Sleeping Beauty and The Little Mermaid announced as Nottingham Playhouse’s 2025 Christmas shows
As Jack and The Beanstalk’s run gets underway, Nottingham Playhouse has announced the story of its next legendary pantomime.
2025’s pantomime, once again sponsored by Nottingham City Transport, 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 November 28, 2025, to January 17, 2026, and tickets are on sale now.
Outraged at not being invited to the Princess’ 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 the Prince, who must battle through the thorns, and work with the Princess to defeat the wicked fairy.
Also announced is the theatre’s Christmas show for younger children, which next year will be the enchanting The Little Mermaid, which will run from December 4, 2025, to January 3, 2026. It will then tour primary schools and community venues, benefitting those who otherwise might not be able to access a theatre show.
Made for children aged three to eight, the Christmas show offers a magical original story for little ones with live music, creative captioning and plenty of opportunities to join in.
Youngsters can dive into a world of magic and music with the 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.
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 artists in the area.
Adam Penford said: “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.”
