Whether you want to celebrate ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ or need some distraction from relentless cheer, we have plenty of performances to entertain you this Christmas.
It’s behind you!
If you’re 8 or if you’re 80, panto season is not behind you! Packed with sparkle, songs, comedy and heaps of festive fun, pantomimes are a source of delight for all ages.
There are two productions of Aladdin for you to choose from – or go to both and see if you can get six wishes granted!! At Norwich Theatre Royal you’ll find stars of stage and screen in a production packed with boos, hisses, colourful costumes and A LOT of glitter. Meanwhile at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, the traditional tale has been transported to Abanazer International, the finest hotel in all of Arabia – join bellboy Aladdin and friends to defeat the hotelier from hell…
2023’s Pantomime at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds. Photo Tom Soper
Over in Ipswich, New Wolsey Theatre’s award-winning rock’n’roll panto team are giving Sleeping Beauty a makeover – expect a show packed with live music and hysterical antics. And if you really want to take advantage of everything our region has to offer, then head to Sheringham Little Theatre to see their production of Robin Hood. Whilst you’re in Sheringham, head to the seafront and treat yourself to a Norfolk-made ice cream at Ellie’s. They have over 60 flavours including…Christmas Pudding!
Northern Ballet bring their magical take on A Christmas Carol to Norwich Theatre Royal
Dance your way to Christmas
Perhaps you think you’re a bit sophisticated for panto? Does all that shouting out give you a headache? No worries, there’s definitely something for you.
At DanceEast in Ipswich, The Little Prince will enchant children and adults alike. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s world-famous story about the power of friendship and the complexity of love, is told with Protein Dance’s critically acclaimed mix of dance, humour, and spoken word. And in Norwich, the mighty Northern Ballet bring their characteristic dance storytelling to the ultimate festive tale, A Christmas Carol.
The Little Prince at DanceEast. Photo Jane Hobson
A hint of tradition
Something about this time of year makes us even more fond of tradition. If you’re looking for a Christmas classic, then we’ve got that covered too.
Take a step back to Edwardian London and encounter the world’s most famous detective – Sherlock Holmes. Join him as he recounts the story of The Blue Carbuncle, a priceless gem stolen days before Christmas; hear this and other sleuthing tales in The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes at East Point Pavilion in Lowestoft. Or perhaps you’d like to step back further – to a Victorian Christmas, when miserly Ebenezer Scrooge receives a transformative visit from three ghostly figures. Eastern Angles production of A Christmas Carol will fill the auditorium with music and merriment in a unique staging that immerses the audience in the much-loved story.
The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes at East Point Pavilion
And finally – something spectacular!
Combining the energy of pantomime, the skill of traditional circus and some truly unique staging, Great Yarmouth Hippodrome’s Christmas Spectacular Circus & Water Show has to be seen to be believed. Featuring a cast of international circus artists, the real magic of this show is revealed when the stage drops to reveal a swimming pool in the centre of the stage!
Add to this beaches that are as perfect for a wintry stroll as they are for a sunny day, dining options from Michelin-starred restaurants to award-winning street food and a wealth of independent shops and boutiques for gift shopping. Norfolk and Suffolk have real riches to offer this festive season.
