Pantomimes in the Hemel Hempstead area

Oh no it isn’t, oh yes it is – it’s panto season!

Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Hemel Hempstead the festive season just wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the pantomime. Fortunately the good people of Hemel Hempstead are well served when it comes to this most traditional of British theatre shows. We’ve rounded up some of the best the area has to offer:

Cinderella, Grove Theatre, Dunstable

Friday December 11 – Sunday January 3

Pop star Antony Costa of boy band Blue is taking to the stage in Dunstable this Christmas. The multiple platinum selling band member is playing Prince Charming in this year’s traditional pantomime. Starring alongside him will be former EastEnders stars Leslie Grantham (Dirty Den) and Joshua Pascoe (former Ben Mitchell) as the Ugly Sisters.

Dick Whittington, Watford Palace Theatre, Watford

Friday December 4 – Saturday January 2

Billed as the perfect festive treat for the whole family this show features live musicians on stage, audience participation, dancing, singing and, of course, plenty of slapstick comedy. The show tells the ultimate rags to riches tale of a young man and his cat on an exciting quest for fame and fortune.

Peter Pan, Alban Arena, St Albans

Friday December 4 – Sunday January 3

Promising lots of audience participation and spectacular special effects, this year’s show at the Alban Arena stars everyone’s favourite TV baddie, Jake Wood (EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing) and Katrina Bryan (CBeebies’ Nina and the Neurons).

Cinderella, Watersmeet Theatre, Rickmansworth

Friday December 4 – Thursday December 31

This classic pantomime tale stars Sandra Dickinson (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and West End star) as the Fairy Godmother and Stefan Booth (Hollyoaks, Dancing on Ice and EastEnders) as Prince Charming. The pair will be joined by the Wugly Sisters and a host of other traditional pantomime characters as they act, sing, dance and joke their way through this traditional fairytale story.

Aladdin, Harpenden Public Halls, Harpenden

Friday December 11 – Tuesday December 22

TV presenter and pop star Michelle Heaton (Liberty X) is joined by former EastEnders star Peter Dean (Peter Beale) in this traditional family panto. Also treading the boards are BBC3 Counties Radio’s Ernie Almond, Harpenden Panto favourite Chris Law and dancers from Harpenden and St Albans’ The Dance Studio.

Dick Whittington, The Boxmoor Playhouse, Hemel Hempstead 

Friday December 4 – Sunday December 13

If you fancy seeing a show closer to home then amateur theatrical group Hemel Hempstead Theatre Company is putting on a production at the town’s Boxmoor Playhouse. The group promises a show packed full of great tunes, stunning dances plus lots of festive sparkle and chances to join in.