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Blue Badge Guide: why the town of Barnard Castle is great for groups
Blue Badge Guide Tom Keating on group friendly attractions in and around Barnard Castle in County Durham.
We’ve picked out six amazing pantomimes for groups to consider this year which all offer hilarious festive fun.
1. Cinderella
Pantomime legend Brian Conley (pictured above) will lead this year’s cast in the family favourite Cinderella at Milton Keynes Theatre from 9th December to 14th January. With a career spanning nearly five decades, Brian has starred in more than 35 pantomimes and was last at Milton Keynes Theatre for panto in 2017 where he was said to have had audiences rolling in the aisles.
2. Peter Pan
Jennifer Saunders is making her panto debut in Peter Pan as Captain Hook for the show which starts on 9th December for a five-week run. She joins Julian Clary (Seaman Smee), Nigel Havers (Pirate Nigel) and Paul Zerdin (Starkey) for the eighth season Crossroad Pantomimes has staged a festive show at the West End Theatre.
3. Beauty & The Beast
You can’t beat a Christmas outing to Blackpool and this year’s pantomime at Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the enchanting Beauty & The Beast. With performances from 25th November until Christmas Eve, there are group rates available (15+) for what’s set to be an unmissable show at The Globe Theatre. Influencer and TV personality Charlotte Dawson, ITV’s weather presenter Emma Jesson and Simon Green AKA Betty Legs Diamond are some of the local stars announced for this year’s line-up.
Will you be heading to a pantomime this year? Let us know by commenting below!
4. Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates of the River Ouse
This year’s panto at the Grand Opera House York is Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates of the River Ouse. York legend Berwick Kaler, one of the country’s longest running panto dames, returns with all the gang for his hilarious take on the classic story of the sailor from York who finds himself marooned on a desert island, but he’s not alone. Kaler’s panto, from 9th December 2023 until 6th January 2024, is a York tradition promising a laugh-a-minute, stunning sets, fabulous costumes and amazing effects.
5. Dick Whittington
Shane Richie, best-known as Alfie Moon in EastEnders, and celebrity doctor Ranj Singh will take to the stage in Dick Whittington from 9th December until 14th January. The show tells the story of a boy who travels to London in search of fame and fortune, with audiences sure to enjoy all the usual panto fun, plus stunning scenery and bright costumes.
6. Jack & The Beanstalk
BBC Radio 2’s Scott Mills makes his pantomime debut in Jack & The Beanstalk which promises hilarious comedy, hit songs and amazing sets. Can Jack climb the beanstalk, defeat the Giant, and win the heart of Jill along the way? There are offers for groups heading to the entertainment venue for the show which runs from 15th December until 7th January.
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