You can’t beat a panto for some silly family fun in the festive season. They can be a great way to introduce children to the magic of the theatre and they’re much-loved for their slapstick humour and catchy songs.
Every year, I take my kids to the panto with their grandparents and it’s a lovely tradition that three generations enjoy together.
Panto history
Panto has been part of British Christmas culture for centuries. Many people believe pantomime can trace its roots back to Commedia dell’Arte’, the 16th-century Italian entertainment which featured Harlequin, Pierrot and Columbine.
Victorian introductions of elaborate scenery, audience participation, fairy tale characters and pantomime dames, helped to create the shows we still enjoy today.
You can read more about the history of pantomime in this article from the V&A Museum.
Pantos in East Sussex
You are spoilt for choice with a fantastic selection of professional and amateur shows around the county this season. Here are our top picks:
Aladdin
Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne
13 Dec 2024 to 3 Jan 2025
A magical journey of adventure in a laugh-a-minute extravaganza with stunning sets, musical hits, fabulous costumes, special effects and of course a magic carpet.
Cinderella
Rotherfield Village Hall, Rotherfield
23 to 26 Jan 2025
Fantastic, family fun as the Rotherfield Players present their annual winter pantomime.
Jack and the beanstalk
De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill On Sea
8 Dec 2024
Enjoy some fee-fi-fo-fun in Bexhill this Christmas.
Jack and the beanstalk
St Mary’s social Centre, Lewes
11 to 18 Jan 2025
Peter Pan
Civic Centre, Uckfield
Combining the talents of the adult and youth branches of the Theatre Guild, this production is a hotly-anticipated community event.
13 to 14 Dec 2024
Peter Pan
White Rock Theatre, Hastings
13 to 31 Dec 2024
A swashbuckling adventure that promises fun for the entire family as the White Rock Theatre, Hastings presents The Magical Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan. Starring TV’s Alexandra Mardell and Gladiators star, Dynamite.
Robin Hood
Crowborough Community Centre, Crowborough
13 to 15 Dec 2024
The legendary tale of Robin and his merry men gets the Crowborough panto treatment (written by Bradford and Webster), as the Crowborough Players return for their twelfth year at the community centre.
Sleeping beauty
Polegate Community Centre, Polegate
18 to 26 Jan 2025
Step into a fairy-tale world of magical castles and an enchanted sleep that only our heroes can break.
Snow white
Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne
6 Dec 2024 to 12 Jan 2025
Another magical tale with live music, sensational costumes, colourful sets and so much more.
Snow White and Friends
The Meridian Centre, Peacehaven
6 to 8 Dec 2024
A familiar family pantomime story with laughs aplenty, songs, dances and a twist.
If you’re looking for more Christmas events and activities in East Sussex, we’ve got them covered:
