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A quick guide to all the Christmas pantos and other shows happening across Dorset this year.
Is there anything better than a panto at Christmas? Oh, no there isn’t! Get yourself into the festive spirit with these pantos and other shows happening at theatres across the county. If I’ve missed anything, let me know in the comments and I’ll get it added.
READ MORE: Christmas Events in Dorset
Christmas Pantomimes in Dorset
Cinderella at Bournemouth Pavilion
2025 Dates: 6 Dec – 4 Jan 2026
Location: Bournemouth Pavilion, BH1 2BU
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Stepping into the iconic glass slippers this year is much-loved Milkshake! presenter Olivia Birchenough, sprinkling some festive fairy-tale magic as the Fairy Godmother is none other than Melanie Walters, star of Gavin and Stacey, and returning for his 11th year, Noel Brodie will once again take to the stage as the ever-lovable Buttons. This year, Bournemouth Pavilion welcomes the dynamic duo Jamie Morris and Tarot Joseph as The Fabulous Sisters.
Poole Lighthouse: Dick Wittington
2025 Dates: 11 Dec – 4 Jan 2026
Location: Lighthouse, BH15 1UG
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Brimming with spectacular musical numbers, dazzling costumes, sensational sets and plenty of laugh-out-loud family comedy, get ready to be swept away on this joyfully funny take on a magical rags-to-riches story. Starring CBeebies and pantomime legend Chris Jarvis, West End star Bernadette Bangura (Moulin Rouge, Hairspray), and Poole’s very own Corben Heward-Mills, who made his professional debut at Lighthouse last year.
Weymouth Pavilion: Jack & the Beanstalk
2025 Dates: 19 Dec – 3 Jan 2026
Location: Weymouth Pavilion, DT4 8ED
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“Join us this Christmas in the land of fairy tales, where our poor hero Jack and his dotty mum Dame Trott are tricked into selling their beloved cow for a useless bag of beans. Laugh at Silly Simon, boo and hiss the wicked Fleshcreep and cheer on our hero Jack as he climbs the Beanstalk to rescue his sweetheart Jill from the Giant‘s castle in the clouds.”
Wimborne: Goldilocks and the Three Bears
2025 Dates: 13 Dec – 4 Jan 2026
Location: Tivoli Theatre, BH21 1LT
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“Goldilocks and the Three Bears takes centre stage in this all-new, action-packed panto production, where the classic tale is brought to life with a twist of circus magic! Follow the curious and adventurous Goldilocks as she stumbles upon the cozy home of The Three Bears – but that’s just the beginning…”
Christchurch: Beauty and the Beast
2025 Dates: 13 – 28 Dec
Location: The Regent Theatre, BH23 1AS
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“Professional pantomime arrives at the Regent this Christmas as we welcome award-winning Polka Dot Pantomimes to present a tale as old as time – BEAUTY AND THE BEAST!
“Suitable for the whole family the show features spectacular scenery, glittering costumes, amazing special effects, toe tapping tunes and plenty of audience participation, as well as real panto pooches! This is family pantomime at it’s best so book your tickets now and be our guest for Dorset’s finest festive treat.”
Swanage: Aladdin
2025 Dates: Selected dates between 9 – 17 Jan 2026
Location: The Mowlam Theatre, BH19 1DD
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“Following on from last year’s Jack and the Beanstalk, Swanage Drama Company are back with this year’s pantomime, Aladdin. Widow Twankey runs the local washeteria with her two sons, Aladdin and Wishey Washee. They are poor and need some luck – and money. The mysterious Abanazar arrives with a plan to find a lamp – with magical powers and a genie! Will all this help Aladdin, who unwittingly has fallen in love with the Sultan’s daughter or will Abanazar use the lamp for his own evil ends? Come along for this fun-filled family pantomime presented in Swanage Drama Company’s unique style to find out the answers.”
Other Christmas Shows in Dorset
Pinocchio Family Theatre at Moors Valley
2025 Dates: 11 December, 6pm
Location: Moors Valley Country Park, Ringwood BH24 2ET
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The Travelling Players return with their unique brand of quirky storytelling to bring the tale of Pinocchio to life. Follow the wooden puppet on his magical journey to become a real boy, with mischief, adventure, and heartwarming lessons along the way. Expect laughter, surprises, and a sprinkle of festive magic. Book your tickets now and join us for an unforgettable evening of family theatre.
Yule Be Merry – festive family show
2025 Dates: 18-19 Dec
Location: St Nics Gallery, Weymouth, DT4 8AA
More Info
Weymouth-based award-winning theatre company Brave Bold Drama are
delighted to be bringing their Christmas characters, hapless but well-meaning
event organisers Noel and Holly, to Weymouth this December.
Expect broad visual comedy, bold engaging characters and quirky humour for
all ages in this heartwarming, family-friendly show. A pay-what-you-can
festive treat and antidote to panto — shorter, sillier, and bursting with joy!
Candlelight Concert: Christmas Movie Soundtracks
2025 Dates: 20 Dec
Location: St Peter’s Church, Bournemouth, BH1 2EE
More Info
This festive season, Candlelight®, the globally acclaimed series of live concerts presented by Fever, will transform St Peter’s Church with thousands of flickering candles to host an unforgettable performance featuring classic Christmas carols and festive holiday melodies, performed by a talented local string quartet.
Elf The Musical
2025 Dates: 20 Dec
Location: BIC, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH
More Info
After multiple sell-out arena tours and record-breaking sales, World’s Biggest Productions brings back Elf The Musical —the hilarious, hit stage adaptation of the beloved holiday movie—to Bournemouth in 2025 due to popular demand!
Do you know any other Christmas shows or pantos in Dorset this year? Contact me and I’ll add it to the list!
