The festive season may be over, but for some panto fans in the UK, the fun has only just begun. With many pantos still running across the country until mid-March, it seems the traditional Christmas show is no longer the only game in town.
Nottingham Playhouse's Sleeping Beauty is proving to be a popular choice for those looking for a dose of festive cheer after the holidays have ended. The panto, which has been running since November, was sold out weeks before its scheduled end date, and it will now continue until January 17th - just days from Blue Monday, widely regarded as the most depressing day of the year.
Meanwhile, Liverpool's Royal Court is extending its run of The Scouse Christmas Carol by a week due to high demand. For audiences who were unable to secure seats in December, the opportunity to catch the show is a welcome respite from the gloom of January.
But it seems that some pantos are taking on a new life beyond the traditional Christmas period. Brick Lane Music Hall in London has announced its first panto for 2024 - Jack and His Giant Stalk - which runs until March 7th. This show, directed by Lucy Hayes, is described as "a pantomime for grownups" and promises to be a fun celebration of the season.
The move is seen as a response to the changing tastes of theatre-goers, who are increasingly looking for alternative forms of entertainment during the quieter winter months. By opening its panto after most have closed, Brick Lane Music Hall has made its own market and attracted a loyal following.
For those who have grown up with pantomime, it's a welcome respite from the daily grind. "It's something to look forward to," says John Elkington, playing Nelly the Nanny in Nottingham Playhouse's Sleeping Beauty. "Keeping the fun up is our job."
With more than 40,000 people visiting Nottingham Playhouse each year for panto, it seems that audiences are still hungry for a festive fix - even if they can't make it to the theatre until January.
As the weeks go by and the nights get darker, pantomime shows like these offer a much-needed boost of energy and cheer. Whether you're a traditionalist or looking for something new, there's never been a better time to catch up on some festive fun - so why not treat yourself to a night out at the theatre this January?
Nottingham Playhouse's Sleeping Beauty is proving to be a popular choice for those looking for a dose of festive cheer after the holidays have ended. The panto, which has been running since November, was sold out weeks before its scheduled end date, and it will now continue until January 17th - just days from Blue Monday, widely regarded as the most depressing day of the year.
Meanwhile, Liverpool's Royal Court is extending its run of The Scouse Christmas Carol by a week due to high demand. For audiences who were unable to secure seats in December, the opportunity to catch the show is a welcome respite from the gloom of January.
But it seems that some pantos are taking on a new life beyond the traditional Christmas period. Brick Lane Music Hall in London has announced its first panto for 2024 - Jack and His Giant Stalk - which runs until March 7th. This show, directed by Lucy Hayes, is described as "a pantomime for grownups" and promises to be a fun celebration of the season.
The move is seen as a response to the changing tastes of theatre-goers, who are increasingly looking for alternative forms of entertainment during the quieter winter months. By opening its panto after most have closed, Brick Lane Music Hall has made its own market and attracted a loyal following.
For those who have grown up with pantomime, it's a welcome respite from the daily grind. "It's something to look forward to," says John Elkington, playing Nelly the Nanny in Nottingham Playhouse's Sleeping Beauty. "Keeping the fun up is our job."
With more than 40,000 people visiting Nottingham Playhouse each year for panto, it seems that audiences are still hungry for a festive fix - even if they can't make it to the theatre until January.
As the weeks go by and the nights get darker, pantomime shows like these offer a much-needed boost of energy and cheer. Whether you're a traditionalist or looking for something new, there's never been a better time to catch up on some festive fun - so why not treat yourself to a night out at the theatre this January?
! I mean who says Christmas is over just 'cause New Year's has started? Nottingham Playhouse's Sleeping Beauty still has plenty of shows left, and it's so cool that they're keeping it going until mid-Jan - perfect timing for those feeling meh about the post-holiday blues 
. And I love that Brick Lane Music Hall is starting a panto for 2024 already! A pantomime for grownups? Count me in! 
. I mean, have you ever had hot chocolate with whipped cream and caramel sauce? Mind blown! Anyway, back to pantos... I love how they're not just limited to Christmas anymore 
! I'm loving that they're extending shows until mid-March, it's like they're saying "hang on, we've got more fun left in us!" 
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. And who knows, maybe one day we'll see pantos running year-round - can you imagine it? The Great British Panto Tour 2025? 
It's a bold idea, but I think the UK is ready for it 
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. Plus, it's great that some theaters are pushing back against the traditional panto schedule and doing their own thing - it's all about catering to changing tastes and meeting demand 
. I'm definitely down for a night out at the theatre this January, who's with me? 
️. I'm defo checkin' out that Scouse Christmas Carol in Liverpool, and maybe even the new panto at Brick Lane Music Hall. Who knows, it might just become my new January tradition 
but at the same time, shouldn't it just be for kids or something? I don't wanna be one of those adults crying in the aisle during a funny part.
... isnt christmas enough already? 
and blue monday 
but i think its cool that brick lane music hall is doing their own thing now