it’s perfect for little ones.
www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
THE WIZARD OF OZ, SHERINGHAM LITTLE THEATRE
13 December to 4 January
Join Dorothy and Toto on an unforgettable journey from Sheringham to Oz in this family-friendly show which is packed with great song and dance routines and plenty of traditional features including getting the children up on stage and the ever-popular sing-alongs! Just look out for those cheeky Munchkins. And remember – tap your heels three times and say: ‘There’s no place like Sheringham panto’!
www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com
CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR, THURSFORD
8 November to 23 December
It’s the big one. Think over-the-top and add a bit more. With a cast of more than 120 performers, this annual extravaganza, now in its 48th year, sees people travelling to it from all over the country. The performers, who will sing and dance you through a wide variety of festive numbers, are all of a West End standard and the production values are always strong, too. It’s as much a part of Christmas as turkey and tinsel, and is aimed at those aged eight and above. Under-fives are not admitted.
CROMER PIER CHRISTMAS SHOW, PAVILION THEATRE
15 November to 28 December
This highly acclaimed variety show always offers a really eclectic mix of music, comedy, dance and daring – with a healthy dose of slapstick thrown in, too. The eight-metre video wall delivers impressive special effects and Norfolk’s own Olly Day returns as host (it is his 16th year), so you can expect his usual wit and wisdom.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL, WELLS MALTINGS
6 and 7 December
This classic Christmas story has a cast of four well-known actors (Philip Bird, Sabina Franklyn, Jenny Funnell and Daniel Hill) who take us through Scrooge’s redemption as he changes from a miser into a more kind-hearted chap! It’s a lovely interpretation of this Charles Dickens classic.
THE MEDIAEVAL BAEBES, NORWICH CATHEDRAL
16 December, 7.30pm
A torchlit procession marks the start of this Twelfth Moon concert from this talented six-strong choral group. Expect an evening of musical stories, poetry and theatre, plus tracks from their new album, The Spinning Wheel. There are wonderful costumes, soaring harmonies and the group can play a wide variety of musical instruments! They also perform at St Nicholas’ Chapel in King’s Lynn on 17 December from 7.30pm.
www.cathedral.org.uk; www.mediaevalbaebes.com
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
19 to 24 December
Step into a world of candlelight and carols in this reimagining of Dickens’ classic Christmas tale at Westacre Theatre. Adapted by Neil Bartlett and directed by Sadie Grist and Becky Owen-Fisher, follow scrooge as he is guided through the past, present and future, with a few surprise visitors along the way.
CAROLS AND CONCERTS
SHERINGHAM AND CROMER CHORAL SOCIETY’S CANDLELIT CHRISTMAS CONCERT
13 December, 7.30pm
The celebrated choir, which was formed in 1933, performs at St Botolph’s Church in Trunch for the first time. With David Ballard as director, they will perform music dedicated to the three festive seasons of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, with a mixture of old classics, audience participation and new settings of old works.
BETTY’S CLUB CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
16 December, 3pm
Betty’s Club – for local people with dementia and cognitive decline, and their families – is inviting the local community to join them for carols by candlelight at All Saints Church in Burnham Market. The Betty’s Singers will be singing four of their favourite carols and there will be festive readings and followed by mince pies. The Betty’s Christmas fir tree will be decorated with messages from members with their happy memories of Christmases past.
KING’S LYNN FESTIVAL CHORUS’ CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT
20 December, 5pm
This ever-popular family concert from the King’s Lynn Festival Chorus, which is celebrating its 49th season, offers readings and carols for both the choir and the audience at St Nicholas’ Chapel, King’s Lynn. Music director Ben Horden is joined by brass players from the Royal Academy of Music who will certainly add some festive sparkle.
www.kingslynnfestivalchorus.co.uk
CAROLS IN THE COURTYARD, FELBRIGG HALL
21 December, 2.30pm
This is a really popular event, so you need to arrive early if you want to park! Sing along to the Sheringham and Cromer Brass Band who promise plenty of traditional favourites. Enjoy a little mulled wine to get you in the festive mood, and the shop and cafe are open, too, but not the hall itself.
CANINE CAROL SERVICE, HOLKHAM
22 December, 10.30am
A pawsome outdoor service, led by Rev Brenda Steward, for dogs and their owners. Fancy dress is welcome and the concert is followed by a dog show and then a walk around the Estate, with the whole thing expected to finish about 1pm. The cafe and shop will be open so there’s plenty of opportunity for refreshments and last-minute shopping, too!
CROMER RNLI CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT
22 December, from 6.30pm
Head to Sundown in the grounds of The Grove Hotel in Cromer for this annual event. Festivities begin with refreshments followed by the Carol Concert at 7pm. This year’s concert will be led by Reverend Peter Streete, an RNLI volunteer, with musical accompaniment provided by local brass band I dunno. Note, there is no parking, but there is local on street parking.
Find them on Facebook
AND FINALLY… SOMETHING FOR THE LITTLE ONES
THE CAT IN THE HAT, NORWICH PLAYHOUSE
11 to 21 December
This is a perfect ‘first experience’ offering for children aged three and above. They all love Dr Seuss and his crazy tale involving a red and white hat and a cheeky cat. It lasts just 40 minutes and is jam packed with laughter!
FESTIVE FOREST FABLES
11 to 23 December, select dates
Norwich Theatre and ROARR! have joined forces to bring ‘A Cinderella Illuminated Fairytale’ to the Lenwade-based Dinosaur Park. It’s set in a sparkling forest wonderland, filled with theatrical wonders and magical surprises inspired by Norwich Theatre’s pantomime Cinderella (6 December to 4 January, Norwich Theatre Royal). Along the way, you’ll meet familiar characters, cheeky performers, see larger-than-life props and even play a fun part of the adventure! After your Cinderella experience, you will follow a glittering pathway further along the trail featuring some fabulous pantomime illuminations amongst the dinosaurs, including Peter Pan, Dick Whittington, Jack and the Beanstalk, Aladdin, and a mirror ball finale of Snow White.
Check websites for timings, ticket prices and booking requirements
