London Pantomime Tickets

Fee, fi, fo, fum, there’s a Christmas pantomime in London for you and they’re lots of fun. Whether you want a family-friendly pantomime or an adult panto for older ears, there’s a West End pantomime for you. Watch fairytales come to life — get pantomime tickets on London Theatre Direct.

What is a panto in London?

A panto (short for pantomime) in London refers to a traditional British theatrical performance that combines slapstick comedy, song, dance, and audience participation, often performed around the Christmas season. Despite the name, it’s not silent like classic mime; instead, it’s a lively and interactive form of entertainment. Pantos are family-friendly, though they often include cheeky humor that appeals to adults as well.

Pantos typically retell well-known fairy tales or stories, such as Cinderella, Aladdin, or Jack and the Beanstalk, but with a comedic twist and modern references. Signature elements include a "dame" (a male actor in flamboyant women's clothing), over-the-top villains, and plenty of opportunities for the audience to cheer the heroes and boo the villains. London’s panto season features productions in theatres across the city, ranging from lavish West End spectacles to charming local shows. It’s a quintessentially British experience and great fun for all ages!

London Pantomime

Christmas and pantomime go hand in hand. This merry Christmas performance style is a core part of the theatre calendar: for many people, seeing a panto is their earliest experience of watching live entertainment. Embracing silly storytelling with centuries-old traditions, pantomimes are able to celebrate the wider community. The London Palladium is often said to be the home of variety shows, with Olivier Award-winning pantomimes taking place every December and January. Check out all the pantomimes in the West End and beyond and discover how important pantomimes are to British culture. 

West End Pantomime Tickets for the Whole Family

Pantomimes are designed for families. With jokes tailored to little ears, as well as double entendres and adult humour that will go over children’s heads, everyone from age 2 - 102 will find something to laugh at when they’re watching a London pantomime. Wherever you are in London, you’ll be near a performance of Peter Pan, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Aladdin. If you can’t decide what show to see, why not check out Potted Panto? Rolling 8 stories into 80 minutes, the high-octane production is a must-see if you want to dive in head first to pantomimes.

Off-West End Pantomime Shows

Explore the bright lights of London’s theatre scene away from the West End at an off-West End pantomime show. Some of the major playhouses across the capital stage incredible works, blending contemporary storytelling while incorporating all the pantomime traditions you’ll know and love. Aladdin’s magic carpet hovers over Hammersmith, whilst Olivier award-winner Chris Bush (Standing at the Sky’s Edge) swaps Sheffield for Sherwood in Robin Hood & the Christmas Heist . If you want to experience a classic pantomime, then it’s worth stepping outside of central London for a gripping story.

Alternative Pantomime Shows

Pantomimes in London occasionally deviate from traditional storytelling. Forget everything you know about the genre with pantomime tickets to these alternative shows, designed to raise an eyebrow and get you laughing. Christmas is a time for overindulgence, so why not go big this festive period with Above The Stag’s annual LGBTQ+ pantomime affair with Jack and the Beanstalk - What a Whopper!

What is the panto season for 2025

The panto season runs from late November 2025 until mid-January 2026.

See Christmas Pantomime Theatre in London

With so much choice, treating the whole family to top West End pantomime shows this year is easy. Tickets are available securely online when you book with London Theatre Direct. So, don't delay – get your Christmas theatre tickets now!