There are dozens of traditional pantomimes taking place in Suffolk this Christmas season, but there are also a selection of other shows ideal for the whole family.
Here we bring you a round up of the Christmas spectaculars being staged in Suffolk this December
Pinocchio - DanceEast, Ipswich from December 14 to 18
The Jasmin Vardimon Company brings Pinocchio to life for this year’s DanceEast Christmas show.
Based on the original book by Collodi and performed by Vardimon’s multi-talented dancers, Pinocchio will bring to life the famous marionette as he embarks on a fantastic journey to become a human boy.
Showcasing Vardimon’s uniquely theatrical choreographic and directorial style, Pinocchio will combine physical theatre, quirky characterisation, innovative technologies, text and dance to examine the idea of what it means to be human.
With insightful humour, engaging drama and an acute observation of behaviour, Pinocchio will take audiences on a wonderful journey of discovery through the parameters of this timeless and beloved fable.
The company will be hosting a family workshop for children aged seven and over on December 7 and for young people aged 14 and over on December 16.
For more details, and to book tickets, see here or call 01473 295230.
Treasure Island - Red Rose Chain, Ipswich from December 8 to January 2
This Christmas, get ready to set sail with Red Rose Chain as they embark on a swash-buckling adventure full of pirates, parrots and hidden treasure in Joanna Carrick’s adaptation of this timeless classic.
Join the young Jim Hawkins on a daring voyage across the seven seas in search of Captain Flint’s legendary buried treasure.
Along the way, he’ll meet a crew of colourful characters including the marooned Ben Gunn, mysterious Long John Silver, his talking parrot and his madcap crew – Jim had better watch out for mischief, mayhem and even mutiny on board.
Performances take place at various times from December 8 to January 2, with additional schools performances available from December 6 to 16.
Book online or call 01473 603388.
The Snow Queen - Co-op Juniors at Snape Maltings Concert Hall, December 2 to 11
Snape Maltings Concert Hall will once again host the Co-op Juniors’ Christmas spectacular this year.
The Snow Queen, which has been inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, is a magical story set in a winter wonderland.
It promises to be a feast for the senses, with vibrant music and dance on a spectacular new stage set.
Go on a journey with Kai, Gerda and a fantastical snow creature to the palace of the Snow Queen.
Meet the frost trolls, ice bandits and warm-hearted villagers in this musical celebration of Christmas, love and friendship, which is suitable for all of the family.
Performances take place from December 2 to 11.
See here for further information and to book your tickets.
Three Little Pigs - New Wolsey Studio, Ipswich from December 6 to January 3
Children aged two and over and their families are invited to this show at the New Wolsey Studio in Ipswich.
Building your own home is not as easy as it looks, as the three little pigs discover. What’s the best material to use? Will it keep out the rain? And will it be wolf proof? There’s only one way to find out…
This show from Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company is full of puppets, music, comedy and thrills.
Three Little Pigs follows in the footsteps of the company’s hit shows Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Little Red Hen, The Enormous Turnip, The Elves and The Shoemaker and The Hare and The Tortoise.
Book tickets here or call 01473 295900.
The Nutcracker - The Cut, Halesworth from December 27 to 31
This children’s show by Story Pocket Theatre will be at The Cut in Halesworth just after Christmas.
It’s Christmas and when Clara is given a wooden nutcracker in the shape of a handsome Prince, little does she know that she and her brother Fritz are about to be drawn into a great adventure.
The Mouse Queen has stolen the magic of the Christmas Tree star and the Land of Make Believe is in danger.
The children and the toys must join in battle against the rotten royal rodent to save the magic of Christmas and restore the Prince to the throne.
But first, Clara and Fritz must learn how to believe…
This colourful and magical Christmas story brings imagination and make-believe to life for all the family.
Visit the website or call 0300 3033 211 to book tickets.
Stoat Hall - Sir John Mills Theatre, Ipswich from December 7 to January 7
The writers of The Haunted Commode and The Mystery of Finnigan’s Elbow, Pay Whymark and Julian Harries, bring Stoat Hall to the Sir John Mills Theatre in Ipswich.
The setting is Tudor England. King Humphrey VIII is on the throne and the Eastern Angles cast are assembled in a coaching inn on a remote Suffolk highway.
The hostelry is full of Thomas Crudwell’s spies (often spying on each other!) and down the road at Stoat Hall, Baron Belcham is desperately trying to marry off his three daughters.
Expect ruffs, ruffians, furry mammals and laughs galore. Performances also take place at the Seckford Theatre in Woodbridge from January 10 to 21.
To book, visit the Eastern Angles website or call 01473 211498.
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