Venues across Merseyside have announced their festive schedules for the 2025 Christmas season, offering a wide range of pantomimes and theatre shows for families. Liverpool, the Wirral, Southport, and St Helens will host classic fairy tales and acclaimed musicals, featuring television personalities and local theatre actors.
The lineup includes traditional pantomimes such as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White, alongside the return of the award-winning Matilda The Musical. This guide provides a detailed overview of the key productions, including dates, locations, and cast information for the upcoming holiday period.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple venues across Liverpool, Wirral, St Helens, and Southport have confirmed their 2025 Christmas show schedules.
- Productions include classic pantomimes like 'Cinderella' and 'Snow White', and the internationally recognized 'Matilda The Musical'.
- Casts feature a mix of local talent and nationally known actors from television shows such as Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, and Emmerdale.
- Show runs typically begin in late November or early December and continue into early January 2026.
Liverpool City Centre Productions
Liverpool's city centre theatres are preparing for a busy festive season with several major productions scheduled. The Liverpool Empire, Epstein Theatre, and Everyman Theatre have each announced their headline shows, catering to a variety of tastes from classic musicals to unique panto experiences.
Matilda The Musical at the Liverpool Empire
The Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Matilda The Musical will run at the Liverpool Empire from December 2, 2025, to January 4, 2026. The show, inspired by Roald Dahl's book, features music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and is directed by Matthew Warchus.
This production has been seen by over 12 million people globally and has received more than 100 international awards. Rolling Stone magazine described the show as 'unique and unforgettable'. The story follows a young girl with extraordinary powers who challenges the adults in her life.
Award-Winning Production
Matilda The Musical has won numerous accolades, including multiple Olivier Awards and Tony Awards, recognizing its direction, choreography, and performances.
Cinderella at the Epstein Theatre
The Epstein Theatre will present the classic pantomime Cinderella from December 5, 2025, to January 4, 2026. The production features a cast of familiar local and national personalities.
Leanne Campbell, a presenter from Radio City, will play The Fairy Godmother. The title role of Cinderella will be performed by Katie McGlynn, known for her roles in television dramas including Hollyoaks. The show promises traditional pantomime elements such as elaborate costumes and comedy routines.
Jack and the Beanstalk at Liverpool Everyman
The Liverpool Everyman will stage its popular Rock 'n' Roll Panto, with this year's production being Jack and the Beanstalk. The show will have an extended run from November 15, 2025, to January 17, 2026. The Everyman's panto is known for its unique format where the actors also perform as the show's musicians.
The cast for this production includes Malek Alkoni as Jack, Amy Bastani as Jill, and Theo Diedrink as the character Roginald. The theatre describes the show as a combination of fairy tale and live concert.
Wirral and Arena Productions
Across the Mersey, venues in the Wirral are also preparing for the festive season, while Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena hosts a large-scale panto production.
Sleeping Beauty at The Floral Pavilion
New Brighton's Floral Pavilion will host Sleeping Beauty from December 6, 2025, to January 4, 2026. The production is set to feature modern musical numbers and special effects.
The cast includes television star Kelle Bryan as the magical Fairy Snowfall. Wirral theatre regular Sean Jones is also returning. The role of Princess Rose will be played by award-winning actress Cleo Demetriou.
Snow White at M&S Bank Arena
The M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool will stage Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs from December 12 to December 28, 2025. This arena production is designed for a large audience and will feature a live band, dance choreography, and special effects.
The cast includes Helen Flanagan from Coronation Street as The Wicked Queen. Sean Smith, a former X Factor contestant, will play The Prince, and singer Ellis Lloyd is cast as Snow White. The production is described as an experience for all ages.
The Tradition of Pantomime
Pantomime is a form of musical comedy stage production developed in England and is a popular family tradition during the Christmas and New Year season. It incorporates song, dance, slapstick comedy, and audience participation, often based on classic fairy tales but with a modern, comedic twist.
Peter Pan at the Gladstone Theatre
In Port Sunlight, the Gladstone Theatre will present The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan from December 6 to December 31, 2025. This production will bring the classic J.M. Barrie story to the stage with traditional pantomime elements.
Wirral performer Lewis Pryor will star as Peter Pan, with Darcey Blake cast as Wendy. The show is expected to feature vibrant costumes, dance routines, and comedy suitable for a family audience.
St Helens and Southport Shows
The festive entertainment extends to other parts of the region, with significant productions planned in both St Helens and Southport.
Dick Whittington at St Helens Theatre Royal
St Helens Theatre Royal is staging its first-ever production of Dick Whittington, running from November 28, 2025, to January 11, 2026. The pantomime will offer a new interpretation of the classic tale about a young man seeking his fortune in London.
The cast features Matthew Wolfenden, known for his role in the TV soap Emmerdale, as the titular character Dick Whittington. He is joined by St Helens panto regular Lewis Devine as Idle Jack and Timothy Lucas as the villain, King Rat.
Beauty & the Beast at The Atkinson
In Southport, The Atkinson will present Beauty & the Beast from December 5 to December 31, 2025. The show is produced by KD Productions, the company behind previous successful pantomimes at the venue, including 'Sleeping Beauty' in 2024 and 'Jack & the Beanstalk' in 2023.
The production is set to feature live music, comedy, and elaborate costumes to tell the well-known fairy tale. It aims to provide a traditional festive theatre experience for audiences in the Sefton area.
Booking Information and Schedule Overview
Tickets for most of these productions are already on sale through the respective theatre box offices and websites. Families are often advised to book in advance, especially for peak dates closer to Christmas.
The variety of shows across the region ensures that there are options available for different preferences, whether audiences are looking for a classic story, a musical theatre blockbuster, or a modern, music-filled panto.
2025 Festive Show Dates at a Glance
- Jack and the Beanstalk: Nov 15 - Jan 17 (Everyman)
- Dick Whittington: Nov 28 - Jan 11 (St Helens Theatre Royal)
- Matilda The Musical: Dec 2 - Jan 4 (Liverpool Empire)
- Beauty & the Beast: Dec 5 - Dec 31 (The Atkinson)
- Cinderella: Dec 5 - Jan 4 (Epstein Theatre)
- Sleeping Beauty: Dec 6 - Jan 4 (Floral Pavilion)
- Peter Pan: Dec 6 - Dec 31 (Gladstone Theatre)
- Snow White: Dec 12 - Dec 28 (M&S Bank Arena)