Where has 2026 gone too! Once again here at Scotsgay Arts we are looking forward to the festive season that will be with us before we all know it and that of course means our traditional preview of the best pantomimes and Christmas shows on offer around the country and further afield!. Our selection is of course just the tip of the ice berg as venues up and down the country provide a plethora of festive treats for your viewing pleasure! We hope you pick one of our choices! And you can be assured we will be reviewing the biggest and best of the offerings too! So let’s get to it with our exclusive preview!
EDINBURGH!
The Adventures of Pinocchio, The King’s Theatre Edinburgh.
The Kings Edinburgh Panto team return home after a four-year decampment to the Festival Theatre to allow for the multi-million-pound renovations to the beautiful King’s Theatre on Leven Street. Celebrating the reopening of the King’s Theatre this Christmas is Legendary Dame, Allan Stewart as May Geppetto, Grant Stott as the evil Stromboli and Jordan Young as the title role in this sensational panto. Completing the dazzling line-up is musical theatre star C.J. Borger as Jiminy Cricket, with Edinburgh panto favourites Clare Gray as Kitty the Cat and Gail Watson as Phyllis the Fox. Get ready for a Christmas pantomime packed with all the ingredients you know and love, brought to life by an all-star cast. Featuring a stunning new set, lush costumes and the King’s theatre itself taking a starring role it promises to be a truly magical adventure.
Everybody nose tickets sell fast, so book yours now!
Crossroads Presents the Adventures of Pinocchio The King’s Theatre Edinburgh, Saturday 28th November 2026 – Sunday 17th January 2027 for more information and Tickets go to: The Adventures of Pinocchio – Capital Theatres
Jack and The Beanstalk, Summerhall, Edinburgh
Following the sellout success of 2025/26’s Snow White, Summerhall in association with Edinburgh acting school return for their second annual panto Extravaganza! Jack and the Beanstalk! The village is running on rations, and everyone is hungry, fed up and full ey’ the drouth! But the taxes still need to be paid, and Baroness Bella Von Grabbit will make sure she gets what is owed. Our loveable, nice but naive Jack has forever longed to find a bonnie bird who loves him for him, but family comes first… Does he let his auld Ma, Maggie McTrout, whittle away to the size of a sprout, or does he pull his socks up, stop greetin’ and climb his way tae something bigger? With a feisty Ma, a loyal coo, a greedy Baroness, and a beanstalk that’s anything but ordinary, will Jack strike it rich – or land himself in a right pickle? Either way, it’s going to be a belter of a journey!
Returning 2025 cast members include Stephen Graham-Martin as Maggie McTrout, Brett Herriot as Fairy Evergreen, Lucy Philip as Bella Von Grabbit and Rebekah Clark as Pat the Coo. Joining the regulars will be new panto stars plus a children ensemble and dance troupe drawn from the local Summerhall Community.
Summerhall and Edinburgh Acting School Present Jack and The Beanstalk, Summerhall Edinburgh, Friday 11th December – Sunday 20th December 2026 (Friday 18th 9pm show will be a special adult only performance) for more information and tickets go to: Jack and the Beanstalk – Summerhall Arts
A Christmas Carol, The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh
The Royal Lyceum theatre company continue their traditional Christmas shows with a new production of A Christmas Carol; A Chill wind sweeps through the gas-lit streets of Victorian Edinburgh as Dickens’ beloved classic comes to life at The Lyceum for our 2026 festive season.
On Christmas Eve, three mysterious spirits whisk Ebenezer Scrooge away on a whirlwind journey through his past, present, and future. Will he discover the true meaning of Christmas before it’s too late?
Directed by Award-winning Artistic Director, James Brining, let this festive classic fill you with cheer – join us for a Christmas tradition in the making.
A Christmas Carol, The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, Saturday 28th November 2026 – Sunday 3rd January 2027 for more information and tickets go to: A Christmas Carol | Lyceum
Dick McWhittington, Portobello Town Hall, Portobello
“FROM RAGS TO RICHES , THE PURR-FECT FAMILY PANTOMIME!”
Back by popular demand, Porty Panto returns for its fourth consecutive year, and this time it promises to be an adventure of a pantomime! Filled with much-loved music, and hilarious comedy, Dick McWhittington will take centre stage at Portobello Town Hall and promises to be an unforgettable theatrical event. So, sit back, relax, and join us this Christmas!
Dick McWhittington, Portobello Town Hall, Portobello, Friday 4th December – Sunday 27th December 2026 for more information and tickets go to: Dick McWhittington at Portobello Town Hall event tickets from TicketSource
Back To the Future -The Musical, Edinburgh Playhouse
Strap in for the smash hit Back to the Future the Musical, landing at Edinburgh Playhouse as part of its first ever UK tour. International icon of stage and screen Roger Bart returns as Doc Brown, having originated the role in Manchester, West End, Broadway and Sydney. He is reunited with rising Australian star Axel Duffy as Marty McFly. Winner of Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards, WhatsOnStage Awards and Broadway World Awards, this “perfect musical escapism” (Metro) is ready to take you on an electrifying journey through time.
When teenager Marty McFly is accidentally sent back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric Doc Brown, he disrupts the space-time continuum and must race against the clock to put things right – and get back to the future. Don’t miss this “high-voltage comedy” (Metro) and “feelgood triumph” (Telegraph), directed by Tony Award-winner John Rando and featuring a show-stopping DeLorean that “defies the laws of theatre” (Guardian).
Back to the Future the Musical features original music by multi-Grammy winners Alan Silvestri (Avengers: Endgame) and Glen Ballard (Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror), alongside hit songs from the movie including The Power of Love, Johnny B. Goode, Earth Angel and Back in Time.
“It’s a total blast” (Metro), and when this baby hits 88mph at the Edinburgh Playhouse, it will zap “the audience between the eyes and ears to a roar of delight” (Variety).
Back To the Future – The Musical, Edinburgh Playhouse Wednesday 2nd December 2026 – Saturday 2nd January 2027, for more information and tickets go to: Back To The Future The Musical Tickets | Edinburgh Playhouse in Edinburgh | ATG Tickets
GLASGOW!
Aladdin, King’s Theatre Glasgow.
Get ready for Glasgow’s biggest pantomime adventure yet, starring comedy sensation Elaine C Smith as Mother Goose and panto favourite Johnny Mac as Aladdin.
They’re joined by Glasgow panto returners Darren Brownlie as Spirit of the Ring, Hannah Jarrett-Scott as The Wicked Witch and Blythe Jandoo as Princess Jemima, alongside Gordon Cooper as Old King Cole, and Rushand Chambers as Genie of the Lamp.
This is Aladdin as you’ve never seen it before, complete with mesmerising sets and costumes, genie-us effects, and all the boos, hisses, and laughter that panto audiences love.
Crossroads present Aladdin, Kings Theatre, Glasgow, Saturday 21nd November 2026 – Sunday 3rd January 2027, for more information and tickets go to: Aladdin (Pantomime) Tickets | King’s Theatre, Glasgow in Glasgow | ATG Tickets
The Snaw Queen, Tron Theatre, Glasgow.
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF THE TRON PANTO
She’s no’ just frozen… she’s baltic!
Christmas is running like a dream down in Santa’s (aka Kristine Cagney Kringle’s) workshop. All nice and naughty lists have been checked off. Nothing can go wrong. Until a broken magic mirror unleashes pure chaos and transforms Rudie The Red Nosed Reindeer into the terrifying Snaw Queen. No Rudie with his Red Nose? Then no Christmas presents can be delivered. Christmas now looks almost certain to be cancelled.
Kristine has no option but to team up with Olive (the other reindeer) on a dangerous quest across the pantosphere, past poisonous pensioners and their soprano sunflowers, past all-singing cowboys coming straight fae the Grand Ole ‘What Have We Got Here Noo’, to underground lairs where the people sound like they’re fae North Kelvinside, all whilst battling temperatures colder than Glasgow in July.
Will they ever find what they need to bring Rudie back to their rosy faced self? Will Christmas be saved? Will the Snaw Queen’s heart thaw? If you dinnae book now, you’ll find oot hee-haw…
Written, directed by, and featuring Johnny McKnight, The Snaw Queen is a remount of an old Tron Panto favourite, and one that reunites him with his original Olive (the Other Reindeer), the incomparable Julie Wilson Nimmo!
The Snaw Queen, Tron Theatre Glasgow, Wednesday 18th November 2026 – Thursday 31st December 2026. For more information and tickets go to: The Snaw Queen – Tron Theatre
Goldilocks and the Three Bonnie Bears, Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow
Roll up! This Christmas, Glasgow’s beloved Panto tradition returns!
Bringing Glasgow together once again for the laugh-out-loud spectacular Goldilocks and the Three Bonnie Bears. Joining the previously announced funny man Liam Dolan are returning favourites Grado, Stephen Purdon, Scott Fletcher, Jack Jester, Jennifer Neil, Valissa Scott and Craig Glover — a team whose onstage camaraderie has become part of the Pavilion’s festive heartbeat. New for 2026, but no stranger to the Pavilion, is The Dolls’ Louise McCarthy, adding even more sparkle to this year’s line‑up.
Join feisty heroine Goldilocks, the daughter of Gertie who runs the circus, as she stumbles upon a family of three bonnie bears, each with their own big personalities, bigger appetites, and even bigger hearts. However, the wicked ringmaster is threatening to ruin Gertie’s Circus and expand her own, so Goldilocks must team up with her furry friends to save the day. Expect toe-tapping songs, slapstick chaos, and enough panto magic to warm even the chilliest Glasgow winter night.
Packed with festive spirit, all the usual Pav mayhem, side-splitting comedy, and plenty of surprises for kids and grown-ups alike, this is the Pavilion’s must-see festive tradition — fun, festive, and oh-so-full of cheer! Don’t miss the fairy-tale extravaganza that’s “just right” for the whole family! Book early for best seats and prices — this one’s set to be a bear-illiant sell-out!
Goldilocks and the Three Bonnie Bears, Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow Thursday 26th November 2026 – Sunday 10th January 2027 for more information and tickets go to Book Goldilocks and the Three Bonnie Bears tickets | Pavilion Theatre Glasgow
ABERDEEN
Goldilocks and the Three Bears, His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen
Enter a world of wonder at Aberdeen’s home of pantomime, as the magical Goldilocks and the Three Bears dazzles His Majesty’s Theatre!
To rescue Barnum’s Circus from the clutches of Baroness Von Winklebottom, Goldilocks is helped by a sparkling cast of favourites. Gary: Tank Commander marches back to headline as Gary Barnum; much-loved panto dame Alan McHugh delights as Dame Betty Barnum; and Scottish stage and screen star Paul J Corrigan returns as Daddy Bear.
With Jamie Marie Leary as Goldilocks and Anne Smith as the evil Baroness, you’re sure to agree this is The Greatest Panto on Earth!
For five weeks only, His Majesty’s Theatre will transform into a sensational circus packed with riotous comedy, extraordinary special effects, hair-raising stunts, and amazing circus acts where anything could – and will – happen.
Roll up, roll up to see panto join the circus, and be swept away by a pantomime spectacular that’s just right!
Crossroads presents Goldilocks and the Three Bears, His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen. Saturday 28th November 2026 – Sunday 3rd January 2027 for more information and tickets go to: Goldilocks and the Three Bears | Aberdeen Performing Arts
INVERNESS
Cinderella, Eden Court Theatre, Inverness
The home of panto in the highlands, The Empire Theatre at Eden court once again collaborates with Imagine Pantomimes for a magical take on Cinderella!
Join the Eden Court for the spectacular family panto Cinderella – back with all the magic, music and mayhem you’ve come to know and love!
Poor Cinderella toils night and day, dreaming of a very different life. When a royal invitation arrives, it seems her wish for a brighter future might finally come true. But will her Wicked Stepsisters spoil her chance at happiness? Or can her Fairy Godmother – with a little help from the ever-cheerful Buttons – work their magic in time?
Everyone’s favourite rags to riches tale will be full of all of the ingredients you love from the Eden Court panto: side-splitting slapstick, dazzling musical numbers and plenty of audience participation for the whole family.
The clock is ticking… so dust off your glad-rags and book your tickets today for this magical festive treat!
Cinderella, Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, Wednesday 2nd December 2026 – Sunday 3rd January 2027 for more information and tickets go to: Cinderella | Eden Court
FIFE
Oor Wee Robyn Hood, Linton Lane Theatre, Kirkcaldy
We have moved! A brand new venue, for this brand new pantomime.
The Kings panto is heading a wee bit farther doon the Lang Toun, for 2026. Just like spending one Christmas with the in-laws and one at hame, we’re packing our Christmas bags and heading to Linton Lane for the festive season. Join us there for the adventures of Oor Wee Robyn Hood, (no not a typo!!) in the classic tree lined tale of bows and arrows, Merry men and the greedy Sheriff, all delivered to you, with a KDY twist. Hear the story as you have never heard it before – in a venue we have never played at before!!
Following nominations from the UK Pantomime and C.A.T.S Awards, you won’t want to miss this brand new, bespoke beauty on your doorstep. All the magic and mayhem you have come to expect from a Kings panto, with a few surprises along the way. Packed with Billy Mack mischief, incredible vocals and of course sack loads of jokes. Along with Robyn, we aim to hit the target and transport you back to the long-forgotten folklore of stealing from the rich to give to the poor!
Don’t wait til Christmas, book your tickets now and guarantee you and your family a great night oot with this wonderful wee panto.
Oor Wee Robyn Hood, Linton Lane Theatre Kirkcaldy, Thursday 3rd December 2026 – Saturday 9th January 2027 for more information and tickets go to: Oor Wee Robyn Hood | Pantomime
AYR
Dick Whittington, The Gaiety Theatre, Ayr
Writer Fraser Boyle and director Tom Cooper return to write and direct our 2026 pantomime – Dick Whittington!
Hoist the sails and hold on tae yir knickers for a swashbuckling Scottish adventure: Dick Whittington – reimagined for The Gaiety Theatre! Our orphan Dick follows a mysterious treasure map all the way to the mystical shores of Arran. Along the way he gathers an unforgettable crew: Forgetful GIbbs, Fairy Flinty, Kitty-Kat-Cathy and Dame Jackie Sparrow. But beware ye landlubbers! The Clyde Estuary belongs to the fearsome Captain Ratbeard and her band of drunken sailors! Packed with pirates and peril, this pantomime is bursting with adventure, heart and secrets waiting to be unlocked. Oh yes it is! Oh yo-ho-ho!
Dick Whittington, The Gaiety Theatre, Ayr, Saturday 27th November 2026 – Saturday 2nd January 2027 for more information and tickets go to: Dick Whittington – A Scottish Pirate Pantomime – The Gaiety Theatre Ayr
Now a couple of picks from south of the border!
NEWCASTLE
Jack and The Beanstalk, Theatre Royal, Newcastle
Jack and the Beanstalk is sprouting into life for the festive season on the Grey Street stage!
Follow Jack as he scales a beanstalk of epic proportions in search of his fortune in Cloudland. Doomed to sell his trusty cow, can Jack outwit the evil giant to win riches beyond his wildest dreams? Climb to new heights of hilarity as Danny Adams leads the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk, playing the fearless Jack Trot in what promises to be the North East’s biggest and most spectacular pantomime. Joining him are pantomime legends Clive Webb as Farmer Trot, Chris Hayward as the much-loved Dame Trot, and South Shields’ singing sensation Joe McElderry as the Spirit of the Beans.
Completing the line-up are Newcastle panto favourites Mick Potts as Pat the Cow and Wayne Smith as Fleshcreep, joined by musical theatre stars Rachel Stanley as the Queen and Oonagh Cox as Princess Jill.
Packed with laugh-out-loud comedy, staggering special effects, and larger-than-life fun, Jack and the Beanstalk is pantomime at its absolute best – the panto you’ve bean waiting for!
Don’t miss your chance to see the North East’s fastest-selling panto. Book early for Jack and the Beanstalk… or even magic beans won’t guarantee your ticket!
Crossroads present Jack and The Beanstalk, Theatre Royal, Newcastle, Tuesday 24th November 2026 – Sunday 17th January 2027 for more information and tickets go to: Jack and the Beanstalk | Newcastle Theatre Royal
LONDON
Cinderella, The London Palladium, London
This Christmas will mark the start of Crossroads and Michael Harrisons second decade at the helm of the biggest and best pantomime in the United Kingdom, and they return to where it all started with the greatest pantomime of them all! Cinderella.
You shall go to the most magical ball in the land this Christmas as the world-famous London Palladium invites you to the dazzling rags-to-riches fairytale Cinderella. Comedy legends Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders reunite on the West End stage for the first time in 17 years as the wickedly hilarious Ugly Sisters, with incomparable panto sensation Julian Clary, wand in hand, as the glittering Fairy Godfather.
Palladium panto favourites Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Rob Madge are back by popular demand, joined by acclaimed TV and theatre star Dex Lee as Prince Charming, with musical theatre’s Hope Dawe stepping into the glass slippers as Cinderella.
Expect the most spectacular costumes in Pantoland, dazzling special effects, riotous laughter and all the magic that has made The London Palladium the true home of pantomime for the past decade.
Crossroads presents Cinderella, The London Palladium, Saturday 5th December 2026 – Sunday 10th January 2027 for more information and tickets go to: Cinderella | Palladium Pantomime Returns in 2026
There we have it! We picked just 12 shows from the hundreds around the country! From the smallest town halls to the London Palladium be sure to give yourself a festive treat this Christmas and visit your local theatre!
