It’s December, Christmas is on the way so this month’s picks are dedicated to Pantomime and Christmas theatre!

First up, of course, is Harpenden’s very own panto Dick Whittington, which is on at the Public Halls 9th – 22nd December.  Stars include Jen Pringle from Channel 5’s Milkshake and Hi-5’s Luke Roberts (who you may remember as Buttons in last year’s panto).  We had the pleasure of interviewing both of them a few weeks ago and it certainly does sound like they have a great show in store for everyone.

The Alban Arena is putting on Aladdin this year from 7th December to 7th January and the cast includes kids’ favourite Mister Maker (Phil Gallacher) and Karl Howman from Eastenders. 

Also in St Albans you can see an adaptation of the Hans Christian Anderson classic, The Snow Queen, at The Abbey Theatre 15th – 29th December, and The Sandpit Theatre have Santa in Love on the 3rd December where the children can meet Santa after the show, and a family version of A Christmas Carol on 16th December where children in the audience will get to participate!

Also close by, The Redbourn Players are performing Frankenstein on 7th – 9th December– not what you’d usually expect for a family panto, but they are promising “fun for all the family”!   And Luton Library Theatre have Full House Theatre Group performing The Owl and the Pussycat, 11th – 24th December.

If you don’t mind travelling further afield then there are of course other panto options:  Sleeping Beauty at the Grove Theatre, Aladdin at Watford Palace Theatre, Jack & The Beanstalk at Gordon Craig Theatre, Beauty & The Beast at both Campus West, Welwyn and the Radlett Centre, and Rapunzel at Hertford Theatre.

Or if panto isn’t your thing and you’d prefer a Christmas show you can choose from Santa Claus and the Christmas Adventure at Watford Colosseum, Penguin! at UHArts Hatfield,  Narnia the Musical at The Barn Theatre, Magical Santa Christmas Show at Hertford Theatre, A Christmas Carol at Old Town Hall, Hemel and the classic Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker at Watford Colosseum.

Definitely something there for everyone!  For places to see Santa this year check out our Where to See Santa page and you can find all your Christmas lights-on events, markets and more on our What’s On page.

Happy Christmas everyone!