Think the panto season is over? Think again! While most theaters have packed away their festive cheer, some are still keeping the magic alive well into January. And this is the part most people miss: pantomimes aren’t just for Christmas anymore. From Liverpool to Mold, and even in the heart of London, theaters are proving that panto season can be a year-round affair—or at least a post-holiday pick-me-up. But here’s where it gets controversial: does panto lose its sparkle once the tinsel is down, or does it serve a deeper purpose in the dreary days of January? Let’s dive in.
The festive decorations are boxed up, the kids are back in school, and those New Year’s resolutions are already gathering dust. It’s mid-January, and the holiday season feels like a distant memory—but not for panto enthusiasts. In Liverpool, the Royal Court and Everyman theatres are still hosting shows like The Scouse Christmas Carol and Jack and the Beanstalk. Meanwhile, Theatr Clwyd in Mold is keeping the spirit alive with Cinderella. But is there something uniquely special about watching a panto when the holiday buzz has faded?
Take Nottingham Playhouse’s Sleeping Beauty, for instance, which runs until this weekend, just before Blue Monday—supposedly the most depressing day of the year. John Elkington, who’s been Nottingham’s dame for nearly three decades, believes January performances offer something special. ‘It’s a treat after Christmas,’ he says. ‘For families cooped up at home, it’s something to look forward to—an extension of the holiday fun.’ But here’s the kicker: while audiences thin out after Christmas, the energy never does. ‘Our job is to keep the momentum going,’ Elkington explains. ‘Just because it’s January doesn’t mean the show can’t be just as lively.’
Nottingham’s panto is a massive draw, attracting around 40,000 visitors annually. While December shows are packed with animated crowds, January performances offer a more relaxed vibe, with quieter, accessible shows designed for smaller audiences. Elkington treats every performance as if his family is in the front row, ensuring the magic never fades. And the final night? It’s legendary. The crew plays tricks on the cast, turning the show into a chaotic, anything-goes spectacle that draws repeat audiences. ‘They’ve seen it as it should be,’ Elkington says, ‘and then they come back for the chaos.’
But what about Liverpool’s Royal Court? Their Scouse Christmas Carol was so popular it’s been extended until January 24. Executive producer Kevin Fearon, who also wrote the show, notes that January bookings often come from those who missed out in December. ‘People want to come out with their families, have a meal, and enjoy a night out,’ he says. The panto is the theater’s biggest show of the year, funding more than half of their annual ticket sales. ‘It’s 100% of everything we do,’ Fearon adds. But is it still a Christmas show in January? Unlike other pantos, The Scouse Christmas Carol keeps its festive references intact, sparking debate: does a panto need to shed its holiday skin to thrive post-Christmas?
Then there’s Brick Lane Music Hall in east London, which flips the script entirely. Their panto, Jack and His Giant Stalk, opens on January 22 and runs until March. Written and directed by Lucy Hayes, it’s billed as ‘a pantomime for grownups’—not as risqué as adult pantos but still full of fun and silliness. ‘Christmas is busy,’ Hayes explains. ‘People might have more time—and need more cheering up—after the holidays.’ The venue even serves food before the show, turning it into a full evening out. But is a January-to-March panto just a clever way to avoid December competition, or is it a genuine tradition in the making?
Hayes, whose father founded Brick Lane Music Hall in 1992, remembers the joy of panto from her childhood. ‘It felt like it was for me,’ she says. ‘The audience interaction, the silliness—it was different from anything else.’ Now, she’s directing her father in the show, continuing a family legacy. But here’s the question: can panto truly thrive outside its traditional holiday window, or is it losing its essence?
Pantomimes aren’t just for Christmas—or are they? From January extensions to post-holiday cheer, theaters are redefining what panto season means. But what do you think? Is panto better as a festive treat, or does it have a place in the bleak midwinter? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
