Panto season may have started late for some this year, but for others, it's just getting underway. In the midst of winter, when festive decorations are being packed away and new year resolutions have been all but forgotten, pantos continue to bring joy to audiences across the UK.
In January, when the days are short and the mood can be gloomy, a trip to the theatre can be a welcome distraction. And for those who've managed to secure tickets to a panto in the first place, it's often a highlight of the month.
Nottingham Playhouse's Sleeping Beauty is one such production, running until January 17th alongside online performances that will continue until Saturday night. The show stars John Elkington as Nelly the Nanny and has been a staple of the theatre's calendar for nearly three decades. With over 40,000 visitors each year, audiences are "bigger and more animated" in the run-up to Christmas, but then thin out slightly afterwards.
Meanwhile, at Liverpool's Royal Court, The Scouse Christmas Carol is still going strong, with performances running until January 24th. The show has become a popular fixture on the theatre's calendar, with executive producer Kevin Fearon saying it's "our perfect show of the year". Audiences can enjoy the panto in comfortable surroundings, complete with meal service, and even get to experience a special festive-themed finale that isn't part of the regular January performances.
But not all pantos are designed for Christmas. Brick Lane Music Hall in London is opening its new production, Jack and His Giant Stalk, just three weeks after many others have closed. The show, written and directed by Lucy Hayes, has become a beloved tradition at the venue, with audiences returning year after year to experience the fun and silliness of panto.
According to Hayes, the January-to-March pantomime is a way for people to lift their spirits in the post-holiday blues. "Christmas is such a busy period, with seeing family and so on, people may have more time afterwards," she says. With its celebratory atmosphere and delicious food options, Jack and His Giant Stalk has become an important part of Brick Lane Music Hall's calendar.
As the pantos continue to run across the country, one thing is clear: for those who've missed out on December's festive fun, there's still plenty to enjoy in January. Whether it's a traditional fairy tale or something more modern and quirky, panto season may be late for some, but it's never too late to get into the holiday spirit.
In January, when the days are short and the mood can be gloomy, a trip to the theatre can be a welcome distraction. And for those who've managed to secure tickets to a panto in the first place, it's often a highlight of the month.
Nottingham Playhouse's Sleeping Beauty is one such production, running until January 17th alongside online performances that will continue until Saturday night. The show stars John Elkington as Nelly the Nanny and has been a staple of the theatre's calendar for nearly three decades. With over 40,000 visitors each year, audiences are "bigger and more animated" in the run-up to Christmas, but then thin out slightly afterwards.
Meanwhile, at Liverpool's Royal Court, The Scouse Christmas Carol is still going strong, with performances running until January 24th. The show has become a popular fixture on the theatre's calendar, with executive producer Kevin Fearon saying it's "our perfect show of the year". Audiences can enjoy the panto in comfortable surroundings, complete with meal service, and even get to experience a special festive-themed finale that isn't part of the regular January performances.
But not all pantos are designed for Christmas. Brick Lane Music Hall in London is opening its new production, Jack and His Giant Stalk, just three weeks after many others have closed. The show, written and directed by Lucy Hayes, has become a beloved tradition at the venue, with audiences returning year after year to experience the fun and silliness of panto.
According to Hayes, the January-to-March pantomime is a way for people to lift their spirits in the post-holiday blues. "Christmas is such a busy period, with seeing family and so on, people may have more time afterwards," she says. With its celebratory atmosphere and delicious food options, Jack and His Giant Stalk has become an important part of Brick Lane Music Hall's calendar.
As the pantos continue to run across the country, one thing is clear: for those who've missed out on December's festive fun, there's still plenty to enjoy in January. Whether it's a traditional fairy tale or something more modern and quirky, panto season may be late for some, but it's never too late to get into the holiday spirit.
I'm loving how some theaters are still going strong with their pantos even after Christmas. It's great that they're not just relying on the December rush, but also trying to keep the festive vibes going in January. 
I've seen a few of these shows and they're always so much fun! The special themed finales at the Royal Court sound like a lot of fun too 
. As for Brick Lane Music Hall's new production, can't wait to check it out when I get the chance! 
The fact that pantos are starting in January is actually pretty interesting... I mean, who needs Christmas when you can have a fun night out at the theatre? 
I've been meaning to check out one of these shows for ages, but never seem to get tickets. Maybe now's my chance! 
.
. Nottingham Playhouse's Sleeping Beauty is supposed to be a classic for ages, and The Scouse Christmas Carol seems like such a great way to experience panto without the usual Christmas rush 
.
!
I mean, what's wrong with people not getting into the panto spirit until Jan 
? Like, can't they just enjoy a little festive fun whenever it comes around? It feels like everyone rushes through Christmas and then forgets about the rest of the winter. Meanwhile, those who actually go to pantos in Dec are just dealing with crowds and chaos. January is like, the panto should be here, you know? 
And don't even get me started on how weird it is that some people get a meal service while watching panto... what's that all about? 
I've been eyeing up Nottingham Playhouse's Sleeping Beauty - John Elkington as Nelly the Nanny is always a hoot! And Brick Lane Music Hall's new production sounds like so much fun, especially with their special finale. It's great that there are still plenty of panto options out there for us to enjoy... even if it means starting a bit late in the year 
. The fact that they start later and go on into January means you can have a whole winter of festive fun. And who says you need to be seeing family over Christmas to get into the holiday mood? For me, it's all about finding those little moments of joy, like watching a panto with friends or discovering a new favorite show 
. Plus, the fact that there are pantos for different seasons and themes means there's something for everyone. I'm loving that Brick Lane Music Hall is doing their own thing in January - it just shows how versatile and adaptable theatre can be 
. Who cares if you've missed out on the early festive fun? Panto season isn't over yet, and it's still got so much to offer!