Christmas is a great time to go to the theatre to see a panto or a family Christmas show. Here’s a fab guide to all the 2026 pantomimes in Berkshire from Newbury and Reading to Maidenhead and Basingstoke, as well as the best ‘non panto’ family Christmas theatre shows. If you live close to county borders, find all the pantomimes in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Surrey too.
2026 Pantomimes & Family Christmas Theatre Shows in Berkshire
Scroll on down and you’ll find what pantos and children’s theatre shows are taking to the stage this year in Berkshire. Click on any of the links for more information.
SPOTLIGHT – Cinderella at Norden Farm
Fresh from the huge success of Robin Hood last year, Maidenhead Drama Guild are back in 2026 with the queen of all Pantomimes in Maidenhead – Cinderella.
The timeless rags to riches story of poor Cinderella, put upon by her evil stepmother the Baroness and her two ugly stepsisters Grizelda and Mona Hardup will be brought to life this Christmas at Norden Farm in Maidenhead. With the help of her best friend Buttons and her Fairy Godmother will Cinderella make it to the ball, meet the handsome Prince Charming and live happily ever after? Or will she remain a kitchen maid at Grizelda and Monas beck and call.
Norden Farm in Maidenhead always have the most wonderful early years production, a great alternative to a pantomime for younger children and these they’ve got all out with 3 different shows. Scroll on down and check them out.
2026 Berkshire Pantos
He’s behind you, oh no he isn’t, oh yes he is. A great pantomime is full of larger than life characters, lots of laughs, a villain that everyone hates, a comical dame and young love. A very British tradition a Christmas, here’s the definitive list of pantomimes in Berkshire for 2026.
Sleeping Beauty at Corn Exchange (Newbury)
Prepare to be swept away by traditional pantomime fun, vibrant costumes, sparkling scenery, breathtaking choreography, and incredible live music at this year’s Newbury Panto at the Corn Exchange. Packed full of laughs, audience participation and plenty of magic from the moment the curtain rises to the final, triumphant cheer, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Beauty & The Beast Pantomime at The Anvil (Basingstoke)
With show-stopping musical numbers and jaw-dropping special effects, this is the definitive take on the timeless tale.
Jack and The Beanstalk Panto at Windsor Theatre Royal (Windsor)
Featuring Windsor’s traditional pantomime comedy capers, dazzling dancers, colourful costumes – and some magic beans to make all your wishes come true
Aladdin at South Hill Park Arts Centre (Ringmead, near Bracknell) –
The award-winning pantomime returns in 2026 with Aladdin.
Sleeping Beauty Maidenhead Panto at Braywick Leisure Centre (Maidenhead)
This year’s Maidenhead Pantomime is jam packed with magic, music, comedy and plenty of audience participation!
Aladdin Panto at The Hexagon (Reading)
Aladdin will feature another dazzling Digital Set with animated scenes and mesmerising effects, plus all of the ingredients you know and love in a Hexagon pantomime – side-splitting comedy, dazzling costumes and show-stopping musical numbers!
Dick Whittington Panto at Kenton Theatre in Henley-on-Thames
Dick Whittington is a high-energy, action-packed adventure bursting with magic, hilarious routines, heaps of audience interaction, spectacular sets, sweets, water guns, and a host of char-toppers which will have you dancing in the aisles!
2026 Christmas Family Theatre Show in Berkshire
Pantomimes can be a little overwhelming for young kids or not your cup of tea. A family outing to the theatre over the Christmas holidays is a lovely treat, often experiences make the best presents. Here’s a lineup of some great children’s theatre 2023 around Berkshire this December.
SPOTLIGHT – NORDEN FARMbring three festive theatre shows perfect for a younger audience this December
A Town Called Christmas at Norden Farm (Maidenhead) 1st – 5th Dec
A Town Called Christmas, a brand-new show for adventurers aged 3+ and their grown-ups comes to Norden Farm in Maidenhead to start the festive season. Buckle in for a rollercoaster of magic, music, and mayhem as our hero crash-lands in a crumbling town where only the long-forgotten fables, a cantankerous caretaker and a glitching robot remain!
Tinsel at Norden Farm (Maidenhead) 8th – 12th Dec
Tinsel is the tale of one magical little boy who dreams of being the fairy on top of the Christmas tree! This brand new festive production at Norden Farm in Maidenhead is perfect for ages 3+ packed full of original live music, puppetry and raucous storytelling.
Twinkle Twinkle at Norden Farm (Maidenhead) 15 Dec – Sat 19 Dec and 29 Dec – Sat 2 Jan
A playful, gentle journey at Norden Farm in Maidenhead, based on the poem The Star by Jane Taylor with original music, puppetry, joyful jokes, a host of woodland animals and lots of starlight. The running time is 0 minutes and includes a 10 minute stay and play session so perfect for a first theatre trip.
Santa’s Wondrous Workshop Magic Show at Norden Farm (Maidenhead) 22nd – 26th Dec
Join The Magical Mr West and The Great Baldini as they attempt to bring Santa’s workshop back to life using whatever tools, toys and trinkets they can muster. Can they restore magic to the workshop? Will they save Christmas in time? Can they even find their way to the North Pole? Packed with merry magic, Christmas comedy and festive frivolity, Santa’s Wondrous Workshop is a magical spectacular for all the family at Norden Farm in Maidenhead.
The Nutcracker at Anvil Arts (Basingstoke) 21st November
Imperial Classical Ballet returns with their beloved production of The Nutcracker, following multiple sold-out UK tours.
Pinocchio at Watermill Theatre (Newbury) 25th Nov – 3rd Jan
This Christmas, the most famous puppet in the world is returning to the Watermill Theatre in a smash-hit musical adaptation of Pinocchio.
Reading Rep (Reading) tbc
