The best Christmas pantomimes in London 2026

What is it? After a year away from daming – he doesn’t ‘do’ Cinderella – the great Clive Rowe is back on stage this Christmas, not only directing the 2026 Hackney panto but donning his frock again to star as Dame Trot in Jack and the Beanstalk. It's obviously a big deal to have the world's best dame back with us, although it has to be said that the year off for Rowe (the actor) helped Rowe (the director) craft a somewhat more rounded production than usual last year – hopefully he’s picked up a few tricks. 

Where is it? Hackney Empire.

What is it? Stratford East’s 2026 pantomime is clearly going down an irreverent, youth-orientated direction as playwright and performer Yolanda Mercy takes her turn in the writing seat. As you might imagine, it’s a version of the Robin Hood myth set in contemporary London, and while Robin Hood is not itself classic panto fodder, Stratford East has a long history of pulling off improbable Christmas shows.

Where is it? Stratford East.

What is it? Although the regular churn of writers and directors means the Lyric Hammersmith panto can be a pretty mercurial affair, it’s probably taken the title of London’s best musical in recent years, wresting it away from the Hackney Empire’s less edgy offering. It’s being written by Joel Horwood and directed by Robin Belfield. They’re both Lyric panto newcomers, but hopefully they stay true to its smart pop cultural humour and fearlessness about the odd political jibe.

Where is it? Lyric Hammersmith.

What is it? Musical theatre veteran and erstwhile Doctor Who sidekick Bonnie Langford is the big draw in Richmond’s trad panto, starring as giant’s wife Mrs Blunderbore alongside Dr Ranj (The Spirit of the Beans), still big-in-Richmond puppet Basil Brush (Farmer Basil), Lloyd Hollett (Silly Simon_, and James Hume (Dame Trot).

Where is it? Richmond Theatre.

What is it? The Catford Broadway panto has experienced something of a resurrection the last few years thanks to the attentions of Susie McKenna, the architect of Hackney Empire’s musical theatre golden age. This year’s edition looks a lot more boilerplate, and has no McKenna – or named creatives – attached. But it will star pangto stalwart Wayne Rollins as Buttons, with Amelle Berrabah of one of the later Sugababes incarnations as the Fairy Godmother.

Where is it? Broadway Theatre, Catford.

What is it? Greenwich Theatre stalwart Anthony Spargo writes and stars in this year’s panto, which is renowned for offering probably the most ‘classic’ pantomime in town, neither sullied with Z-list celebrities, nor an arch project for theatre hipsters – just pure, unfiltered panto. Spargo and team triumphed at the 2025 Pantomime Awards, taking home gongs for best script and best overall pantomime.

Where is it? Greenwich Theatre.

What is it? If you’re after a classic ‘minor celebrities, lots of glittery tat on sale in the foyer’ pantomime then your needs should be met by the redoubable New Wimbledon panto, which this year brings together a spledid crew of B-listers in the shape of Jessie Wallace (Captain Hook), Aston Merrygold (Peter Pan), Tom Read Wilson (‘the Magical Merman’), and Pete Firman (Smee).

Where is it? New Wimbledon Theatre.

What is it? Radio 2 presenter and Britpop mums’ favourite Vernon Kay will be ‘giving’ his Billy in the Churchill Bromley’s 2026 Christmas pantomime. There’s no other casting yet but one gets the impression household name Kay has probably used up the celebrity budget – hopefully he’ll be ably supported in his efforts by a cast largely consisting of actual actors. If you don’t remember a Billy in the Sleeping Beauty myth, don’t panic – it’s a stock light relief panto role.

Where is it? Churchill Theatre, Bromley.

What is it? JW3’s annual pantomime has become a welcome seasonal fixture, distinguishing itself via zany, community-centred humour, some decent names, and its compelling USP of being the only panto in London that you can catch on Christmas Day. The 2026 edition is very clearly a spin on Dick Whittington, and follows Dick and has cat Teyve as they arrive in town from the pale, hoping to make their fortune in London town. As per usual it’s written by comic Nick Cassenbaum and directed by Abigail Anderson.

Where is it? JW3.

What is it? Islington’s cult panto is back for a third year on the trot and remains balanced between the naughty and nice, with a drag queen-powered cast and special adults only evening editions where the adventures of Dick and his cat pitch over into the 18-plus rated. RuPaul’s Drag Race UK favourites Victoria Scone and River Medway star in both versions, which are written and directed by Andrew Pollard.

Where is it? King’s Head Theatre.