"They're behind you!" The 2025 Panto season is here again - a magical time full of fun, laughter, music and song for all the family! For many people a visit to the pantomime is as much a part of Christmas as decorating the tree and giving presents! Whether you go for the terrible jokes or to see your favourite television personalities, you will find a fantastic pantomime in Dorset to visit this Christmas. Book your ticket today and enjoy some festive family fun!
Dick Whittington at Poole’s Lighthouse Centre for the Arts
Join Dick Whittington and his cat on a magical journey filled with laughter, adventure, and festive fun. Expect dazzling costumes, catchy songs and plenty of audience participation in this classic pantomime!
Expect tons of laughter and spectacular special effects as CBeebies and Lighthouse favourite, Chris Jarvis, puts the magic into this classic fairytale. West End star Bernadette Bangura will be lending her powerhouse vocals as Fairy Bowbelles.
Performances take place between 11 December 2025 and 4 January 2026.
A British Sign Language performance takes place on the 14 December at 4pm. There is a captioned performance on the 18 December at 7pm. There is also a relaxed performance on 2 January at 6pm.
Cinderella at Bournemouth's Pavilion Theatre
Experience the enchanting Cinderella pantomime, where dreams come true! With sparkling costumes, hilarious characters, and magical moments, it’s a festive treat for the whole family to enjoy together.
Stepping into Cinderella's iconic glass slippers at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre is much loved Milkshake! presenter Olivia Birchenough, with star of TV show Gavin and Stacey Melanie Walters sprinkling some festive fairy-tale magic as the Fairy Godmother. Returning for his 11th year, Noel Brodie will once again take to the stage as the ever-lovable Buttons.
Performances take place from 6 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. A relaxed performance is on 16 December at 10:30am.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears at Wimborne’s Tivoli Theatre
Following the record-breaking success of their last 7 pantomimes at the Tivoli Theatre, Made-to-Measure Productions are delighted be returning to Wimborne Minster this Christmas with a brand new enchanting family pantomime that's "just right", Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
Performances take place between 13 December 2025 and 4 January 2026.
There is a relaxed performance on 28 December at 10:30am.
And, by popular demand, there will also be 2 adults only performances on 2 and 3 January!
Jack and the Beanstalk at Weymouth’s Pavilion Theatre
Visit the land of fairy tales this Christmas, where poor hero Jack and his dotty mum Dame Trott are tricked into selling their beloved cow for a useless bag of beans. Expect giants, magical characters and hilarious antics in this lively, feel-good show perfect for families and festive fun seekers alike. Book now for Jack and the Beanstalk.
Pre-show and post-show meals are available served in the Piano Bar - booking recommended.
Performances take place from 16 December 2025 to 4 January 2026.
Beauty and the Beast at Christchurch's Regent Centre
Bringing panto to Christchurch, Polka Dot Pantomimes present a tale as old as time - Beauty and the Beast.
Be enchanted by this magical pantomime, a tale of love and transformation. With stunning sets, lively songs and lovable characters, it’s a festive treat for all ages!
Performances take place between 13 and 28 December 2025. For a chance to have your photos taken with the cast after the show, book for one of the Meet and Greet Shows. There will be a relaxed performance on 19 December at 6pm, and a BSL signed performance on 20 December at 6pm.
Stay a little longer
If you are looking to stay in Dorset for Christmas, Twixmas or New Year, we have a great selection of festive accommodation packages to choose from.
Or for other dates in December and January, take a look at our huge variety of places to stay. From town centre apartments and spa hotels to coastal B&Bs, we're sure you'll find your perfect escape in Dorset.
