Ahead of tonight’s giant opening of Jack and the Beanstalk, Nottingham Playhouse is delighted to announce that next year’s legendary pantomime will be the spellbinding Sleeping Beauty.
Written by Nottingham Playhouse Artistic Director Adam Penford and starring everyone’s favourite Dame, John Elkington, Sleeping Beauty will run from 28 November 2025 to 17 January 2026 and is on-sale now. Early booking is recommended to get the best choice of seats and best prices.
Outraged at not being invited to the Princess’s party, the evil Maleficent casts a spell that sends the Princess and her whole kingdom into a deep sleep, when she pricks her finger on an enchanted spinning wheel. As they snooze, a tangled forest springs up around them. Only one thing can break the curse – the magic of true love! Enter our Prince, who must battle through the thorns, and work with the Princess to defeat the wicked fairy.
Also announced is the Christmas show for younger children, the enchanting The Little Mermaid, which will run from 4 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. As with previous Christmas shows, it will then tour to local Primary schools and community venues, benefitting those who otherwise might not be able to access a theatre show. Made for children ages 3-8, the Christmas show offers a magical original story for little ones with live music, creative captioning and plenty of opportunities to join in.
As in previous years, The Little Mermaid will have an open call-out for a director, writer and composer, and the designer will be the winner of the Playhouse Prize, run in conjunction with Nottingham Trent University’s BA (Hons) Design for Theatre and Live Performance. The open call-out attracts hundreds of applicants and gives real opportunities to local artists.
Dive into a world of magic and music with our adventurous Mermaid and her sea creature friends.
The Little Mermaid dreams of a life on the land but finds herself out of her depth when her dreams finally come true. This brand-new version of a family favourite is the perfect introduction to live theatre and a fin-tastic festive treat.
Adam Penford, Artistic Director, commented:
“At a time when some theatres are cutting touring productions into schools, we’re proud to once again announce two Christmas shows, one of which will tour across the region. Our show for younger children is a great introduction to theatre and fun for both families and schools. Kids love the interactive elements and adults appreciate the fresh take on an old classic.
“The Nottingham Playhouse panto is created in Nottingham for the people of Nottingham. Every painted backdrop, prop and piece of scenery is made by our talented team of craftspeople. John Elkington, the best Dame in the land and now in his 27th year at Nottingham Playhouse, leads an incredible cast, supported by a team of local young performers, in this story of spells, romance and battling dragons.”
Sleeping Beauty is sponsored by Nottingham City Transport.
Listings:
Sleeping Beauty
Nottingham Playhouse
Wellington Circus
Nottingham NG1 5AF
Fri 28 Nov 2025 to Sat 17 Jan 2026
Press performance: Mon 1 Dec 2025, 7pm
BSL performances: Thu 11 Dec 2025, 7pm; Sat 13 Dec 2025, 2pm
Captioned performances: Sat 6 Dec 2025, 2pm; Sat 13 Dec 2025, 7pm
Audio Described and Touch Tour performances: Wed 10 Dec 2025, 2pm; Sat 13 Dec 2025, 2pm
On-demand watch party: Mon 15 Dec 2025, 7pm
Relaxed performances: Tue 7 Jan 2026, 7pm; Tues 13 Jan 2026, 11am
Dementia friendly performances: Thu 15 Jan 2026, 1pm
The Little Mermaid
Neville Studio, Nottingham Playhouse
Wellington Circus
Nottingham NG1 5AF
Thu 4 Dec 2025 to Sat 3 Jan 2026
Press performance: Sat 6 Dec 2025, 1.15pm
BSL performances: Fri 19 Dec 2025, 10.30am; Sat 27 Dec, 2pm
Captioned performances: Fri 19 Dec 2025, 10.30am; Sat 27 Dec, 2pm
Relaxed performances: Mon 22 Dec 2025, 1.15pm; Mon 29 Dec 2025, 1.30pm
Touch Tour: Mon 22 Dec 2025, 1.15pm; Mon 29 Dec 2025, 1.30pm
Posted on 29 November 2024
