From Aladdin to Peter Pan, via Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella, there’s plenty of panto fun to be had across East Sussex this Christmas.
Here’s our round up of some of the shows taking place over the next few weeks.
Aladdin, Community House, Peacehaven, 4 to 6 December
Experience the magic of Aladdin with the Peacehaven Players this Christmas.
Follow Aladdin, a kind-hearted street urchin, as he embarks on an adventure filled with love, intrigue, and laughter. With unforgettable characters, lively music, and dazzling performances, this family-friendly pantomime promises fun for all ages.
The Adventures of Peter Pan, Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne, 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026
Take to the skies with Peter, Wendy and Tinker Bell as the Devonshire Park Theatre presents this sensational pantomime flying onto the stage this Christmas.
Test your sea-legs as we set sail in Captain Hook’s pirate ship and join his crazy crew in this swashbuckling adventure that is fun for the whole family.
This magical production is set to live music, has vibrant sets, dazzling costumes, spectacular special effects, as well as a sensational cast and plenty of comedy that will have you laughing all the way home.
Read our interview with Captain Hook and Mrs Smee and find out more about all the panto traditions in our panto article. LINK
Sleeping Beauty, The Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne, 8 December 2025 to 4 January 2026
This Christmas the Hippodrome presents a spellbinding pantomime – Sleeping Beauty!
The show will have all the panto elements you know and love, plus mayhem and mischief. There will be memorable songs, fun and laughter and a mega talented cast of your dreams.
Can true love survive and break the spell? Make your dreams come true this Christmas and visit us to see Sleeping Beauty.
There is also a special night for all the bigger boys and girls with the 18yrs+ performance on Thursday, 18 December. A great night to bring your friends and be naughty and do all the things at a panto that you normally couldn’t do!
Jack and Beanstalk, White Rock Theatre, Hastings, 11 December 2025 to 4 January 2026
This is the pantomime we’ve BEAN waiting for this Christmas!
Get ready to roar with laughter and cheer our hero Jack on his magical journey to Cloudland as he battles to save his best friend Daisy the Cow! As always there’ll be spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes, amazing special effects and lots of audience participation.
This year’s show promises to be a GIANT of a pantomime suitable for the whole family.
Cinderella, Uckfield Civic Centre, 12 and 13 December
This Christmas, the most iconic pantomime of them all comes to the Civic Centre!
Come join the Uckfield Theatre Guild for a magical evening. Get ready to be entertained by the classic tale of Cinderella in a fun and interactive pantomime.
Bring your family and friends for a night filled with laughter, music, and enchantment.
Excalibur, Crowborough Community Centre, Crowborough, 12 to 14 December
This year the Crowborough Players present Excalibur– a fast-paced, musical pantomime that retells the legend of King Arthur with a comic twist.
The heart-warming tale of heroic escapades is still there, but it’s also a fun-filled treat for all ages, packed with laughs, songs and panto magic.
Crazy Christmas at the Haunted Hotel, Rye Theatre (in Rye College), 12 to 14 December
Rye Players Community Theatre presents a fun-packed pantomime, Crazy Christmas at the Haunted Hotel.
The show features good elves, bad elves, Santa and … a Beast! Special effects, colourful lighting, pyrotechnics and choreography by local children from the Rye Dance Centre will help to make this year’s show truly spectacular.
Jack and the BeanSTEM, Jarvis Brook Guide Hall, Crowborough, 14 December
Head2Head Sensory Theatre presents its brand-new inclusive pantomime, Jack and the BeanSTEM. The show is a fun, interactive production where children are encouraged to join in the adventure.
The pantomime is designed to be inclusive, multi-sensory, and interactive. With puppets, props, sensory toys, and songs, plus actors performing alongside and amongst the audience, every child becomes part of the story.
The show is also Makaton Friendly, ensuring that everyone can share in the magic.
Aladdin, St Mary’s Social Centre, Lewes, 10 to 17 January 2026
St Mary’s Pantomime has been producing shows for the Lewes community for over 75 years.
Promising an evening of laughter, song, dance and foolishness we are sure you’ll have a blast!
Treasure Island, Hailsham Pavilion, Hailsham, 21 to 25 January
Ahoy there, me hearties! Get ready for a swashbuckling adventure filled with laughter, music, and mayhem as Treasure Island sails into Hailsham Pavilion.
Expect toe-tapping songs, hilarious mishaps, and sparkling family entertainment from start to finish. Don’t miss this glittering voyage of laughter and adventure — it’s the perfect treat for all ages!
Once Upon a Time in Pantoland, Rotherfield Village Hall, Rotherfield, 22 to 25 January
Once Upon a Time in Pantoland is packed with beloved characters and filled with all the classic pantomime fun.
This delightful and original fairytale is a true celebration of pantomime traditions, with a twist of surprise!
And if panto’s not your thing, don’t worry, there are lots of magical Christmas experiences across the county to enjoy over the festive season.
Image: The Peter Pan cast in Eastbourne; photo by Peter Gurr
