Christmas is a great time to go to the theatre to see a panto or a family Christmas show. Here’s my guide to the best 2024 pantomimes in Buckinghamshire from Aylesbury to High Wycombe and beyond, as well as the best ‘non panto’ family Christmas theatre shows. If you live close to county borders, why not check what pantos are on in Oxfordshire and Berkshire too.
SPOTLIGHT
Peter Pan – The Return of Captain Hook at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
A spectacular pantomime is set to sail the seven seas and anchor up at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre for a swashbuckling Christmas full of galleons of fun and a story that will have you hooked!
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre excel when it comes to putting on a brilliant panto with larger than life characters, music to get your clapping and non stop laughs. They also have their very own unique twists. Check out last year’s Aylesbury Waterside Theatre panto review
2024 Pantomimes in Buckinghamshire
He’s behind you, oh no he isn’t, oh yes he is. A great pantomime is full of larger than life characters, lots of laughs, a villain that everyone hates, a comical dame and young love. A very British tradition a Christmas, here’s the definitive list of pantomimes in Buckinghamshire for 2024.
Snow White at Kenton Theatre in Henley-on-Thames
Henley’s must see panto at The Kenton is a fun-filled festive extravaganza is bursting at the seams with all the ingredients audiences have come to expect: dazzling costumes, spectacular dance routines, a hilarious script, bags of audience interaction, and maybe even the odd water gun or two!
Jack & The Beanstalk Panto Express at Bucks Railway Museum (Quainton)
See Father Christmas whilst enjoying a steam train ride AND watch a pantomime – all in one amazing Christmas experience! This year’s family friendly pantomime is Jack and the Beanstalk.
Check out the Panto Express review from last year.
Peter Pan at the Milton Keynes Theatre
Craig Revel Horwood stars as Captain Hook in the swashbuckling family panto adventure, Peter Pan! With amazing special effects, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and barrel-loads of laughter, Peter Pan will take your whole family on a magical trip like never before
Check out last year’s Milton Keynes Theatre panto review
Aladdin at the Wycombe Swan (High Wycombe)
With a dazzling brand-new digital set using LED screens with animated scenes and mesmerising effects plus all of the usual ingredients you would expect to see for a truly memorable pantomime in High Wycombe this Christmas
Check out last year’s Wycombe Swan panto review
Aladdin at Elgiva Theatre (Chesham)
Step into a fairy-tale world of an enchanted lamp, a lively genie and a magic carpet ride
Robinson Crusoe vs The Pirates at Iver Heath Village Hall
The annual family-fun panto returns with Robinson’s hunt for the legendary treasure of Fractured Skull Island – but will the devilish Hawkeye beat them to it?
The Storyteller Pantomime at Queen’s Park Art Centre (Aylesbury)
This year’s pantomime weaves a brand new fairytale together with all of the panto staples audiences love: sing-a-long songs, riotous slapstick routines, dazzling dances, and plenty of audience participation!
2024 Family Christmas Theatre Shows (not pantos) in Buckinghamshire
Pantomimes can be a little overwhelming for some kids or not your cup of tea. A family outing to the theatre is a lovely treat, often experiences make the best presents. If you know of any more children’s theatre shows happening around Buckinghamshire, do let us know and we’ll included them all here.
The Gingerbread Boy at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre (Aylesbury)
Full of heart, laughter and song – and a healthy helping of cake – The Gingerbread Boy is a brand-new Christmas story about friendship and celebrating our differences.
The perfect festive treat for ages 3+ Running time 50 minutes plus meet Santa after the show.
Santa’s Christmas Cracker at The Kenton (Henley)
Santa’s Christmas Cracker is a 45 minute, interactive family show, particularly suitable for 2-8 year olds. Afterwards the adventure continues as each child gets to meet Father Christmas and receive a specially wrapped present from him – it’s the most Christmassy Christmas show ever, HO-HO-HO!
A Christmas Carol at the Kenton Theatre (Henley-on-Thames) – 8th Dec
Television favourites Colin Baker and Peter Purves lead the cast in a new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic.
Fairytale of New York at the Wycombe Swan (High Wycombe) 11th Nov
After three sell out tours, the ultimate Irish-inspired Christmas concert is back with an even bigger production for 2024.
Elf The Musical at the Wycombe Swan (High Wycombe) 19th – 23rd Nov
Back after 5 sell out tours, this modern day classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear!
If you’re looking for more Christmas events and want to see Santa in Buckinghamshire, check out the Red Kite Days guide.
