Christmas Shows and Pantos in Harpenden & Surrounding Areas
If you're searching for Christmas shows and pantos to attend in Harpenden and surrounding areas, we have listed a selection of them for you, friends and family to enjoy!
The All-New Adventures of Peter Pan
Coronation Street Legend Chris Gascoyne will star as Captain Hook, alongside CBeebies Maddie Moate as Tinkerbell, and St Albans’ favourite Ian Kirkby as Mrs Smee.
Where: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3LD.
When: Friday 8th - Sunday 31st December, various times.
Tickets: Adults £17.50 to £34.50, Concessions £2.50 off
About: The Alban Arena has been a premier entertainment venue for top-name shows and large events such as the St Albans Beer and Cider Festival, for over 50 years.
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The Beauty and the Beast
A great family pantomime with spectacular scenery, glittering costumes and amazing special effects.
Where: Eric Morecambe Centre, Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2FR.
When: Saturday 9th – Sunday 30th December, various times.
Tickets: Standard Ticket £20.00, Concessions £18.00, Family (2 Adults, 2 Children) £71.00
About: The Eric Morecambe Centre was opened in a brand-new facility in 2021 in Harpenden and is a luxurious culture and entertainment centre.
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The Big Choir Christmas Show
This charity choir will be doing a special Christmas evening with festive cheer, fundraising for Cancer Research.
Where: St Paul's Church, Blandford Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 4JP.
When: Tuesday 12th December, 19:30-21:30.
Tickets: £10 for adults, under 16’s £5.
About: A choir fundraising for Cancer Research and specifically The Francis Crick Institute, who through raise money through monthly subscriptions, collections, and ticket sales to events.
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Carols at the Cathedral
Catch Christmas carols with the choir on the hour in the majestic setting of the cathedral and feel free to join in.
Where: Where: St Albans Cathedral, Sumpter Yard, St Albans, AL1 1BY
When: Saturday 16th December, 11:00-17:00 (last performance 16:00).
Tickets: No tickets required.
About: The St Albans Cathedral is the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain. It is a place of faith with an incredible history and beauty, that puts on remarkable events for all ages.
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CBeebies Christmas Panto: Robin Hood
Catch the annual CBeebies panto on the big screen at the lovely vintage and independent Odyssey cinema. See listings for other Christmas films in December.
Where: The Odyssey Cinema, 166 London Rd, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 1PQ.
When: Sunday 17th December, 10:30.
Tickets: December films are open for sale from 10.30am on Friday 17th November.
About: The Odyssey Cinema has its origins from 1908 and was rescued in a derelict state in 2010 to be restored to its former art deco glory. It puts on a busy programme of new and old movie screenings.
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A Christmas Carol
The ultimate Christmas story comes back to the open-air theatre in St Albans for an immersive, magical evening’s performance.
Where: The Roman Theatre of Verulamium, Bluehouse Hill, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 6AE.
When: Thursday 7th – Saturday 23rd December, various times.
Tickets: £15.00 (Children) | £25.00 (Adults)
£70.00 (Family ticket 2 Adults + up to 3 Children)
About: Ovo Theatre is a theatre production company based in St. Albans who put on modern versions of the classics at the Ovo Theatre in the Maltings and, at the open-air Verulam theatre.
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Festivelea Christmas Charity Concert
Christmas carols sung by local Lea Singers choir.
Where: Eric Morecambe Centre, Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2FR.
When: Thursday 21st December, show starts 20:00.
Tickets: Standard Ticket £15.00, Concessions Under 18’s & Students £8.00.
About: The Eric Morecambe Centre was opened in a brand-new facility in 2021 in Harpenden and is a luxurious culture and entertainment centre. The Lea Singers are a chamber choir of 30 members, based in Harpenden who have been performing for over 60 years.
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The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Resident production company put on this magical CS Lewis show, suitable for ages 7+.
Where: Westminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 2DL
When: Saturday 16th – Thursday 28th December, various times.
Tickets: £15, Concessions £13, 13 & under £9
About: The Abbey Theatre was a purpose-built theatre opened in 1967 and thanks to the support of the local community, puts on regular performances for all ages. The Company of Ten is St Albans’ oldest and most prestigious theatrical group who built, own and run the Abbey Theatre.
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Rapunzel
The critically acclaimed creative team that brought you ‘Hansel & Gretel’ are back with more fun-fuelled pantomime madness.
Where: Sandpit Theatre, Sandringham School, The Ridgeway, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 9NX.
When: Saturday 16th – Sunday 31st December, 12:00 and 15:00.
Tickets: Adult £17.50, Child (under 16) £13.50
About: The Sandpit Theatre on the site of the Sandringham School opened in 2001 with seating up to 268.
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The Snowman
A live performance of the Snowman and Wallace & Gromit, The Wrong Trousers.
Where: St Albans Cathedral, Sumpter Yard, St Albans, AL1 1BY
When: Saturday 2nd December, 15:15 and 18:30.
Tickets: From £22, concessions (children under 18 & over 60s) start at £19.
About: The St Albans Cathedral is the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain. It is a place of faith with an incredible history and beauty, that puts on remarkable events for all ages. Carrot Productions is the world's leading performers of The Snowman film with orchestra, currently celebrating ten years.
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Snow White
Princess Ana from Frozen pops up in this panto, a traditional story with a twist.
Where: Westminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 2DL
When: Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th January 2024.
Tickets: Adults £15, Seniors (over 60) £12, Children (16 and under) £9
About: The Abbey Theatre was a purpose-built theatre opened in 1967 and thanks to the support of the local community, puts on regular performances for all ages.
The Hurst Children’s Theatre Group is a family-run production company that has been going for over 70 years with over 500 children across their classes and in their shows.
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St. Albans Christmas Gingerbread Trail
Find the 10 gingerbread characters marked on the map (in the windows of St Albans businesses), then post your trail card in the post-box at the St Albans Museum.
Where: Around St Albans city centre – trail map to be announced.
When: Friday 17th November – Saturday 23rd December, any time.
Tickets: Free, no tickets required.
About: Enjoy St Albans is run by St Albans city and district council and St Albans bid and promotes all that the city has to offer with guidance on events, history, and culture.
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Traditional Carol Singers
A traditional quarter of acapella singers will be around town performing beautiful renditions of Christmas carols in the city.
Where: St Albans Clock Tower, Christopher Place and Marketplace, St Albans city centre, Hertfordshire.
When: Saturday 16th December, 12:00 -14:30.
Tickets: Free – catch them when you can!
About: Enjoy St Albans is run by St Albans city and district council and St Albans bid and promotes all that the city has to offer with guidance on events, history, and culture.
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surrounding areas
Aladdin
Always a popular choice, kids and adults alike will enjoy the magic of this show.
Where: Broadway theatre, Eastcheap, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3DD
When: Thursday 14th – Sunday 17th December, various times.
Tickets: See website for details.
About: The Broadway theatre is run by the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation, which supports local charity endeavours.
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The Ballad of Old Rudy
An original Christmas inspired play for kids age 5+ about a reindeer and a penguin.
Where: The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3AE.
When: Tuesday 5th - Sunday 24th December, various times.
Tickets: £12, £10 Child/Dacorum Card, £40 Family Ticket
About: The Old Town Hall is part of the Dacorum Borough Council, run since 1978 by theatre loving individuals.
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Beauty and the Beast
A traditional family pantomime with fun choreography and uplifting music.
Where: The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, Hertfordshire, WD7 8HL.
When: Saturday 2nd – Sunday 31st December, various times.
Tickets: Standard tickets £24, Under 16 £22
About: The Radlett Centre is a modern auditorium presenting programme of drama, musicals, comedy, and kids' shows, plus conferences.
Upstage Productions was founded in 1990 and is a theatre company that puts on family classic pantomimes.
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Beauty and the Big Beast (adults only)
Strictly for over 16 years old, this panto by the Adult Panto Company is full of fun and sexual innuendo.
Where: The Market Theatre, 6A Sun Street, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 1AE.
When: Friday 24th November 2023 – Saturday 2nd March 2024, various times.
Tickets: All Tickets £19.50 (plus booking fees).
About: The Market Theatre was originally an old industrial unit, converted in 1996 into a small-scale professional theatre. Thursday is “Cheap Night.”
The Market Theatre Adult Panto & Touring Company has been putting on adult only shows for twenty years.
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Cinderella
Cinderella but set in Watford in 1999 - presented by the directing and designing duo, James Williams, and Cleo Pettitt.
Where: Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ
When: Thursday 30th November – Sunday 31st December, various times.
Tickets: Prices start at £9.99.
About: The Watford Palace Theatre is a beautiful Edwardian auditorium that opened in 1908, and to this day puts on theatrical, comedy, children, and music shows.
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Cinderella
With all the classic elements of a well-loved familiar pantomime for all ages.
Where: The Spotlight, High Street, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, EN11 8BE.
When: Friday 8th – Sunday 31st December, various times.
Tickets: See website for details.
About: The Spotlight theatre was formerly Broxbourne Civic Hall and has an auditorium that can seat 500, as well as six acres of lovely gardens.
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Dick Whittington
A firm family favourite pantomime.
Where: The Boxmoor Playhouse, 72 St John's Rd, Hemel Hempstead HP1 1NP
When: Thu 30th November - Sun 10th December 2023.
Tickets: Adults: £15, Children/Concessions: £12, Groups of 10+ £10.
About: The Boxmoor Playhouse is the largest theatre in Hemel Hempstead and has been owned and managed by the members of the Hemel Hempstead Theatre Company since 1997. The HHTheatreCo is a group of local enthusiasts (all volunteers), with a wide range of skills, united by a love of theatre.
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Little Red Riding Hood
This familiar story with sing-along and audience participation is perfect for children ages 3-8yrs.
Where: The Market Theatre, 6A Sun Street, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 1AE.
When: Saturday 9th – Saturday 30th December, various times.
Tickets: All Tickets £11 (babes in arms £1).
About: The Market Theatre was originally an old industrial unit, converted in 1996 into a small-scale professional theatre. Thursday is “Cheap Night”.
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Peter Pan and Me
Ticket holders can attend Pirate Cove Creation Station for an hour before the show. The show is suitable for children age 4+. Come join Michael as he recalls his adventures in Neverland.
Where: Hat Factory Arts Centre, 65 - 67 Bute Street, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2EY
When: Saturday 9th – Sunday 24th December, various times.
Tickets: £11 Adults, £9 children + £1 booking fee.
About: The Full House Theatre puts on theatrical experiences for children, to engage, entertain and inspire for many age ranges.
The Culture Trust Luton is an arts and cultural charity which has four inspiring sites; the Stockwood Discovery Centre, Wardown House, Museum and Gallery, the Hat Factory Arts Centre, and the Hat District.
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Robin Hood
The Campus West pantomime has a version for families this year (age 4+) with Robin Hood, Maid Marion, and lots of laughs.
Where: Campus West, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, St Albans, AL8 6BX.
When: Wednesday 6th December – Wednesday 3rd January, various times.
Tickets: Start at £17.75.
About: Campus West has been running for 50 years in Welwyn Garden City and has an independent cinema, roller skating rink, soft play, live theatre venue, food, and drink.
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Robin Hood (adults only)
The blue version of the panto – strictly for over 18s!
Where: Campus West, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, St Albans, AL8 6BX.
When: Wednesday 20th – Saturday 30th December, 19:30.
Tickets: Start at £28.80
About: Campus West has been running for 50 years in Welwyn Garden City and has an independent cinema, roller skating rink, soft play, live theatre venue, food, and drink.
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Sleeping Beauty
A fun filled rendition of the Sleeping Beauty panto.
Where: The Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 1LZ.
When: Wednesday 29th November – Sunday 21st January 2024, various times.
Tickets: Start from £17:00.
About: The Gordon Craig Theatre has 501 seats and opened in 1975 in Stevenage. Jordan Productions is one of the leading pantomime producers in the UK with star casts.
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Sleeping Beauty
Good versus evil with fairies for good measure in this spectacular panto.
Where: Watersmeet, High Street, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 1EH.
When: Friday 8th – Sunday 31st December, various times.
Tickets: See website for details.
About: Watersmeet opened in 1975 and has strived to be as sustainable as possible as a venue whilst putting on shows for all the family.
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Snow White
Everything you would expect from a family panto with fun costumes, songs, and special effects.
Where: Wyllyotts Theatre, Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 2HZ.
When: Friday 15th - Sunday 31st December, various times.
Tickets: Adult £19 - £22, Children £16.50-£19.50, Family Ticket £68-£78 (2 adults + 2 children)
About: Wyllyotts Theatre is a 421-capacity space for shows and cinema, with retractable seating plus conference and meeting rooms.
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